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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for materials extraction operations underground
   • Access, interpret and apply materials extraction operation documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant
   • Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements
   • Select, and check for faults, relevant tools/equipment for the activity
   • Survey mine workings to verify planned operation
   • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency
   • Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
   • Inspect shaft and roof stability
   • Establish communication system, methods and protocols with other personnel
2. Operate machinery and equipment to extract materials
   • Coordinate mining activities with others throughout the work activity
   • Conduct machinery and equipment pre-start, start-up, shutdown and isolation procedures
   • Drive/manoeuvre machinery to extraction location
   • Drive and operate machinery and equipment to extract and load materials
   • Cut drives and faces to planned sequence and site conditions, maintaining operational parameters in accordance with the mine work plan
   • Monitor systems alarms, and identify and rectify factors adversely affecting production
   • Identify/monitor and respond to changing geological conditions to maintain safety and production levels
   • Continually monitor hazards and risks , and ensure safety of self, other personnel, plant and equipment
3. Carry out operator maintenance
   • Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials
   • Clean and maintain condition of equipment, ensure suitability for use, and address/report issues
   • Manage and/or report hazards, and maintain a safe working environment
   • Process records
4. Plan and prepare for materials extraction operations underground
   • Access, interpret and apply materials extraction operation documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant
   • Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements
   • Select, and check for faults, relevant tools/equipment for the activity
   • Survey mine workings to verify planned operation
   • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency
   • Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
   • Inspect shaft and roof stability
   • Establish communication system, methods and protocols with other personnel
5. Operate machinery and equipment to extract materials
   • Coordinate mining activities with others throughout the work activity
   • Conduct machinery and equipment pre-start, start-up, shutdown and isolation procedures
   • Drive/manoeuvre machinery to extraction location
   • Drive and operate machinery and equipment to extract and load materials
   • Cut drives and faces to planned sequence and site conditions, maintaining operational parameters in accordance with the mine work plan
   • Monitor systems alarms, and identify and rectify factors adversely affecting production
   • Identify/monitor and respond to changing geological conditions to maintain safety and production levels
   • Continually monitor hazards and risks , and ensure safety of self, other personnel, plant and equipment
6. Carry out operator maintenance
   • Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials
   • Clean and maintain condition of equipment, ensure suitability for use, and address/report issues
   • Manage and/or report hazards, and maintain a safe working environment
   • Process records

Performance Evidence

Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:

locates and applies applicable legislation, documentation, policies and procedures

implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of underground materials extraction operations including:

selecting and using relevant tools & equipment

accessing, interpreting and applying manufacturer’s/supplier’s manuals

applying diagnostic and fault finding techniques

maintaining equipment records

works effectively with others to undertake and complete the conduct of underground materials extraction operations that meets all of the required outcomes including:

communicating clearly and concisely with others to confirm instructions

organising and prioritising work activities

demonstrates completion of conducting materials extraction operations underground that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

driving and manoeuvring machinery to extraction location

operating machinery and equipment to extract and load materials

cutting drives and faces to planned sequence and the mine work plan

carrying out basic operator maintenance

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in conducting materials extraction operations underground through:

accessing, interpreting and applying the organization and site requirements and procedures for:

working underground and equipment operation

emergency response

pillar extraction methods and safety requirements

hazardous materials handling

environmental issues

operating hoisting systems

assessment of mine ground conditions

machinery and equipment operation and maintenance

accessing, interpreting and applying machinery and equipment characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations

accessing, interpreting and applying mine geology and survey data associated with ore-bearing ground

identifying ventilation systems

accessing, interpreting and applying site environmental requirements and constraints relevant to machinery and equipment operations

identifying pillar configuration, design and layout

identifying characteristics and properties of roofs and walls

being prepared for fire/accident/emergency

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