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.

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:

*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.

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance but not explicit in the performance criteria.

Coal mining (open cut)