Bottomer

nounStandard termMining

A mine worker stationed at the bottom of a shaft to manage the loading of cages.

The bottomer is responsible for operations at the lowest station of a mine shaft, coordinating the movement of ore, materials, and personnel. They signal the hoistman when a cage or skip is loaded and ready to be raised. This role ensures that underground haulage systems transfer their loads safely and efficiently into the vertical hoisting system.

Heard on the job

Tell the bottomer to hold the next cage, we've an injured driller coming to the station.