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Pit Mining Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Mechanic

Ishpeming, MI · On-site

$25.25 - $32.50/hr

Maintenance Mechanics are responsible for maintaining and repairing mining machinery and equipment ... Perform maintenance on pit dewatering pumps * Troubleshoot and diagnose equipment malfunctions by ...

Maintenance Mechanic

Ishpeming, MI · On-site

$25.25 - $32.50/hr

Maintenance Mechanics are responsible for maintaining and repairing mining machinery and equipment ... Perform maintenance on pit dewatering pumps * Troubleshoot and diagnose equipment malfunctions by ...

Maintenance Mechanic

Ishpeming, MI

$25.25 - $32.50/hr

Maintenance Mechanics are responsible for maintaining and repairing mining machinery and equipment ... Perform maintenance on pit dewatering pumps * Troubleshoot and diagnose equipment malfunctions by ...

Pit Mining information

What is pit mining?

Pit mining, also known as open-pit mining, is a surface mining technique used to extract rocks and minerals from the earth by removing them from an open pit or borrow. This method is commonly used when mineral deposits are found near the surface and spread over a large area, making underground mining impractical. The process involves digging a large hole, or pit, in the ground and gradually expanding it to access the ore. Pit mining is widely used for extracting resources such as gold, copper, iron, and coal. While it is efficient and cost-effective, it can have significant environmental impacts if not properly managed.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in pit mining operations?

Professionals in pit mining often encounter challenges such as managing safety risks in a physically demanding environment, adapting to changing weather conditions, and coordinating with multiple teams to ensure efficient extraction and transportation of materials. Maintaining equipment and adhering to strict environmental regulations also require constant attention. Communication and teamwork are vital, as collaboration with engineers, geologists, and equipment operators is necessary to keep operations running smoothly.

What is the difference between Pit Mining vs Surface Mining?

AspectPit MiningSurface Mining
Work EnvironmentUnderground or open-pit excavationsLarge-scale open surface areas
Required CertificationsMining safety certifications, heavy equipment operationMining safety certifications, heavy equipment operation
Industry UsageCommon in mineral and ore extractionUsed for coal, minerals, and aggregate extraction

Both Pit Mining and Surface Mining involve extracting minerals from the earth, but Pit Mining typically refers to open-pit or underground methods focused on mineral deposits, while Surface Mining covers a broader range of open-pit methods like strip mining. The certifications and work environments overlap significantly, making them closely related roles within the mining industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pit Mining Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pit Mining Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of mining safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as haul trucks, excavators, and GPS-based mine planning systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for minimizing risk and ensuring efficient operations. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining safety, maximizing productivity, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations in a demanding environment.
What are popular job titles related to Pit Mining jobs in Michigan? For Pit Mining jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pit Mining jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Pit Mining jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Pit Mining job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Maintenance Mechanic - Manufacturing

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

Ishpeming, MI • On-site

$25.25 - $32.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Cleveland-Cliffs rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 115 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 39 rated mining


Job description

Job Description
Location: Ishpeming, MI
Cleveland-Cliffs has immediate openings for Maintenance Mechanics at our Tilden Mine operations located in Ishpeming, Michigan. Maintenance Mechanics are responsible for maintaining and repairing mining machinery and equipment.
Summary of Responsibilities:
  • Perform preventative maintenance such as changing oil, greasing, changing bucket hardware, and replacing components on a scheduled routine basis on the P&H 4100 and 2800 Electric Rope Shovels, and Electric Blast Hole Drills
  • Perform tire protection chain maintenance on large production front-end loaders
  • Perform maintenance on pit dewatering pumps
  • Troubleshoot and diagnose equipment malfunctions by utilizing service manuals, parts books, hydraulic manuals, and computers
  • Perform basic welding and fabrication tasks
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 2-year degree in Industrial Maintenance or related field or at least 2 years of directly related full-time work experience is required
  • Must be capable of reading, understanding and following safety information, operating instructions and procedure manuals
  • Must perform work safely and be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment
  • Must be willing to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends and holidays
  • Must be willing to work 12-hour shifts

Preferred Qualifications
  • Understanding of failure and wear analysis

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. The Company is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package including competitive pay with variable compensation opportunity, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off, and more.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 1-(312) 899-3097 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.
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