First-Line Supervisors are mid-level supervisors responsible for the direct management of mine workers. There frequently are two types of First-Line Supervisors: those who supervise and coordinate the activities of extractive workers (the coal miners) and their helpers, and those who supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, repairers, and installers of machinery and their helpers. In supervising the activities of the coal miners, First-Line Supervisors assign work to mine employees, using material and worker requirements data/plans established by mine supervisors.
First-Line Supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers assign them to service appliances, repair and maintain vehicles, and install machinery and equipment. They direct, coordinate, and assist in such work activities as engine tune-ups and circuit breaker installations. They monitor repair and installation operations and inspect, test, and measure finished work. They complete and maintain reports, such as time and production records, inventories, and test results. In addition, they requisition needed materials/supplies and train repair mechanics in the use of specialized equipment and work aids, such as blueprints, hand tools, and test gear.
They establish and/or adjust work methods and procedures to maintain equipment/machinery to sustain production schedules for the mine. They confer with management and workers' representatives to coordinate work activities and resolve any problems. They recommend or initiate personnel actions, such as employment, performance evaluations, promotions, transfers, discharges, and disciplinary measures. First-Line Supervisors usually report directly to mine supervisors.
The individual charged with inspecting underground or open-pit surface mines to ascertain compliance with contractual agreements and with health/safety laws is the Mine Inspector. In fulfilling their duties, Mine Inspectors check for rotted or incorrectly positioned support timbers, dangerously placed or defective electrical and mechanical equipment, improperly stored explosives, and other (potentially) hazardous conditions. They test the air quality to detect toxic or explosive gas or dust, using portable gas-analysis equipment.
They observe mine activities to spot any violations of federal and state health and safety standards. In addition, they scrutinize the mine workings to verify compliance with contractual stipulations concerning production rates or mining done within specified limits. They may instruct mine workers in safety and first aid procedures. When employed by a governmental agency (instead of by a mine operator or mining company), they are usually known as Mine Inspectors and they conduct periodic mine checkups specifically to enforce federal and/or state mining laws.
Mine Supervisors coordinate and supervise the activities of mining mid-level supervisors, such as pit supervisors and section supervisors. They direct the opening of any new cuts or pits in surface mines and any underground rooms and passageways in underground operations. They designate mining personnel regarding the construction and installation of equipment as directed by Mine Superintendents. They coordinate their activities with mine safety engineers and report any safety violations to Mine Superintendents. They inspect mines continually and instruct supervisory personnel when and how to take necessary measures to improve production and working conditions.
Mine Superintendents are the senior management individuals with the overall responsibility for the activities and production of a coal mine. Under federal coal mining law, a Mine Superintendent is usually considered the “Principle Officer for Health and Safety.” As such, the welfare for the entire workforce in a mining operation is a Mine Superintendent's legal responsibility. Similarly, they are tasked with ensuring compliance with applicable environmental regulations.
They plan and coordinate activities of all personnel engaged in the extraction of coal from underground or surface mines or pits. Their overall management of the coal mine includes planning, budgeting, staffing, cost management and containment, and monitoring profitability. They review data (such as maps, survey reports, and geological records) and confer with engineering, maintenance, and supervisory personnel to plan and direct mine development.
They calculate mining or quarrying operational costs, estimate potential income, and instruct pit supervisors to abandon or to open mine sections, pits, or other working areas. They study maps/blueprints to determine the digging of and location for haulageways (tunnels through which the coal will be brought to the main shaft for transport to the surface), access roads, ventilation shafts, rail tracks, and conveyor systems.
They study land contours and rock formations, and specify the places for installation of pillars, timbers, and roof bolts within the mine, as well as the use of equipment for cutting, drilling, blasting, and loading the coal. They must be knowledgeable of mining laws and safety regulations, and they issue directives to mine workers to ensure adherence to applicable regulations. They review and consolidate records pertaining to the grade of coal being mined, air quality, safety reports, and production documentation.
They tour and inspect the mine to detect/resolve problems regarding production, equipment maintenance, safety, and personnel. Mine Superintendents are the senior mine company officials that negotiate with workers, union personnel, and other parties to settle any grievances. Mine managers, mining engineers, safety managers, maintenance managers, plant managers, and purchasing managers report directly to the Mine Superintendent. In most instances, Mine Superintendents also represent the mining company within the community. They are expected to meet with landowners, public officials, and other parties to resolve property issues and community concerns related to mining activities.
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