Are Coal Pickers at Risk Due to AI?

All extraction workers not listed separately.

The occupation "Extraction Workers, All Other" is assessed with a base automation risk of 0.0%. This means that, given current technological capabilities and foreseeable developments, automation technologies are not considered likely to replace the core functions of this role. Extraction workers are typically involved in specialized mining and quarrying tasks not classified elsewhere, often working under unpredictable conditions that require adaptation, judgment, and physical presence. The nature of their responsibilities usually involves irregular job assignments and ad hoc problem-solving, which are difficult to automate using standard industrial robots or artificial intelligence systems. Additionally, the variability in environments, materials, and methods presents obstacles for developing universal automation solutions for this occupation. Despite the overall low risk, there are tasks within the role that are more amenable to automation if technology advances significantly. The top three most automatable tasks are likely to include basic equipment operation under controlled conditions, repetitive material handling or transportation, and routine monitoring or data logging (such as recording output quantities). These tasks tend to be standardized, repetitive, and require minimal judgment, making them the easiest to replicate with automation or robotics. However, in the extraction field, even these tasks are frequently complicated by variable terrain, spontaneous hazards, and the need to coordinate in dynamic team settings. As such, the scope for full automation remains limited at present. On the other hand, the top three most resistant tasks are those requiring human adaptability and independent judgment, such as troubleshooting non-routine equipment malfunctions, making quick safety decisions in hazardous environments, and communicating effectively within teams for on-the-spot problem solving. Bottleneck skills in this occupation include complex problem-solving (high level), situational awareness (high level), and team coordination (medium to high level). These skills act as barriers to automation, as current AI and robotics have limited ability to replicate the nuanced thinking, adaptability, and communication required in unpredictable, high-risk extraction settings. Therefore, these essential aspects ensure the ongoing necessity of human employment in the extraction sector despite advances in automation technology.