Iron Miners
In Ayora, iron miners are seen as a dirty profession, due to the conditions they work under. They typically work a month in the mines and then come home for two weeks. During those two weeks, the grime eventually bathes off, only to be replaced when they return to work in the mines.
Career
Qualifications
Must have completed primary school and have a strong back. Must also be willing to work in the mines and be away from family for a month at a time.
Career Progression
A miner might aspire to become foreman of a crew. A foreman might become site manager. These promotions are few and far between. Most miners simply die of stress and exhaustion.
Payment & Reimbursement
Miners are paid well for their month of work in the iron mines. They receive 50 silver for a month of work and 15 silver for their two weeks off.
Other Benefits
Once a year, the blacksmiths throw a party for the miners and their families.
Perception
Purpose
In Ketra, iron mining produces most of the income for the city. Also, without iron mining, the blacksmiths would have nothing to work with.
Social Status
Mining is considered a lower "caste" occupation. It is also considered a job for a man, though women have successfully become miners. The mining workforce tends to come from lower-income groups with fewer educational opportunities and a history of mine work in the family. Mining is an on-the-job training, so education is not a requirement.
Demographics
In Ketra, about 20% of the population is engaged in iron mining, including miners, supervisors, and other staff.
History
The profession began when the mayor of Ketra was made aware of the iron deposits in the Arastras Highlands. He approached several business owners, who decided to go in together and invest in a mining operation. Prior to this, iron was an import from other countries and expensive. The owners bought the land from the Highlanders in 1805 and began the first excavations in 1807. The mine has been running ever since. Safety protocols are being refined even to current times, as mining is a dangerous profession.
Operations
Tools
Explosives, picks, shovels, carts, horses, timber.
Materials
Explosives, timber.
Workplace
Dusty, dirty working conditions. Often dark. Dangerous because of cave-ins and the instability of explosives.
Dangers & Hazards
Instability of explosives, potential for cave-ins, potential for injuries with tools and equipment.
Alternative Names
"Pig diggers"
Type
Industrial
Demand
High demand, due to high rate of injury and/or death
Legality
It is legal in all parts of Ayora. There are no regulations currently, other than safety regulations that are always being updated.
Other Associated professions
Related Locations
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