Anyone ever work construction at a soon to be complete diamond mine? (The mine is still in construction and will be complete early next year). Or even just construction in general? I'm gonna be working 12 hour days 7 days a week with 3 weeks straight, 1 week off, or 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off. Seems rather daunting but the money is sooo good. There is a gym at the camp but I'm not sure I'll have the energy to workout after that much work. From what I've been told I'm shovelling, jackhammering, picking rocks, etc. Any pointers on what to expect or how to make things easier? Bought some comfortable steel toed boots today and the mine supplies work gloves, safety goggles, and a hard hat...
"Jerry" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:Nb2ve.87352$El.83296@pd7tw1no...
Quoted message said:
Anyone ever work construction at a soon to be complete diamond mine? (The mine is still in construction and will be complete early next year). Or even just construction in general? I'm gonna be working 12 hour days 7 days a week with 3 weeks straight, 1 week off, or 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off. Seems rather daunting but the money is sooo good. There is a gym at the camp but I'm not sure I'll have the energy to workout after that much work. From what I've been told I'm shovelling, jackhammering, picking rocks, etc. Any pointers on what to expect or how to make things easier? Bought some comfortable steel toed boots today and the mine supplies work gloves, safety goggles, and a hard hat...
Thanks for any help!
I've been a hard rock underground miner for the past 16 years myself (nickel mine not diamond, but hard rock is hard rock). As a green guy you'll suffer pretty good until you get used to the work... particularly if you get into using handheld rockdrills (stopers and jacklegs). I doubt you'll be hitting the gym after your shift for the first while anyhow :-).
If you're not used to wearing workboots (especially rubber miners boots) tape your heels with elastoplast to prevent the massive painful blisters that will occur otherwise... and pay attention to what the experienced guys have to say, they've learned alot over the years. And work your ass off... especially at the beginning. You'll earn a rep as a good worker and that'll help you get better jobs and earn more bonus... perhaps off of the construction crew and on to the development crew (where the real money is). Good luck... and don't get yourself killed...
Anyone ever work construction at a soon to be complete diamond mine? (The mine is still in construction and will be complete early next year). Or even just construction in general? I'm gonna be working 12 hour days 7 days a week with 3 weeks straight, 1 week off, or 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off. Seems rather daunting but the money is sooo good. There is a gym at the camp but I'm not sure I'll have the energy to workout after that much work. From what I've been told I'm shovelling, jackhammering, picking rocks, etc. Any pointers on what to expect or how to make things easier? Bought some comfortable steel toed boots today and the mine supplies work gloves, safety goggles, and a hard hat...
Thanks for any help!
COOL, you know the Village People are looking to add a "Diamond Miner" to their mix! Good Luck!
"Jerry" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:Nb2ve.87352$El.83296@pd7tw1no...
Quoted message said:
Anyone ever work construction at a soon to be complete diamond mine? (The mine is still in construction and will be complete early next year). Or even just construction in general? I'm gonna be working 12 hour days 7 days a week with 3 weeks straight, 1 week off, or 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off. Seems rather daunting but the money is sooo good. There is a gym at the camp but I'm not sure I'll have the energy to workout after that much work. From what I've been told I'm shovelling, jackhammering, picking rocks, etc. Any pointers on what to expect or how to make things easier? Bought some comfortable steel toed boots today and the mine supplies work gloves, safety goggles, and a hard hat...
Thanks for any help!
I've been a hard rock underground miner for the past 16 years myself (nickel mine not diamond, but hard rock is hard rock). As a green guy you'll suffer pretty good until you get used to the work... particularly if you get into using handheld rockdrills (stopers and jacklegs). I doubt you'll be hitting the gym after your shift for the first while anyhow :-).
If you're not used to wearing workboots (especially rubber miners boots) tape your heels with elastoplast to prevent the massive painful blisters that will occur otherwise... and pay attention to what the experienced guys have to say, they've learned alot over the years. And work your ass off... especially at the beginning. You'll earn a rep as a good worker and that'll help you get better jobs and earn more bonus... perhaps off of the construction crew and on to the development crew (where the real money is). Good luck... and don't get yourself killed...
Ya, my buddy's dad who has worked up there said to use both sides of your body too? I guess if I favour my right arm/side when shovelling, jackhammering, etc then I'll wear myself out too quickly? Just switch things up now and again to give my opposite arm a rest?
Anyone ever work construction at a soon to be complete diamond mine? (The mine is still in construction and will be complete early next year). Or even just construction in general? I'm gonna be working 12 hour days 7 days a week with 3 weeks straight, 1 week off, or 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off. Seems rather daunting but the money is sooo good. There is a gym at the camp but I'm not sure I'll have the energy to workout after that much work. From what I've been told I'm shovelling, jackhammering, picking rocks, etc. Any pointers on what to expect or how to make things easier? Bought some comfortable steel toed boots today and the mine supplies work gloves, safety goggles, and a hard hat...
Thanks for any help!
Like any other major change in physical demands you'll be hating life for a month or two but you'll acclimate. Stay hydrated with something like Gatorade (maybe the high sodium version if you're sweating a lot).
I suspect you'll find out why the money is good. It sounds like an absolutely awful job and be prepared to really suffer quite badly.
Hah, I'm only doing it until school in the fall I'm sure I'll surivive. I think I'm gonna bring some dextrose and protein powder and drink that combo during the day. Thanks for the words of encouragement!
