Will AI replace Loading Machine Operators, Underground Mining?

Loading Machine Operators, Underground Mining has a medium AI displacement risk score of 37 out of 100, higher than 72% of all occupations analyzed. Based on task-level analysis of 15 work activities, most core tasks in this role remain difficult for AI to fully automate. Data sourced from O*NET task data, Anthropic's Economic Index, and BLS employment statistics.

What is the AI risk score for Loading Machine Operators, Underground Mining?

The AI displacement risk score for Loading Machine Operators, Underground Mining is 37 out of 100 (medium risk tier). This score is computed by analyzing 15 individual work tasks for AI capability, weighting by time spent on each task, and applying protective factor adjustments for barriers like licensing, social intelligence, and creativity requirements.

medium risk

Loading Machine Operators, Underground Mining

Operate underground loading machine to load coal, ore, or rock into shuttle or mine car or onto conveyors. Loading equipment may include power shovels, hoisting engines equipped with cable-drawn scraper or scoop, or machines equipped with gathering arms and conveyor.

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Higher risk than 72% of occupations

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How AI Impacts Each Task

15 tasks analyzed

Pry off loose material from roofs and move it into the paths of machines, using crowbars.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 5%

Move trailing electrical cables clear of obstructions, using rubber safety gloves.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 5%

Stop gathering arms when cars are full.

Risk: 63.0%AI: 75EstimatedTime: 5%

Drive machines into piles of material blasted from working faces.

Risk: 27.0%AI: 45EstimatedTime: 15%

Operate levers to move conveyor booms or shovels so that mine contents such as coal, rock, and ore can be placed into cars or onto conveyors.

Risk: 59.0%AI: 65EstimatedTime: 15%

Advance machines to gather material and convey it into cars.

Risk: 57.0%AI: 60EstimatedTime: 12%

Start conveyor booms and gathering-arm motors, and operate winches to position cars under boom conveyors for loading.

Risk: 61.0%AI: 70EstimatedTime: 12%

Clean hoppers, and clean spillage from tracks, walks, driveways, and conveyor decking.

Risk: 39.0%AI: 15EstimatedTime: 5%

Signal workers to move loaded cars.

Risk: 85.2%AI: 90EstimatedTime: 3%

Oil, lubricate, and adjust conveyors, crushers, and other equipment, using hand tools and lubricating equipment.

Risk: 37.0%AI: 10EstimatedTime: 5%

Observe and record car numbers, carriers, customers, tonnages, and grades and conditions of material.

Risk: 87.2%AI: 95EstimatedTime: 4%

Notify switching departments to deliver specific types of cars.

Risk: 85.2%AI: 90EstimatedTime: 3%

Inspect boarding and locking of open-top box cars and wedging of side-drop and hopper cars to prevent loss of material in transit.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 35EstimatedTime: 4%

Replace hydraulic hoses, headlight bulbs, and gathering-arm teeth.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 5%

Estimate and record amounts of material in bins.

Risk: 87.2%AI: 95EstimatedTime: 2%

Task	AI Capability	Risk	Time %
Pry off loose material from roofs and move it into the paths of machines, using crowbars.	0Estimated	9.0%	5%
Move trailing electrical cables clear of obstructions, using rubber safety gloves.	0Estimated	9.0%	5%
Stop gathering arms when cars are full.	75Estimated	63.0%	5%
Drive machines into piles of material blasted from working faces.	45Estimated	27.0%	15%
Operate levers to move conveyor booms or shovels so that mine contents such as coal, rock, and ore can be placed into cars or onto conveyors.	65Estimated	59.0%	15%
Advance machines to gather material and convey it into cars.	60Estimated	57.0%	12%
Start conveyor booms and gathering-arm motors, and operate winches to position cars under boom conveyors for loading.	70Estimated	61.0%	12%
Clean hoppers, and clean spillage from tracks, walks, driveways, and conveyor decking.	15Estimated	39.0%	5%
Signal workers to move loaded cars.	90Estimated	85.2%	3%
Oil, lubricate, and adjust conveyors, crushers, and other equipment, using hand tools and lubricating equipment.	10Estimated	37.0%	5%
Observe and record car numbers, carriers, customers, tonnages, and grades and conditions of material.	95Estimated	87.2%	4%
Notify switching departments to deliver specific types of cars.	90Estimated	85.2%	3%
Inspect boarding and locking of open-top box cars and wedging of side-drop and hopper cars to prevent loss of material in transit.	35Estimated	47.0%	4%
Replace hydraulic hoses, headlight bulbs, and gathering-arm teeth.	0Estimated	9.0%	5%
Estimate and record amounts of material in bins.	95Estimated	87.2%	2%

Skill Impact Analysis

AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)

Information Ordering5%

High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Reading Comprehension10%

Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Mathematics10%

Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Memorization5%

Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Mathematics10%

Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Programming15%

Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

AI-Resistant Skills (11)

Leadership88%

Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Adaptability/Flexibility85%

Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Manual Dexterity80%

Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Coordination70%

Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Equipment Maintenance78%

Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Complex Problem Solving75%

Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Social Perceptiveness90%

Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Instructing75%

Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

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Double down on skills AI can't replicate

Courseraintermediate

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~6 weeks$49/mo4.7Certificate

Strengthens resilience: Leadership

Estimated Impact

-3.8pt risk

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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.