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Cave Mining Jobs (NOW HIRING)

It has been in operation since 1976 and today consists of a large block-cave, underground mining complex feeding a concentrator with a current capacity of approximately 32,000 metric tons per day. It ...

It has been in operation since 1976 and today consists of a large block-cave, underground mining complex feeding a concentrator with a current capacity of approximately 32,000 metric tons per day. It ...

It has been in operation since 1976 and today consists of a large block-cave, underground mining complex feeding a concentrator with a current capacity of approximately 32,000 metric tons per day. It ...

Manager Accounting

Empire, CO · On-site

$112K - $160K/yr

It has been in operation since 1976 and today consists of a large block-cave, underground mining complex feeding a concentrator with a current capacity of approximately 32,000 metric tons per day. It ...

Warehouse Technician II

Empire, CO · On-site

$21 - $29/hr

It has been in operation since 1976 and today consists of a large block-cave, underground mining complex feeding a concentrator with a current capacity of approximately 32,000 metric tons per day. It ...

Warehouse Technician II

Empire, CO · On-site

$21 - $29/hr

It has been in operation since 1976 and today consists of a large block-cave, underground mining complex feeding a concentrator with a current capacity of approximately 32,000 metric tons per day. It ...

Warehouse Technician II

Empire, CO · On-site

$21 - $29/hr

It has been in operation since 1976 and today consists of a large block-cave, underground mining complex feeding a concentrator with a current capacity of approximately 32,000 metric tons per day. It ...

It has been in operation since 1976 and today consists of a large block-cave, underground mining complex feeding a concentrator with a current capacity of approximately 32,000 metric tons per day. It ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cave Mining information

See salary details

$100.5K

$126.9K

$150.5K

How much do cave mining jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for cave mining in the United States is $126,935.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,500.00 and $140,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cave Miner, and why are they important?

To excel as a Cave Miner, you need strong knowledge of geology, mining techniques, and safety regulations, usually supported by vocational training or a relevant technical qualification. Familiarity with mining machinery, drilling equipment, and specialized safety systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help miners adapt to challenging underground conditions and collaborate effectively. These competencies are crucial to ensuring safe operations, maximizing resource extraction, and mitigating risks in hazardous environments.

What are some common challenges faced by cave miners and how are they addressed on the job?

Cave miners often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, managing ground stability, and ensuring proper ventilation. To address these, mining teams follow strict safety protocols, utilize advanced monitoring equipment, and conduct regular ground support inspections. Collaboration with engineers and safety officers is essential to adapt to changing geological conditions and maintain a secure work environment. Continuous training and clear communication are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring productive operations.

What is cave mining?

Cave mining is an underground mining method that involves allowing the ore body to collapse or cave under its own weight, making it easier to extract large volumes of ore efficiently. There are different types of cave mining, such as block caving, sublevel caving, and panel caving, each suited to specific ore body shapes and conditions. This method is commonly used for large, low-grade ore bodies because it can be highly economical compared to other underground mining techniques. Cave mining requires careful planning to manage ground stability and safety, as well as to minimize environmental impact.

What is the difference between Cave Mining vs Hard Rock Mining?

AspectCave MiningHard Rock Mining
Work EnvironmentUnderground, large-scale excavations in ore bodiesUnderground or surface, extracting solid mineral deposits
Required CertificationsMining safety certifications, underground mining licensesMining safety certifications, underground or surface mining licenses
Industry UsageCommon in mineral deposits like gold, copper, and zincUsed for extracting various minerals including gold, silver, and base metals

Both Cave Mining and Hard Rock Mining involve underground extraction and require similar safety certifications. Cave Mining focuses on extracting ore through controlled collapse and subsidence, often in large, underground cavities. Hard Rock Mining involves extracting solid mineral deposits from rock formations, either underground or on the surface. While they share safety and certification requirements, their methods and environments differ significantly.

More about Cave Mining jobs
What cities are hiring for Cave Mining jobs? Cities with the most Cave Mining job openings:
What states have the most Cave Mining jobs? States with the most job openings for Cave Mining jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cave Mining job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $126,935 per year, or $61 per hour.
Geomechanical Engineer II - Underground

Geomechanical Engineer II - Underground

Freeport McMoRan

Empire, CO

$1K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Freeport-McMoRan rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 29 rated mining


Job description

At Climax Molybdenum, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career.  

Where You Will Work  

Our Henderson mine and mill are an hour drive apart – separated by the Continental Divide and a 15-mile conveyor system (10 miles underground). The Henderson mine is an underground molybdenum mining operation located approximately 42 miles west of Denver and 10 miles west of Empire. It has been in operation since 1976 and today consists of a large block-cave, underground mining complex feeding a concentrator with a current capacity of approximately 32,000 metric tons per day. It can produce approximately 15 million pounds of molybdenum per year. The Henderson mill is located 15 miles west of the mine, between Dillon and Kremmling.  

Both sites are surrounded by US Forest Service land of the Arapaho National Forest, making it easy for our employees and their families to enjoy year-round hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in the area. Explore the opportunity to advance your career at one of our sites – the Henderson mine or mill and live life at the top!   

Employees who are required to work on-site are eligible for a $1,450 monthly housing allowance, provided they meet program guidelines.

What You Will Do

Under general supervision, oversee underground excavation stability management functions including underground excavation support design and stability monitoring and serve as a resource for Geomechanical information and analysis.

  • In this role, you perform geotechnical analyses related to underground mining, document and present findings, and stay current with state-of-practice geotechnical engineering.
  • As the Geomechanical Engineer II U/G, you develop and review ground support designs for underground excavations using empirical, kinematic, and stress-based analysis methods to ensure a safe working environment.
  • You will manage and review underground excavation stability data collection, analysis, monitoring data processing, and remedial work.
  • Communicate accurate, timely, and relevant Geomechanical and underground excavation stability information to mine and site personnel through reports and presentations.
  • Proactively seek improvements to safe mining practices related to monitoring, maintenance, support design, and data acquisition.
  • Develop, maintain, and implement strategic plans to enhance underground excavation stability programs.
  • Provide Geomechanical project oversight and review for external consultants.
  • Utilize appropriate software including MS Office, AutoCAD, Deswik (or equivalent), and RocScience tools such as unWedge, Phase2, RS3, and Dips.
  • Perform other duties as required.
What You Bring To Freeport
  • Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate Engineering discipline and three (3) years of related experience in hard rock mining relating to rock mechanics and underground excavation stability OR
  • Master’s degree in an appropriate Engineering discipline and two (2) years of related experience in hard rock mining relating to rock mechanics and underground excavation stability
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mine Engineering
  • Bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering
  • Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering

What We Offer You 

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $93,000-$127,500. This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance. More details will be shared during the hiring process. Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role. 

  • Employees who are required to work on-site are eligible for a $1,450 monthly housing allowance, provided they meet program guidelines 
  • Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits  
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance  
  • 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match  
  • Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave  
  • Tuition assistance  
  • Employee Assistance Program  
  • Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle  
  • Internal progression opportunities  
  • Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!  

 What We Require   

  • Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam.  
  • Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing.  
  • Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation.  
  • Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.   

Equal Opportunity Employer  

Please be advised that Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to HRSC@fmi.com. 


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