Introduction to Surface Mining
(30hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will be introduced to the field of surface mining. Course topics include an understanding of minerals and the mining industry; the various types of mining and surface mining; the mining lifecycle; and the roles and responsibilities of a Surface Miner and their Supervisors/Team Leaders. The course will also provide information about the working conditions of Surface Miners; the knowledge and skills they require; and the importance of communications in surface mining.
Personal Safety
(30hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will learn about their personal responsibility for the safety of self and others; the hazards and risks associated with mining; and how to assess, report, identify and control hazards and risks. Students will also become familiar with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); their responsibilities related to the function, use and maintenance of PPE; the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS); and fire safety.
Working Safely at Site
(30hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will be introduced to the daily safety practices to ensure the safety of self and others at site. Course topics include working safely in, and around, an open pit including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); safe working practices for a variety of northern and mining conditions; traffic rules and responsibilities; and pit slope design with an understanding of concepts, terminology and wall stability; and, potential hazards including geological structures.
Surface Mining Mobile Equipment
(180hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will be introduced to mobile equipment including light vehicles, haul trucks and loaders used in surface mining. Students will become familiar with safety practices including pre-start, walk around, shut down and emergency brake procedures; and controls and gauges associated with safe operations.
Significant portions of the course will take place on simulators and at the Aurora College open pit training facility.
Surface Mining Hand and Power Tools
(30hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will be introduced to hand and power tools used in surface mining and will become familiar with practices for the safe use, handling and storage of hand and power tools.
Explosives and Blasting
(30hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will be introduced to the correct processes and methods for using explosives and working around blasting operations with a strong emphasis on safety.
The course will include information on drill patterns and blasting methods; different types of blasting; and various types of explosives. The course will focus on the hazards associated with explosives and blasting and the safety precautions for working around, handling, using and transporting explosives.
The course is for familiarization purposes ONLY. The course does not involve the actual use of explosives or blasting components. Participants interested in a career in explosives or blasting must enter into an accredited blasting program.
Emergency Preparedness
(30hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will be introduced to emergency preparedness including site wide emergency planning; the key components of an emergency plan; emergency planning for a surface mine in a Northern climate; and the components and personal responsibilities of emergency notifications.