Somewhat Resilient
Last Update: 11/4/2026
AI Resilience Score for Underground Mining Ops:
47.5%
Median Score
Meaningful human contribution
Measures the parts of the occupation that still require a human touch. This score averages data from up to four AI exposure datasets, focusing on the role’s resilience against automation.
High
Long-term employer demand
Predicts the health of the job market for this role through 2034. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, it balances projected annual job openings (60%) with overall employment growth (40%).
Low
Sustained economic opportunity
Measures future earning potential and career flexibility. This score is a blend of total projected labor income (67%) and the role’s inherent ability to adapt to economic and technological shifts (33%).
Med
This reflects the reliability of your score based on the number of data sources available for this career and how closely those sources agree on the outlook. A higher confidence means more consistent evidence from labor experts and AI models.
Very few data sources cover this career, or the available sources disagree significantly. Treat this score as a rough estimate.
AI Resilience Report forUnderground Mining Machine Operators, All Other
$70,130 median salary•300 annual openings•SOC Code: 47-5049.00
Underground Mining Machine Operators, All Other are somewhat less resilient to AI impacts than most occupations, according to our analysis of 3 sources.
This career sits in the "Somewhat Resilient" category because AI is genuinely changing how underground mining machine operators work, even if it is not replacing them outright. Tools like tele-remote controls and AI vision systems are taking over some of the routine monitoring and hazard detection tasks that operators used to handle entirely on their own, which means the job is shifting rather than disappearing.
Learn more about how you can thrive in this position
This role is somewhat resilient
This career sits in the "Somewhat Resilient" category because AI is genuinely changing how underground mining machine operators work, even if it is not replacing them outright. Tools like tele-remote controls and AI vision systems are taking over some of the routine monitoring and hazard detection tasks that operators used to handle entirely on their own, which means the job is shifting rather than disappearing.
Read full analysisAnalysis of current AI resilience
Underground Mining Ops
Updated quarterly
How can Underground Mining Ops prepare for AI?
Latest AI news for Underground Mining Ops
The recommended articles highlight how AI is transforming underground mining operations, enhancing decision-making and safety for machine operators. For instance, operators can now manage fleets remotely using AI dashboards, which streamlines workflow and increases efficiency. Additionally, automated systems are optimizing drilling and blasting processes, making work safer and more precise. While AI is changing the role of operators, it’s important to note that these professionals will still be essential in overseeing operations, adapting to new technologies, and ensuring safety. Embracing AI can lead to a more resilient and rewarding career in mining.
AI in Mining: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
www.linkedin.com • 10/20/2026
AI enables mining companies to shift from reactive decision-making to data-driven operations that improve productivity, safety, and ...
Martine Mshana's Post - AI in Mining Operations
www.linkedin.com • 10/20/2026
Robotic drilling and blasting: Automated drilling systems use AI to optimize blast design and execution, resulting in more uniform rock ... Read more
Is Your Mining Job Getting Replaced By AI?
mining-recruitment-jobs.com • 10/20/2026
May 12, 2025 — Operators monitor and control mine sites from hundreds of kilometres away, managing entire fleets and operations using AI-powered dashboards. ...
AI is changing the game in mining, from predicting equipment ...
www.facebook.com • 10/20/2026
Therefore, the use of AI can drive better decision-making, which is something sought by mining companies striving to optimize their operations.
Will AI Replace Loading and Moving Machine Operators ...
www.tagieff.ca • 10/20/2026
AI and automation are unlikely to fully replace underground mining machine operators, though the role is evolving significantly. Read more
More Career Info
Career: Underground Mining Machine Operators, All Other
They operate machines underground to safely extract minerals and resources from the earth, ensuring efficient and smooth mining operations.
Parent Careers
Similar Careers
Employment & Wage Data
Median Wage
$70,130
Jobs (2025)
3,200
Growth (2025-35)
-1.0%
Annual Openings
300
Education
No formal educational credential
Experience
None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025-2035
Task-Level AI Resilience Scores
AI-generated estimates of task resilience over the next 3 years
1
Guide and assist crews in laying track for machines and resetting planer rails, supports, and blocking, using jacks, shovels, sledges, picks, and pinch bars.
2
Position jacks, timbers, or roof supports, and install casings, to prevent cave-ins.
3
Free jams in planer hoppers, using metal pinch bars.
4
Remove debris such as loose shale from channels and planer travel areas.
5
Replace worn or broken tools and machine bits and parts, using wrenches, pry bars, and other hand tools, and lubricate machines, using grease guns.
6
Drive mobile, truck-mounted, or track-mounted drilling or cutting machine in mines and quarries or on construction sites.
7
Reposition machines and move controls to make additional holes or cuts.
Tasks are ranked by their AI resilience, with the most resilient tasks shown first. Core tasks are essential functions of this occupation, while supplemental tasks provide additional context.
