Operate machinery to install roof support bolts in underground mine.
14 of 14 tasks have some AI capability
Exposure Trend
This score reflects estimated AI technical capability for tasks in this occupation. It does not predict employment changes, and it does not account for company-specific constraints, regulation, or adoption barriers.
Perform tests to determine if methane gas is present.
AI: Fully automatable - Methane detection is routinely and reliably automated with gas sensors and control systems that AI can fully operate and interpret as of 2025.
Force bolts into holes, using hydraulic mechanisms of self-propelled bolting machines.
AI: Fully automatable - Self-propelled bolting machines already use hydraulic mechanisms under automated control to drive bolts into holes, a task AI and automation can fully execute today.
Install various types of bolts including truss, glue, and resin bolts, traversing entire ceiling spans.
AI: Fully automatable - Specialized roof-bolting rigs and automation systems in mining can drill and install truss, glue, and resin bolts across spans, enabling largely autonomous installation in many operations by 2025.
Drill test holes and test bolts for specified tension, using torque wrenches.
AI: Fully automatable - Drilling test holes and verifying bolt tension with torque-sensing tools is readily instrumented and can be automated with robotic actuators and sensor feedback for repeatable measurements.
Rotate chucks to turn bolts and open expansion heads against rock formations.
AI: Fully automatable - Rotating chucks to turn bolts and set expansion heads is a deterministic mechanical operation already handled by automated bolting equipment and actuated chucks.
Remove drill bits from chucks after drilling holes and insert bolts into chucks.
AI: Fully automatable - Automated bolting rigs and tool changers can remove drill bits and load bolts into chucks, making this a task that is effectively automated in many mining setups.
Tighten ends of anchored truss bolts, using turnbuckles.
AI: Fully automatable - Tightening anchored truss bolt ends with turnbuckles is a torque-controlled, repeatable action that can be performed by powered torque tools and automated systems.
Drill bolt holes into roofs at specified distances from ribs or adjacent bolts.
AI: Partial - Self-propelled bolting machines and guidance systems can position and drill to specifications, yet human oversight and intervention remain common so AI provides partial automation rather than full autonomy.
Pull down loose rock that cannot be supported.
AI: Partial - Machines can mechanically remove loose rock under remote control, and AI can assist with detection, but the high safety risk and situational judgement required prevent full autonomous execution in 2025.
Position bolting machines, and insert drill bits into chucks.
AI: Partial - Positioning bolting machines can be automated and some machines have automated bit-changing, but reliably inserting drill bits across all field conditions without human intervention is only partially automated today.
Perform safety checks on equipment before operating.
AI: Partial - AI and sensors can perform many pre-operation safety checks and diagnostics automatically, but some tactile/visual inspections and final responsibility typically remain with humans.
Perform ventilation tasks, such as hanging ventilation curtains and tubes.
AI: Partial - Hanging ventilation curtains and tubes involves flexible-material handling in confined, variable and hazardous spaces where robots/AI can assist or remote-operate but not reliably perform end-to-end without human oversight as of 2025.
Dust rocks after bolting.
AI: Partial - Dusting rocks after bolting can be partially automated with dust-suppression systems or remote tools, but fine, adaptive cleaning in complex mine geometries typically still requires human intervention.
Position safety jacks to support underground mine roofs until bolts can be installed.
AI: Partial - Positioning temporary safety jacks requires situational judgment, fine placement and rapid response in unstable conditions so automation can assist or remotely operate but not fully replace humans yet.