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Roof Bolters, Mining

People classed as Roof Bolters, Mining operate machinery to install roof support bolts in underground mine. With a code of RCI, this is mostly a job for people drawn to hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world. Conventional interests also help, rated 3.3 out of 7. The preparation level is some preparation, typically a few months to a year of learning on the job. O*NET’s skill data points to operation and control, critical thinking, and troubleshooting as the ones to build. Expect to drill bolt holes into roofs at specified distances from ribs or adjacent bolts. If you want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, keep it on your list. If you need creative work with room for original expression, it may feel thin.

What they do

Operate machinery to install roof support bolts in underground mine.

Main tasks

  • Drill bolt holes into roofs at specified distances from ribs or adjacent bolts.
  • Pull down loose rock that cannot be supported.
  • Position bolting machines, and insert drill bits into chucks.
  • Perform safety checks on equipment before operating.
  • Perform tests to determine if methane gas is present.
  • Force bolts into holes, using hydraulic mechanisms of self-propelled bolting machines.

Skills

  • Operation and Control
  • Critical Thinking
  • Troubleshooting
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Monitoring
  • Equipment Maintenance

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on operation and control and critical thinking.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Bolt Machine Operator
  • Bolt Man
  • Bolter
  • Miner
  • Place Change Roof Bolter

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.