Mining courses

Subjects Covered in Mining Courses

The subjects covered in mining courses are numerous. You may not need to learn about all of these things. Some are specific to certain kinds of jobs. This is a general overview of some of the course subjects that are being offered.

Health and Safety Mining Courses

The health, safety and well-being of employees are major concerns. Mine operators must also be concerned about issues that can affect the productivity and profit of the mines. Accidents cost mining companies money.

So, all mines focus on safety training as a priority and people with the right safety training are a low risk for most mining companies and therefore more attractive to employ. They may require you to take a course such as the ones available through Industry Pathways or they may provide safety training courses at the mine site, called Induction Training.

Heavy Mining Equipment Operation

The type of equipment used in and around the mines varies somewhat with the type of resource that is being mined. There is underground equipment and surface mining equipment. Not all mines make use of both types. Most mines are strictly above ground or underground. Approximately 80% of Australian mines are surface mines. Around the world, some 40% of coal mines are surface mines.

Surface mines make use of earth movers that are similar to large bulldozers. Large haul trucks are also used. Some mining courses cover the operation of this type of equipment. Some mines provide on-the-job training. It may be helpful to have a special driver`s license (HR), a nationally recognised training accreditation such as the�(RIIMPO311A) Conduct Haul Truck Operations or for operating heavy equipment.

Draglines, loaders, blast-hole drills and graders are other examples of equipment used at surface mines.

The machinery used in underground mines include:

  • continuous miners
  • boggers
  • roof-bolters
  • shuttle cars
  • long-wall machines
  • rock dusters
  • scoops; and
  • personnel vehicles

Most underground miners learn to use this equipment on the job, however there are some mining courses that allow you to become familiar with this type of equipment before you get a full-time job in the mines.

Maintenance and Repair of Mining Equipment

There are specialised mining courses that cover equipment maintenance and repair. Learning to install certain kinds of equipment is useful. Dealing with and inspecting electrical equipment is necessary on most job sites. If you are interested in becoming an electrician, there are numerous jobs for electricians in the mines. Just go to indeed.com.au or seek.com.au for more information.

Explosion-protected equipment is a special category of equipment used primarily in the mining industry. There are mining courses for electricians and others that focus on the overhaul and repair of this specialised equipment. Because the equipment is expensive to purchase and can only be specially ordered from a few providers, it is important to mine operators to keep the equipment in good condition.

Mining courses may cover many other subjects including design, engineering, management and safety inspections. The ones you have read about here are some of the most common courses you will find useful to further your mining career.