A machine driver is a rank above laborer. The next rank is foreman, which is the peak of the junior workers' ranks. We do the ventilation underground, the pumping of water outside, and arranging of props to support the roof to avoid its collapsing. The direct mining workers include those who use dynamite to blast the ore out of the rock. The air after blasting is so poisonous that any worker who inhaled it would die instantly.
Some workers treat the blasted air before the ore is removed.
Then workers scoop the ore and convey it through the shaft to the washing room on the surface. I work from Mondays to Fridays and in some cases on Saturdays. Every shift is eight hours. The machinery I work with includes the pumping machines, steam controlled shovels, as well as several other pieces of equipment. The machines are of international standard, though there may be some slight differences.