Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
AI replacement rate
55%This role is currently tracked with 9 timeline items plus a profile-based replacement estimate.
This role is currently tracked with 9 timeline items plus a profile-based replacement estimate.
Replacement trend
Aggregated from periodic refresh snapshots- 2026-04-2055%
Why this role is rated this way
Structural baseThe mining industry is a leader in deploying autonomous heavy machinery, with continuous advancements in AI-driven excavation and loading systems aimed at improving safety and efficiency.
Core tasks such as digging, moving, and loading materials involve repetitive cycles that can be optimized by AI algorithms for precision and throughput.
Surface mining environments are highly dynamic, with variable ground conditions, unpredictable material properties, and interactions with other equipment and personnel, requiring advanced perception and real-time human judgment that AI systems are still developing.
While full autonomy is challenging, the trend towards remote operation and tele-operation reduces the need for on-site operators and can serve as an intermediate step towards higher levels of automation, leveraging AI for enhanced control and safety.
Timeline
Relevant news and cases, newest firstOperate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.
Open originalOperate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.
Open originalExcavating and loading machine operators, including dragline operators in surface mining, are involved in the extraction of valuable minerals and materials from the Earth’s surface, contributing to geological exploration and resource management.
Open originalOperate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials. Backhoe Operator, Dragline Oiler, Dragline Operator, Earth Moving Equipment Operator, End Loader Operator, Equipment Operator, Excavator Operator, Heavy Equipment ...
Open originalIndustries with the highest published employment and wages for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining are provided.
Open originalThe occupation code you requested, 53-7032.00 (Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators), is no longer in use. In the future, please use 47-5022.00 (Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining) instead.
Open originalThey load material onto shuttles or conveyors running from a mine to the surface. Some operate platforms and cages that raise workers and materials up to elevated construction sites or lower them down into mines and quarries.
Open originalDescription: Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials. ... Moving mountains may sound impossible, but material moving machine operators do it all the time, one load of earth at a time.
Open originalMore levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes. Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation. Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and with efficient and ...
Open original