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Entry Level Underground Hard Rock Mining Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crucible ETN

Miner 2 - Infill Driller

Strawberry Plains, TN · On-site

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

Demonstrate strong leadership qualities Requirements / Qualifications * 3 years underground hard rock mining experience * Excels in drilling, bolting, scaling, blasting, loader and hoist infill

Coeur Mining

Experienced Underground Miner

Juneau, AK · On-site

Coeur Alaska's Kensington mine comprises an underground, hard-rock gold mine, associated milling facilities and a campsite in the historic Berners Bay Mining District, 45 miles north-northwest of ...

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Entry Level Underground Hard Rock Mining information

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How much do entry level underground hard rock mining jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level underground hard rock mining in the United States is $25.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is entry level underground hard rock mining?

Entry level underground hard rock mining jobs involve working in mines where minerals and ores such as gold, copper, or nickel are extracted from solid rock beneath the earth’s surface. These positions typically include tasks like operating machinery, assisting with drilling and blasting, hauling materials, and maintaining safety protocols. Workers receive on-the-job training and must follow strict safety guidelines due to the physically demanding and hazardous environment. No previous mining experience is usually required, but physical fitness and a willingness to work long or irregular hours are important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level underground hard rock miner?

To thrive as an Entry Level Underground Hard Rock Miner, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and basic mechanical aptitude. Familiarity with mining-specific equipment, such as drills and loaders, as well as safety certifications like MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) training, are essential. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to follow strict safety protocols help individuals excel in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure personal safety, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulatory standards in hazardous underground environments.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level underground hard rock miners, and how can they prepare for them?

Entry-level workers in underground hard rock mining often face challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work, adjusting to confined underground spaces, and maintaining safety in hazardous environments. The work typically involves operating equipment, assisting with drilling and blasting, and supporting experienced miners. To prepare, it's helpful to focus on physical fitness, familiarize yourself with safety protocols, and be open to learning from mentors on the team. Strong communication skills and a willingness to follow strict safety procedures are essential for success and advancement in this field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Underground Hard Rock Mining vs Entry Level Underground Soft Rock Mining?

AspectEntry Level Underground Hard Rock MiningEntry Level Underground Soft Rock Mining
CertificationsMining Safety Certification, Basic First AidMining Safety Certification, Basic First Aid
Work EnvironmentUnderground, rocky, challenging terrainUnderground, softer rock formations
Industry UsageMining metals like gold, copper, and ironMining coal, salt, or other soft minerals
Job TasksDrilling, blasting, ore extractionDrilling, material removal, processing

Both roles require similar safety certifications and work underground, but hard rock mining involves extracting metals from solid rock formations, while soft rock mining focuses on softer minerals like coal or salt. The work environment and tasks differ mainly in the type of rock and mineral being mined.

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Entry Level Underground Hard Rock Mining jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Underground Hard Rock Mining job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,564 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Underground Miner - Utility Crew

Northern Star Pogo LLC

Delta Junction, AK • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description


What’s the role?

The Underground Miner - Utility Crew reports to the Underground Shift Supervisor, and the primary role is to safely and efficiently operate underground equipment and perform various mining tasks.

Duties include:

  • Installation of services (utilities) and ventilation to all development and production headings. 
  • Installation of various underground infrastructure such as paste walls, paste pipe, vent doors, fan bulkheads etc.
  • Hanging of secondary ventilation fans.
  • Installation of cable bolts.
  • Monitoring and controlling paste pours
  • Fabrication of pipe.
  • Installation and monitoring of mine dewatering.
  • General labouring as required. 
  • Liaising before shift with Shift Supervisor and the previous shift crew to obtain all the information necessary about the work areas. 
  • Ensuring that all tools and equipment are serviceable and safe. 
  • Communicate clearly and effectively on two-way radio.  
  • Assist with fault finding and preventative maintenance. 
  • Assessing and monitoring of ground conditions.  
  • Ensure all safety related activities are undertaken in accordance with Company policy and MSHA requirements including Hazard IDs, pre-start checks, pre-start meetings, and incident reporting. 
  • Maintain a high standard of housekeeping in all work areas. 
  • Other duties as required. 


The specifics:

Qualifications Required 

  • Ability to provide leadership and training to new team members. 
  • Current Driver’s License. 
  • Awareness of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Act & Regulations.  
  • Be able to pass a background check and post offer physical and drug screening.

Desired Experience & Competencies

  • Two years' experience in underground hard rock mining techniques with a minimum of one year working with utilities.
  • Experience operating underground mining equipment such as Trucks, Light Vehicles, Charge Wagon, Loaders, Tele-remote equipment, Integrated Tool Carrier, Skid Steer, Zoom Boom, Grader, Long Hole Drill, Jumbo Drill.
  • Basic mechanical knowledge.
  • Good communication skills, including ability to read and speak English
  • Flexibility to adapt to improved procedures and practices.
  • Basic computer literacy. 

The details:

Working a 28 day on, 14 day off rotating schedule of days and nights up to 11.5 hours per shift or more at a remote campsite.  Extreme conditions, including but not limited to severe weather conditions, dust, mud, varying levels of noise, varying degrees of light and dark, in and around artificial light and in a confined work area.

Employees are required to stay on site at the company provided camp during the work rotation. Camp facilities provide dining service, games room, exercise & weight room, sauna, and accommodation rooms. Dormitory rooms have a great Wi-Fi & cable TV. Cell service is available through Wi-Fi calling. The Company provides a bus service to and from Fairbanks, Delta Junction and Tok, Alaska.


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