The deputy for underground coal mines is responsible for:
- installing ground support
- production activities at the coal face.
Eligibility
A person who holds a relevant qualification is eligible for a deputy’s certificate for underground coal mines if the person:
- reaches 23 years of age
- while working at an underground coal mine, has experience:
- carrying out relevant activities including installing ground support and production activities at the coal face for at least 3 months
- working for at least 6 months in mine ventilation, mine planning or mine emergency management.
Education and qualifications
Applicants must hold either of the following relevant qualifications:
- a degree in mining engineering or science from an Australian university
- a diploma in mining from an Australian university or TAFE
- an equivalent qualification approved by the Mining Competence Advisory Committee (MCAC).
For applicants who do not hold relevant qualifications, they must have at least 5 years’ experience working in an underground coal mine.
Training
- Completion of the national units of competency in health and safety risk management approved for this certificate.
- Receives first aid training by completing HLTAID011 Provide first aid as the minimum acceptable unit of competency.
Mining exam
Applicant must pass the applicable mining legislation exam for a deputy’s certificate for underground coal mines.
Applicant who do not hold relevant qualifications must also pass a mining practice examination for a deputy’s certificate for underground coal mines.
No fee payable to sit the mining exams. Exams must be booked via the Mines statutory positions portal (MSPP).
Good character
Applicants must be of character and must submit a National Police Clearance issued within 12 months of a MCAC review.
Transitioning to a statutory certificate
If you hold a certificate of competency that was issued under the previous Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995, you may be eligible to transition to an equivalent work health and safety statutory certificate.
Apply to transition your certificate via the Mines statutory positions portal (MSPP) before the transitional arrangements period ends.
Lodging your application
Application must be lodged via the Mines Statutory Positions Portal (MSPP).
For information on how to submit supporting documentation for statutory certificates see MSP guidance and resources.