Apprenticeship training course

Mine management (level 6)

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Information about Mine management (level 6)

Lead and manage underground mining operations.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • The mining life cycle including the key regulations, standards and guidance that influence the design, construction and operations and closure of mining operations.
  • Physical geology on the mine environment, including the physical properties of rock, soil and mineral deposits and the impact of weathering, plate tectonics and geomorphic features.
  • The impact of structural geology, including features such as dip, faulting, rock strength and the principles of elasticity.
  • Design principles of mines and layout including geology and geomechanics, layout, size and position of mine entries and roadways, and the systems and equipment used for extraction and mine support.
  • Stress analysis in the mine environment, including the means of measuring pre-mining stress, induced mining stress and stress redistribution.
  • Types of support systems, considering the design, intended life, suitability of support systems and strata reinforcement.
  • Rock mechanics and the impact on mine design and the surrounding environment.
  • The influence and requirements of mechanical and electrical engineering principles and procedures have on the safe, efficient operation of the mine.
  • Mine surveying techniques for measuring and mapping of mine workings, including the recording of information and the use of analytical measures to verify the results.
  • Mineral preparation, processing, and waste management techniques including the use of separation techniques, methods of concentrating and further refining, the handling and transport of bulk solids and the safe, sustainable disposal of mineral waste and tailings.
  • How to design the operation to extract the reserves in a legislatively compliant, economic, ecological, sustainable, and socially acceptable manner.
  • The influence and requirements of legislation on the principles of risk management and the methods that are used to deal with major and occupational hazards, operational, safety, health, financial and environmental risks. The evaluation and implementation of appropriate control measures to reduce risk to As Low as Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).
  • The principles of major hazard control, and the impact that preventative and mitigating control failure had have on elevating the propensity for mine disasters.
  • The principles of scenario planning to recognise the factors that influence the implementation of mine emergency plans including suitable considerations for self-escape and the use of mines rescue. The use of data collected through simulated exercises to improve the planned response.
  • The factors controlling the planning and deployment of automated and digital technologies in mine environments to improve operational efficiency, productivity, safety and sustainability.
  • The different stages of projects including the principles of planning, scheduling, and sequencing to ensure effective life of mine plans. The ways of managing, influencing, and controlling outcomes. through the application of project management techniques.
  • Underground mining management principles, including the role that mine ventilation systems and ventilation techniques have on the release and presence of toxic, noxious, and explosive gasses through the mining process. The generation and control of inhalable and respirable dust and increased levels of heat and humidity.
  • The mine environment and the impact that it has on operational performance, safety, and long-term health of employees.
  • The principles of mine closure and legacy risk management.
  • The impact of a mining operation through its life cycle using the principles of asset integrity, environmental and social impact assessment methodologies and the application of current industry best practice to support an environmentally robust and sustainable operation.
  • Financial and economic strategies, including budgets, financial management and accounting. The influence of commodity prices, feasibility studies, financial reports incorporating cash flow, capital, profit and loss.
  • Approaches to costing and procurement, contracting, sales, marketing, and the route to market, including consideration of any legal requirements.
  • Communication techniques, including written, verbal, nonverbal and digital, and different types of interpersonal skills including questioning and listening.
  • Different, inclusive leadership styles and models, how to develop diverse teams and support people using coaching and mentoring.
  • Approaches to stakeholder, customer, and supplier management.
  • Time management, how to set SMART targets, prioritise activities and undertake forward planning in a business environment.
  • Data analysis techniques used to examine complex and interacting issues, to assist in developing appropriate solutions solving and support the decision-making process.
  • How to develop and implement operational strategy and plans including approaches to identify and classify mineral reserves.

  Skills

  • Specify the system for supporting the excavation, using information such as the characteristics of the geology, rock formations, data from modelling and measurements taken.
  • Undertake the mine design process, incorporating elements such as mine layout, roadway design, scheduling, resourcing and ventilation. Determine the impact that these decisions have on the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of the mine.
  • Undertake mine surveys and use the information to evaluate mine development against the agreed layout and design.
  • Collect, analyse and use data from mining and asset management systems to review the impact of the operation, using outputs to improve safety, sustainability and the efficiency and effectiveness of mining systems.
  • Develop and implement operational mine plans that have SMART targets and are supported by key performance indicators.
  • Use project management and planning techniques. Allocate resource requirements. Monitor progress towards project goals and identify corrective actions.
  • Identify and utilise risk assessment techniques appropriate for the identified hazards such as major mining hazards with the use of Bowtie methodology. Use these techniques to identify and implement key controls and use safety performance indicators to monitor the effectiveness of those controls.
  • Plan and manage emergency arrangements, including simulated exercises. Determine the effectiveness of those emergency arrangements, and to inform potential improvements.
  • Undertake ventilation surveys such as measuring airflow, heat and dust to identify how the mine environment is being maintained.
  • Identify the statutory and company requirements for monitoring and maintaining records and plans and complete a suitable audit and evaluation to ensure compliance.
  • Manage and adapt budgets and control expenditure. Review and produce financial reports that provide analysis and draw conclusions on financial risk and evaluation of short and long term mine strategies.
  • Review quality control standards and ensure that these are effectively and consistently applied and where necessary take corrective action.
  • Communicate with colleagues, stakeholders and other interested parties using a range of different methods and techniques, challenging, influencing, and negotiating where appropriate.
  • Build teams, empower, mentor, coach, motivate and delegate to others, providing clear guidance and ensuring inclusivity.
  • Developing others; taking account of diversity, equality and inclusivity.
  • Work collaboratively with all stakeholders, including regulators (Health and Safety Executive), customers, suppliers, and trade unions.
  • Manage and lead others including conflict management.
  • Plan and manage own time.
  • Use evidence-based tools, qualitive and quantitative analysis techniques to demonstrate an ethical approach to problem solving and making decisions that improve the safety, operational and environmental performance of the underground operation.
  • Specify the machinery and equipment to support the overall safety and production.

  Behaviours

  • Act as a role model and advocate for health and safety across the team.
  • Act as a role model and advocate environmental, ethical, and sustainable practices.
  • Collaborate and promote teamwork across disciplines.
  • Adapt and is resilient to challenging or changing situations.
  • Lead by example to promote accessibility, diversity and inclusion.
  • Commit to their own and support others’ professional development.
  • Take responsibility for their own actions and challenge the behaviours and actions of others.
  • Recognise the limits of their capabilities and authorisation and work to those limits.
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Engineering and manufacturing
• Qualification level: 6; Equal to degree
• Course duration: 48 months
• Maximum funding: £24,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
• Job titles include:
  • Engineer manager
  • Head of operations
  • Head of technical services
  • Mine manager
  • Operations engineering manager
  • Operations manager
  • Operations superintendent
  • Planning manager
  • Principal mining engineer
  • Production manager
  • Production superintendent
  • Shift manager
  • Shift superintendent
  • Technical services manager

View more information about Mine management (level 6) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.