Critical Aspects of Evidence
The evidence required to demonstrate this competency must be relevant to mine site operations. In addition to satisfying the requirements of all elements, performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, evidence must include demonstration of:
knowledge of procedures, requirements and instructions to apply and monitor systems and methods of mining appropriate to a mine site on a mine site
implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the efficient and effective application and monitoring of systems and methods of mining appropriate a mine site on a mine site, while complying with site risk control, health, safety, environmental, quality and communication requirements. This will include:
monitoring and apply personal and operational safety procedures
interpreting and communicating information on the stability of mining structures
identifying and effectively managing risks and hazards associated with mining structures, dumps and stock piles
evaluating mine site and failure mode historical information relating to the maintenance of stable mining structures
identifying and assessing geological features
identifying, monitoring and assessing strata gas characteristics, lithological features, stress regimes coal seam stockpile and waste dump, spontaneous combustion and other methods of heating
identifying, monitoring and assessing mining system types and methods
identifying, assessing and reporting mining constraints/equipment requirements.
Required Knowledge
Specific knowledge is required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit to the standards of performance required in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. Assessment requires evidence of the ability to identify and explain the purpose of:
legislative and statutory requirements for mining structures , including mine plans, mining methods and safety management plans
the systems of mining
interpret visual signs of stress , including mining induced stress, adverse joining, fault orientation, spoil characteristics
sedimentology , including subsidence, water bearing strata, permeability of seam and strata, hydrology, physical property testing, over and underlying strata
mining systems of work
stable structure control and maintenance of excavation
geology, hydrogeological, strata and strata gas characteristics
coal seam characteristics which may include rank, petrology, moisture, cleat, coal hardness, seam gas, friability, pyrites, depositional factors such as seam formation, seam thickness, multiple and rider seams, fault folding, seam dip and depth of cover
basic mechanical, electrical and pressurised fluid safety
mining engineering principles
audit inspection, communication and reporting methodologies
job safety analysis
mine site historical information
people management.
Required Skills
Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit. Assessment needs to obtain evidence of the ability to:
access, interpret and apply technical information
plan operations
access and analyse archival and historical strata management information related to the mine and failure mode of mine structures
interpret and monitor the application of design criteria for strata management
communicate effectively in the work place
apply operational procedures relating to strata management
conduct and report on audits and inspections
identify and evaluate geological and geotechnical information.
Assessment and Interdependence of Units
This unit may be assessed with other relevant units forming a cohesive work function, according to specific mine site requirements.
Pre-requisite Units
There are no prerequisite units for this unit.
Resource Implications
Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a mine-site work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular mine sites may differ due to mine site conditions, equipment availability, equipment/plant types and different contexts.
Consistency in Performance
To ensure consistency of performance, this unit may be assessed over a period of time and a range of work and site conditions. Local site factors will influence the breadth of evidence require to demonstrate the competency.
Context for Assessment
This unit should be assessed in the work environment where possible. Some assessment events may be conducted under simulated conditions where issues of safety and/or environmental damage are limiting factors.
All assessments must be valid, reliable, fair and flexible, and sufficient evidence should be accumulated to demonstrate the required competence.
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
Methods of Assessment
Appropriate methods of assessment for this unit will usually include:
simulation/scenario analysis
oral and/or written questioning on required knowledge and skills
testimony from supervisors, colleagues, clients and/or other appropriate persons
inspection of the final product or outcome
a portfolio of documentary evidence
simulation and/or scenario analysis.
Where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a period of time and/or in a number of locations, any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons.
Questioning should be undertaken in such a manner as is appropriate to the language and literacy levels of the candidate and to the requirements of the unit of competency.