Assessor Resource

RIIMEX405E
Apply and monitor systems and methods of surface coal mining

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit develops the skills and knowledge required to monitor the systems and methods of surface mining in coal mining. This includes monitoring mine development operations, waste management procedures and stockpile formation and reclaiming systems.

It applies to those working in supervisory or technical specialist roles. They generally perform a broad range of operational activities in their area of responsibility and are responsible for monitoring a safe work environment.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

apply and monitor systems and methods of surface coal mining on at least two occasions, including:

implementing measures for strata spoil and dump failures

implementing control methods for virgin and induced stress

implementing stockpile control measures

assessing outcomes, forming reasoned recommendations and completing reports

interpreting and assessing surface and groundwater information.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply relevant documentation, policies and procedures and confirm work activity is compliant

implement requirements, procedures and techniques for monitoring of systems and methods of surface coal mining, including:

analysing hazards and risks, and implementing control measures

accessing and analysing archival and historical mine management information relating to the mine and failure mode of mine structures

interpreting and monitoring the application of design criteria for strata management

identifying and evaluating geological and geotechnical information

work effectively with others to monitor systems and methods of surface coal mining in a manner that meets required outcomes, including:

complying with reporting requirements and procedures

providing leadership and direction to others

communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions

providing clear and timely instruction and supervision to those involved in monitoring of the mining systems and methods

communicating clearly and concisely with others to resolve coordination requirements prior to commencing and during work activities.

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

key procedures and documentation required to apply and monitor systems and methods of surface coal mining, including:

key mine site historical information

surface and groundwater information

principles and techniques for applying monitoring systems and methods of surface coal mining, including:

monitoring systems and methodologies

stable structure controls and excavation maintenance procedures

plant, equipment and tools maintenance requirements and procedures

audit, audit inspection, communication and reporting methodologies

principles and techniques for interpreting visual signs of stress, including:

mining induced stress

vertical and horizontal stress tectonics

adverse jointing

fault orientation

spoil characteristics

principles and techniques for assessing and implementing failure mechanisms, including:

strata spoil and dump failure measures

virgin and induced stress control methods

stockpile control measures

mining structure failure modes

geology, hydrogeological, strata and strata gas characteristics relating to surface coal mining

basic mining engineering principles relating to surface coal mining

principles, processes and techniques for emergency responses, evacuations and disaster planning

techniques for coordinating and communicating job activities with others.

Mandatory conditions for assessment of this unit are stipulated below. The assessment must:

include access to:

systems and methods of surface coal mining documentation

be conducted in a safe environment; and,

be assessed in the context of this sector's work environment; and,

be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures and processes directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,

confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances.

Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated work environment* provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must be able to clearly demonstrate current and relevant industry knowledge and experience to satisfy the mandatory regulatory standards as set out in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/Australian Quality Training Framework mandatory requirements for assessors current at the time of assessment and any relevant licensing and certification requirements. This includes:

vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered and assessed

current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided

current knowledge and skills in vocational training and learning that informs their training and assessment

formal relevant qualifications in training and assessment

having knowledge of and/or experience using the latest techniques and processes

possessing the required level of RII training product knowledge

having an understanding and knowledge of legislation and regulations relevant to the industry and to employment and workplaces

demonstrating the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence outlined in this unit of competency, and

the minimum years of current** work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below in an industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit.

It is also acceptable for the appropriately qualified assessor to work with an industry expert to conduct assessment together and for the industry expert to be involved in the assessment judgement. The industry expert must have current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided. This means the industry subject matter expert must demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed:

Industry sector

AQF indicator level***

Required assessor or industry subject matter expert experience

Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Infrastructure

1

1 year

2

2 years

Drilling, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying), Metalliferous Mining and Civil Infrastructure

3-6

3 years

Other sectors

Where this unit is being assessed outside of the resources and infrastructure sectors assessor and/or industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation.

*Guidance on simulated environments has been stipulated in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide located on VETNet.

**Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to industry by conducting a minimum number of site assessments as determined by the relevant industry sector, across various locations.

*** While a unit of competency does not have an AQF level, where a unit is being delivered outside of a qualification the first numeric character in the unit code should be considered as the AQF indicator level for assessment purposes.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

apply and monitor systems and methods of surface coal mining on at least two occasions, including:

implementing measures for strata spoil and dump failures

implementing control methods for virgin and induced stress

implementing stockpile control measures

assessing outcomes, forming reasoned recommendations and completing reports

interpreting and assessing surface and groundwater information.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply relevant documentation, policies and procedures and confirm work activity is compliant

implement requirements, procedures and techniques for monitoring of systems and methods of surface coal mining, including:

analysing hazards and risks, and implementing control measures

accessing and analysing archival and historical mine management information relating to the mine and failure mode of mine structures

interpreting and monitoring the application of design criteria for strata management

identifying and evaluating geological and geotechnical information

work effectively with others to monitor systems and methods of surface coal mining in a manner that meets required outcomes, including:

complying with reporting requirements and procedures

providing leadership and direction to others

communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions

providing clear and timely instruction and supervision to those involved in monitoring of the mining systems and methods

communicating clearly and concisely with others to resolve coordination requirements prior to commencing and during work activities.

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

key procedures and documentation required to apply and monitor systems and methods of surface coal mining, including:

key mine site historical information

surface and groundwater information

principles and techniques for applying monitoring systems and methods of surface coal mining, including:

monitoring systems and methodologies

stable structure controls and excavation maintenance procedures

plant, equipment and tools maintenance requirements and procedures

audit, audit inspection, communication and reporting methodologies

principles and techniques for interpreting visual signs of stress, including:

mining induced stress

vertical and horizontal stress tectonics

adverse jointing

fault orientation

spoil characteristics

principles and techniques for assessing and implementing failure mechanisms, including:

strata spoil and dump failure measures

virgin and induced stress control methods

stockpile control measures

mining structure failure modes

geology, hydrogeological, strata and strata gas characteristics relating to surface coal mining

basic mining engineering principles relating to surface coal mining

principles, processes and techniques for emergency responses, evacuations and disaster planning

techniques for coordinating and communicating job activities with others.

Mandatory conditions for assessment of this unit are stipulated below. The assessment must:

include access to:

systems and methods of surface coal mining documentation

be conducted in a safe environment; and,

be assessed in the context of this sector's work environment; and,

be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures and processes directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,

confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances.

Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated work environment* provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must be able to clearly demonstrate current and relevant industry knowledge and experience to satisfy the mandatory regulatory standards as set out in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/Australian Quality Training Framework mandatory requirements for assessors current at the time of assessment and any relevant licensing and certification requirements. This includes:

vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered and assessed

current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided

current knowledge and skills in vocational training and learning that informs their training and assessment

formal relevant qualifications in training and assessment

having knowledge of and/or experience using the latest techniques and processes

possessing the required level of RII training product knowledge

having an understanding and knowledge of legislation and regulations relevant to the industry and to employment and workplaces

demonstrating the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence outlined in this unit of competency, and

the minimum years of current** work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below in an industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit.

It is also acceptable for the appropriately qualified assessor to work with an industry expert to conduct assessment together and for the industry expert to be involved in the assessment judgement. The industry expert must have current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided. This means the industry subject matter expert must demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed:

Industry sector

AQF indicator level***

Required assessor or industry subject matter expert experience

Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Infrastructure

1

1 year

2

2 years

Drilling, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying), Metalliferous Mining and Civil Infrastructure

3-6

3 years

Other sectors

Where this unit is being assessed outside of the resources and infrastructure sectors assessor and/or industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation.

*Guidance on simulated environments has been stipulated in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide located on VETNet.

**Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to industry by conducting a minimum number of site assessments as determined by the relevant industry sector, across various locations.

*** While a unit of competency does not have an AQF level, where a unit is being delivered outside of a qualification the first numeric character in the unit code should be considered as the AQF indicator level for assessment purposes.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Obtain, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements 
Access, interpret and apply systems and methods of surface coal mining documentation and confirm work activity is compliant 
Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures according to site requirements 
Identify and assess risks associated with unstable mining structures within scope of own role 
Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and identify steps required to respond to emergencies 
Communicate, apply and monitor approved mining system according to mining system and site requirements 
Communicate and apply primary and secondary support systems according to mining system and site requirements 
Identify and assess operational constraints impacting on the maintenance of stable mining structure according to mining system and site requirements 
Assess and report strata spoil and dump failures and implement appropriate control measures according to mining system and site requirements 
Identify and monitor application of the mining sequences according to mining system and site requirements 
Identify, assess and record failure mechanisms and implement control measures according to mining system and site requirements 
Identify and apply emergency response and evacuation plans and procedures and report on outcomes according to site requirements 
Monitor and report on standard operating procedures according to site requirements 
Contribute to systems audit and review requirements within scope of own role 
Identify, interpret and assess surface and groundwater information according to site requirements 
Monitor implementation of drainage system within scope of own role 
Identify, interpret and confirm stockpile requirements according to site requirements 
Monitor and report stockpile configuration according to site requirements 
Identify and assess stockpile operation and implement control measures according to site requirements 
Complete and submit reports according to site requirements 
Provide recommendations in terms of safety, efficiency and effectiveness of systems within scope of own role 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

RIIMEX405E - Apply and monitor systems and methods of surface coal mining
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

RIIMEX405E - Apply and monitor systems and methods of surface coal mining

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: