Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Underground Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Underground Assistant supports safe, efficient underground mining operations by assisting operators, tradespeople and supervisors with ground support installation, equipment servicing, materials handling, ventilation and safety monitoring. This role is hands-on, safety-first, and involves routine inspections, carrying out assigned mining support tasks, emergency response, and accurate record-keeping. Ideal candidates are physically fit, team-oriented, hold or be eligible for required underground certificates, and can work reliably within a rotating-shift environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Surface Labourer or Surface Operator transitioning into underground roles
Apprentice Mining Technician or Mechanical Trade Assistant
Entry-level Mine Worker / Mining Trainee programs

Advancement To:

Underground Operator (LHD/dumper, jumbo operator)
Roof Bolter / Ground Support Technician
Shotfirer / Blaster Assistant (with certification)
Mine Supervisor / Shift Boss
Maintenance Technician (mechanical/electrical)
Ventilation or Safety Officer

Lateral Moves:

Surface Miner or Processing Plant Operator
Maintenance Assistant (trades support)
Site Safety Representative / OHS Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist in the installation of rock bolts, mesh, and other ground support systems, ensuring correct placement, secure anchoring and adherence to engineered support plans and site-specific ground control procedures.
Support drill-and-blast operations by preparing drill patterns, positioning and securing drill rigs, handling drill rods, and assisting the shotfirer with charge transport and post-blast inspections under direct supervision.
Conduct pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections for loaders, LHDs, haul trucks and utility vehicles, report defects, and assist in basic on‑road servicing (fluid checks, greasing, filter changes) to maintain uptime.
Monitor and record ventilation, gas levels and environmental conditions underground using gas detectors and ventilation flow-measurement devices; escalate abnormal readings immediately and follow lockout/confined-space protocols.
Operate or assist operators with load–haul–dump (LHD) machines, diesel or electric scoops and utility vehicles where licensed, including safe loading, tramming and dumping of ore and waste material.
Support scaling and rock-fall prevention activities — perform manual scaling, use handheld scaling tools, and secure loose material to create a safe work environment on haulageways and working faces.
Assist in shotcrete application preparation and cleanup, moving hoses, maintaining nozzles and supporting the trained shotcrete operator to ensure even coverage and correct curing procedures.
Perform routine housekeeping and roadway maintenance tasks, including clearing muck, grouting, maintaining drainage, and ensuring egress and escape routes are unobstructed and clearly signposted.
Maintain accurate shift logs, production tally sheets and safety checklists; complete required forms for incident reporting, pre-start checks and equipment defect reports in line with site systems.
Assist surveyors and engineering teams with basic layout and surveying tasks, mark-up plans underground, hold measuring tapes and laser points, and support installation of reference markers.
Participate in regular safety inspections, hazard identification walks and risk assessments; implement corrective actions as directed and assist with toolbox talks and daily safety briefings.
Perform confined space entry duties under supervision, including entry preparation, continuous atmospheric monitoring and maintaining communications and life lines with the surface team.
Assist maintenance trades during underground repairs by isolating equipment, holding lights, handing tools, clearing access areas and performing pre- and post-repair operational checks.
Load, transport and store explosives and detonators per site procedures when acting as a certified assistant to the shotfirer, including chain-of-custody documentation and secure magazine handling.
Support ore handling and conveyor systems by monitoring belt conditions, performing basic clearing of blockages, and assisting with splicing and pulley inspections under guidance.
Provide assistance during emergency response and mine rescue drills; be prepared to perform stretcher-carrying, communication relay, airway and egress support while following the site emergency plan.
Operate communication systems (UHF radios, leaky feeder, two-way comms) to maintain contact with control rooms, supervisors and other crews; follow communication protocols and verify messages.
Manage inventory of consumables and spares used for ground support and small plant; perform basic stock reconciliations and requisition supplies proactively to maintain continuous operations.
Conduct routine sampling, grab samples or isometric checks as required by production or geology teams, ensuring chain-of-custody and accurate sample labelling and documentation.
Assist with environmental controls underground such as water management, sumping and pumping operations, and ensure disposal of waste materials complies with environmental procedures.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by providing practical feedback from the face, participating in root cause investigations for incidents, and implementing corrective actions under supervision.
Execute safe rigging and lifting tasks in line with site LOTO and lifting procedures, including use of slings, shackles and taglines while assisting certified riggers or tradespeople.

Secondary Functions

Maintain and update digital and paper-based records (shift handovers, maintenance logs, incident reports) in standard systems or site software to ensure traceability and compliance.
Assist supervisors with short-term planning of tasks on the face, communicating manpower, equipment and material needs to ensure efficient shift execution.
Support onboarding and coaching for new underground entrants by demonstrating safe work practices and site-specific procedures under the direction of senior crew members.
Help manage contractor interface underground — coordinate access, provide orientation and monitor contractor compliance to site safety and environmental standards.
Participate in minor continuous improvement projects, trialing small equipment changes, reporting outcomes and contributing to method-of-work documentation updates.
Contribute to stock control and materials handling by performing basic counting, tagging, and verifying deliveries against purchase orders and issuing materials to crews as required.
Assist the safety team by supporting incident investigations with factual statements, photographs, and by securing scenes for follow-up inspections.
Facilitate cross-shift communications by preparing concise handover notes, prioritizing outstanding tasks and highlighting any safety concerns or equipment defects.
Support administrative tasks including permit-to-work processing, daily crew time sheets, and assist with contractor permits and confined space permits when required.
Participate in planned maintenance shutdowns by providing additional labour, cleaning equipment, relocating components and performing assigned tasks under trade supervision.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Valid underground mining ticket or equivalent statutory certification for underground access and basic duties (site-specific tickets and training).
Practical experience assisting with roof bolting, mesh installation and other ground support techniques following engineered designs.
Familiarity with drill-and-blast support tasks, including drill set-up, charge handling under supervision, and post-blast inspections and tagging.
Competence in gas testing and use of multi-gas detectors, ventilation monitoring equipment, and understanding of atmospheric hazard controls.
Experience assisting with operation and servicing of LHDs, dumpers, utility vehicles or loaders and basic knowledge of diesel/electric drive plant.
Competence in basic mechanical maintenance tasks: greasing, filter changes, battery checks, hydraulic hose handling and fault reporting.
Knowledge of confined space procedures, permit-to-work systems and practical experience supporting confined space entries under supervision.
Experience using mining communication systems (UHF/Leaky-feeder), mobile data devices for shift reporting and familiarity with standard site control room protocols.
Ability to read and interpret simple mine plans, cross-sections and basic survey marks to assist with face establishment and development tasks.
Proficiency in completing site documentation: pre-start checklists, incident reports, equipment defect notices and production tally sheets.
Familiarity with explosives safety and magazine handling protocols when acting as an authorized assistant to a shotfirer (site-specific authorisation required).
Basic competency in first line water and drainage management (sumping, pump assist) and in supporting conveyor and ore handling routines.

Soft Skills

Strong safety-first mindset with demonstrated ability to follow procedures, raise concerns and stop unsafe work.
Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills — supportive, reliable and able to take direction from multiple supervisors.
Clear, concise verbal and written communication for handovers, reports and safety briefings.
High level of situational awareness and ability to maintain focus in noisy, confined and changing environments.
Strong physical stamina, manual dexterity and ability to perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks safely.
Problem-solving and practical judgement to escalate hazards and suggest pragmatic solutions at the crew level.
Time management and prioritization skills for multi-task shift environments and tight production windows.
Openness to learning, adaptability to shift rosters (including nights and weekends) and willingness to complete required training and licences.
Attention to detail for quality installation of ground support and accurate completion of records.
Reliability and ownership — consistent attendance, punctuality and follow-through to meet production and safety expectations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma / Secondary school certificate (or equivalent) with Mathematics and English competency.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or diploma in Mining Operations, Industrial Trades or a relevant vocational qualification.
Additional accredited courses in mine rescue, shotfiring assistant, confined space, first aid and workplace safety.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Mining Engineering Technology / Mining Operations
Mechanical or Electrical Trades (apprenticeship background beneficial)
Occupational Health & Safety
Geology / Geological Technician programs

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–3 years in mining or industrial operations, with preference for candidates who have prior underground exposure.

Preferred: 1–2 years of direct underground experience assisting crews in development, production or maintenance, or a demonstrated apprenticeship/training history in mining support roles.

Preferred Certifications (examples commonly requested):

Underground mining induction / ticket (site or state specific)
Confined Space Entry and Monitoring
First Aid / CPR (site-recognized)
Gas Detection / Atmospheric Monitoring training
Mine Rescue and Emergency Response familiarisation
Shotfirer assistant or explosives handling safety training (where applicable)