A surfaceman handles the operations, maintenance, and processing tasks located outside the mine portal or shaft. This includes working at the heapstead, operating the winding engines, sorting ore, or maintaining surface infrastructure. The distinction separates them from underground miners regarding pay scales, safety regulations, and daily hazards.
Heard on the job
He worked underground for twenty years before taking a surfaceman job at the processing plant.
Also heard as
- topman
Related terms
Heapstead
The surface structure around a mine shaft that supports the screening and loading of coal.
Lander
A surface worker stationed at the top of a mine shaft to receive hoisted ore and materials.
Screener
A surface worker who operates or monitors the mechanical screens that size and clean extracted coal.