In surface mining operations, a coal miner can operate the heavy equipment which is used to strip away the topsoil from a seam of coal, drill holes in the coal for the placement of explosives, or work as a blaster, setting explosive charges to break up coal seams so that they can be removed. Other coal miners in surface operations work with the equipment which is used to remove the coal loosened by blasting operations. Coal miners usually train to do this work on the job, although some mining companies offer classroom training opportunities as well as practice opportunities in a non-working mine so that miners can get comfortable with the work.