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Cave Mining Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Freeport McMoRan

Mill Repair Employee

Parshall, CO

$26 - $33/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 ...

Freeport McMoRan

Warehouse Technician I

Empire, CO · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/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 ...

Freeport McMoRan

Mill Maintenance Helper

Parshall, CO

$29.50/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 ...

Martin Marietta

Senior Dredge Operator

Irwindale, CA · On-site

... mining environments. This position requires mastery of high-capacity excavating equipment ... Monitor pit walls and underwater slopes to ensure stability and prevent cave-ins or equipment loss.

Freeport McMoRan

Warehouse Technician I

Empire, CO · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/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 ...

Martin Marietta

Senior Dredge Operator

Irwindale, CA · On-site

... mining environments. This position requires mastery of high-capacity excavating equipment ... Monitor pit walls and underwater slopes to ensure stability and prevent cave-ins or equipment loss.

Freeport McMoRan

Mill Maintenance Helper

Parshall, CO

$29.50/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 ...

Freeport McMoRan

Mill Maintenance Helper

Parshall, CO

$29.50/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 ...

Freeport McMoRan

Mill Repair Employee

Parshall, CO

$26 - $33/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 ...

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

Mill Repair Employee

Parshall, CO · On-site

$26 - $33/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 ...

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All JobsCave Mining Jobs

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:
What job categories do people searching Cave Mining jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cave Mining jobs are:
Cave Mining jobs near you
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.
Senior Dredge Operator Irwindale, California

Senior Dredge Operator Irwindale, California

Martin Marietta Materials

Irwindale, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Martin Marietta Materials rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

299th of 516 rated manufacturers

Job description

Description
JOB SUMMARY 
The Senior Operator (Dragline & Dredge) is a critical leadership and technical role responsible for the safe, efficient extraction of raw materials in complex mining environments. This position requires mastery of high-capacity excavating equipment-specifically large-scale draglines and hydraulic dredges-to ensure a steady flow of materials to the processing plant. 
As a "Senior" level team member, you are expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, mentor junior operators, and serve as a frontline expert in site safety and equipment maintenance. Your primary mission is to maximize production volume while strictly adhering to MSHA regulations and maintaining the long-term mechanical integrity of our machinery. 
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
  • Safely operate large-scale draglines to strip overburden and extract raw aggregates, ensuring optimal bucket fill factors and cycle times. 
  • Manage hydraulic dredging systems, monitoring vacuum and discharge pressures, pipeline flow, and cutterhead depth to maintain consistent slurry density. 
  • Monitor pit walls and underwater slopes to ensure stability and prevent cave-ins or equipment loss. 
  • Strategically position equipment to maintain clear haul roads or pipeline routes, preventing contamination of raw material streams. 
  • Conduct comprehensive daily inspections of dragline rigging, hoist/drag cables, dredge hulls, and hydraulic systems. 
  • Diagnose mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic issues early to minimize unplanned downtime. 
  • Perform essential PM tasks, including greasing high-wear points, checking fluid levels, and cleaning cabs and equipment exteriors. 
  • Assist maintenance crews with significant repairs, which may include cutting, welding, and cable replacements. 
  • Champion Martin Marietta's safety programs by identifying "near-miss" hazards and ensuring all personnel on-site use proper PPE. 
  • Operate all machinery in strict accordance with Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) standards. 
  • Monitor dredge discharge and dust levels to comply with environmental permits and spill prevention protocols. 
  • Train and develop junior operators and laborers on equipment best practices and safety protocols. 
  • Accurately complete daily production logs, maintenance reports, and safety inspections using digital or paper-based systems. 
  • Maintain constant radio contact with plant operators and haul truck drivers to coordinate material flow and traffic patterns. 
QUALIFICATIONS 
Education 
High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience in lieu of a degree 
Work Experience 
3+ years of experience operating Heavy Mining equipment, with specific expertise in Dragline or Hydraulic Dredge operations. 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 
Mechanical aptitude 
Troubleshooting 
Critical thinking 
Safety focused 
MSHA compliance and regulations 
Regulatory compliance 
Effective communication (written and spoken) 
Time management 
ADDITIONAL DETAILS 
Physical Requirements 
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing. 
Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach. You must be able to maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders. 
Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good depth perception with or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet. 
Working Conditions 
All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty.Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.  
Disclaimer 
In addition to the primary responsibilities outlined, the successful candidate may be expected to take on other tasks and assignments as required, including but not limited to duties outside the typical scope of the role to support overall team operations and organizational needs. Flexibility and adaptability to evolving job demands are essential. 
The hiring range for this position is $45 -$60 exclusive of benefits or bonuses (discretionary and non-discretionary). The offered base compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, business need, market conditions, proficiencies, skills, education, and experience. Additionally, at Martin Marietta we place a high value on internal pay equity and will consider the compensation for those in similarly situated roles and direct team members. The hiring range for this role represents the base compensation we expect to pay for the position at time of hire and does not represent the total possible base pay of the position.
In addition to our base compensation, we also offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage; prescription drug coverage; health savings accounts; flexible spending accounts; life, AD&D and disability insurance; 401(k) with a company match and an employer-funded defined benefit pension plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, education/tuition assistance, an employee discount program, adoption assistance, wellness programs and more.
Part time employees are eligible to participate in the 401k plan and receive a company match. In addition, they are eligible to start accruing service for the pension plan.
 
  

A member of the S&P 500 Index, Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of heavy building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready-mixed concrete and asphalt. Through a network of operations spanning 28 states, Canada and the Bahamas, dedicated Martin Marietta teams supply the foundational resources upon which our communities thrive. Martin Marietta's Magnesia Specialties business produces high-purity magnesia and dolomitic lime products used worldwide in environmental, industrial, agricultural and specialty applications.
At Martin Marietta, we strive to work with the best and the brightest - those who have the potential to become our company's future leaders. Each of our roughly 9,500 people shares a common purpose regardless of their professional role or work environment. Together, we utilize our diverse skills and experiences to drive our company and its extraordinary culture forward. Our aim is to build on our foundation of success and help values-driven and hardworking people realize their full potential. When you decide to invest your career in Martin Marietta, you'll know what it's like to be respected, challenged and rewarded.

In return, we offer a highly competitive benefits package, including: 

  • Medical
  • Prescription Drug
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Health Care Reimbursement Account
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
  • Wellness Programs
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Paid Holidays and Vacation
  • 401(k) with Company matching
  • Pension
  • Salary Continuation - Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability Options
  • Employee Life Insurance
  • Spouse & Dependent Life Insurance
  • Business Travel Accident Insurance
  • Direct Deposit Payroll
  • Educational/Tuition Assistance Plan
  • College Scholarship Program - for dependent children
  • Matching Gift Program
  • New Auto Purchase Discount Plans

At Martin Marietta, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and teammates. We celebrate diversity and commit that qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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About Martin Marietta

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready mixed concrete and asphalt.

Industry

Coal, metals and minerals mining

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1994

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