Mining Technician - Examiner

Overview

Summary

The Weekly Mine Examiner conducts comprehensive evaluations of underground coal mine conditions in accordance with MSHA CFR Part 75 and the Illinois Coal Mining Act. This role ensures compliance with mandatory health and safety standards, identifies hazardous conditions, and verifies corrective actions. Weekly examinations are completed over a two-day time frame and cover ventilation, roof and rib conditions, ambient air quality, escapements, seals, rock dusting, and other critical safety areas.

The remainder of the work week is dedicated to correcting hazards and unsafe conditions identified during the weekly examination and ensuring rehab work is completed along the weekly examination routes. Weekly Examiners are responsible for maintaining safe working conditions throughout the mine in compliance with all applicable regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Weekly Mine Examiner is responsible for:

Examination of Worked-Out Areas:

• Travel to the deepest penetration of all unsealed worked-out areas where no pillars have been recovered.
• Measure methane and oxygen concentrations and air quantities.
• Confirm the proper direction of airflow.

Hazardous Condition Inspections:

• Examine intake and return air courses, seals, escapeways, and working sections not inspected within the previous seven days.
• Identify hazardous conditions and violations of mandatory health or safety standards.

Measurements and Tests:

• Determine the volume of air in main intakes and each split.
• Test air volume and methane levels in developing entries, return air splits before entering main returns, and return entries nearest to each set of seals.

Standards Compliance Checks:

• Verify compliance with key regulations including:
  • Roof control: 30 CFR §§ 75.202(a), 75.220(a)(1)
  • Ventilation and methane: 30 CFR §§ 75.333(h), 75.370(a)(1)
  • Combustibles and rock dust: 30 CFR §§ 75.400, 75.403
  • Haulage: 30 CFR § 75.1403
  • Moving machine parts: 30 CFR § 75.1722(a)
  • Belt conveyor maintenance: 30 CFR § 75.1731(a)

Correction and Recordkeeping:

• Ensure hazardous conditions are corrected immediately; evacuate areas of imminent danger.
• Certify the examination with initials, date, and time for each area examined.
• Complete detailed end-of-shift records including air and methane measurements, hazardous conditions identified, and corrective actions taken.
• Maintain records in a secure manner and ensure countersignature by a mine official.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance to management, supervisors, and co-workers.
• Support a culture of safety by identifying hazards and recommending corrective actions.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties in assigned area in a satisfactory fashion. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for this employment position. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ENABLE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS.

Education/Experience

• One-year credit for an Associate Degree in Coal Mining Technology, or
• Two years credit for a degree in Engineering or approved four-year Mining Technology program, or
• Four years of practical underground mining experience (three years with an Associate Degree).

Certification/Licensure

• Illinois “Mine Examiner” Certificate.
• First Class Certificate of Competency.
• Illinois “Mine Managers” Certificate preferred
• First Aid Training.

Knowledge of

• Illinois Coal Mining Act and Mine Safety and Health Act.
• Coal mining equipment and underground operations.
• MSHA CFR Part 75 compliance and weekly examination requirements.

Skills, abilities and physical requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to “complete what you start.”
• Ability to read mine plans and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Ability to work any shift, including evenings and weekends, and overtime as required.
• Ability to work independently and unsupervised.
• Physical Requirements:
• Stand 6–12 hours on uneven, rocky surfaces.
• Sit up to 6 hours for operating equipment or vehicles.
• Walk up to 8 hours in varying mine conditions.
• Lif…