This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to conduct mining geology operations. The unit covers analysing organisational priorities and specifications to identify projects; and planning projects to identify and document factors, such as objectives, deliverables, risks, constraints and equipment requirements, in order to comply with regulations and legislation applicable to the mining industry. The unit also covers analysing mining geology to assess and recognise geological aspects of possible ore deposits, rock types and structures, and levels of rock stability and ground support; using surveying techniques to take measurements and reduce and manipulate spatial data to assist in analysing the geology of the mining operation. The unit requires the ability to implement project management activities relating to scheduling, measuring, recording, monitoring and reporting work progress. It also requires the ability to evaluate project activities and outcomes for compliance with specifications. It requires knowledge of underground mining and mining geology operations.

The unit supports surveyors of mine geology who work in a surveying team in a mining environment.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit in some States where mining surveying must be undertaken under the supervision of a registered surveyor. Relevant state and territory regulatory authorities should be consulted to confirm those requirements.

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy the requirements of the elements, performance criteria, foundation skills and range of conditions of this unit. The person must also conduct mining geology operations for two different projects.

While conducting the above mining geology operations, the person must:

assess the environment to recognise geological aspects of possible ore deposits

analyse mining geology to report on:

geological aspects of possible ore deposits

rock types and structures

levels of rock stability and ground support

ore and minerals fundamental to mining operations

methods for obtaining ore and mineral samples

communicate clearly with clients and others to clarify and report project information

comply with organisational policies and procedures, standards, mining regulations and legislation when planning and implementing project activities

evaluate mining geology projects for compliance with specifications and identify non-conformances

measure geological survey components using two of the following pieces of equipment:

current meter

echo sounder

global navigation satellite system (GNSS)

level

remote sensing

tape

total station

perform calculations to measure, reduce and validate spatial data captured from surveying tasks

plan and implement project management mechanisms to ensure the project is completed within required timeframes and complies with specifications and standards

plan and implement risk and contingency management strategies

use computers and relevant software applications to manipulate spatial data and develop reports

work safely, using personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing surveying tasks.

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must demonstrate knowledge of:

accuracy and precision requirements for mining geology surveying operations

basic characteristics of common ore and mineral deposits

classification of economic mineral deposits and the process involved in presenting a schematic model

data capture and set-out techniques

data reduction and manipulation techniques

methods for assessing the environment to recognise ore deposits

methods for obtaining ore and mineral samples

mineral exploration methods, including geophysical, geochemical and geological techniques

mining methods for metalliferous and coal mines

organisational policies and procedures, standards, regulations and legislation relating to:

client and stakeholder communication

mining industry and mine design, including:

mine access

layout

service provision, such as water, air, power, lighting and dewatering

mines safety

records and reporting

risk and contingency management

using the equipment specified in the performance evidence

phases and stages of exploration procedures and possible methods of exploration relevant to each

physical and chemical characteristics of rock types and structures fundamental to mining operations

project management techniques for scheduling, measuring and monitoring work progress and planning for risks and contingencies

techniques for providing rock stability and ground support relating to underground mining.

The following must be present and available to learners during assessment activities:

equipment:

as specified in the performance evidence, including PPE

specifications:

mining and surveying specifications, including relevant plans and drawings

organisational policies, procedures and documentation relating to work health and safety

relevant legislation and regulations relating to mines safety

relationships with team members and supervisor:

lead role in a team.

Timeframe:

as specified by project requirements.

Assessor requirements

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) current at the time of assessment.

Surveying and spatial information services