First class mine manager’s certificate for non-coal mines

A person is eligible for a first class mine manager’s (FCMM) certificate for non-coal mines if they can demonstrate evidence of the following. 

Education and qualifications

Applicants must be at least 25 years old and hold one of the following qualifications:

• a mining engineering degree from an Australian university
• an equivalent qualification approved by Mining Competence Advisory Committee (MCAC).

You need to provide a copy of your relevant qualification(s) and academic transcript(s). Evidence must be provided in the Qualification self-assessment: Template. 

Experience

Applicants must have:

• at least 5 years’ mine experience including 3 years in an underground non-coal mine
• at least 3 months’ experience in each relevant activity working underground
• at least 6 months’ experience in ventilation, planning or emergency management with a minimum of 84 shifts worked
• experience in managing ground stability with a minimum of 42 shifts worked
• experience in the use of explosives for a minimum of 42 shifts worked
• experience in mine transport and other services necessary for mining operations to be carried out with a minimum of 42 shifts worked. 

Evidence must be provided in the Statement of experience template with the applicant’s competency confirmed by a nominated supervisor.

Training

WHS risk management units

Applicants must complete the national units of competency in WHS risk management approved for this certificate. 

The following WHS risk management units must be completed.

• RIIRIS501E or BSBWHS513 Risk management core unit of competency
• BSBWHS411 Unit of competency to contextualise work health and safety risk for a statutory position holder
• RIIRIS402E or BSBWHS414 – Unit of competency to assist in risk communication.

The committee can consider current and superseded equivalent versions of the above units if they are completed on or after 1 January 2018.

First aid

Applicant must receive first aid training by completing HLTAID011 Provide first aid as the minimum acceptable unit of competency. The certificate must be issued within 3 years prior to the MCAC review.

Mining exams

Applicant must pass the applicable mining legislation exam for a first class mine manager’s certificate for non-coal mines. 

No fee payable to sit the mining legislation exam. 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.

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. 

Supporting documentation and resources

• Statement of experience: FCMM – 5 years employment on a mine site: Template
• Statement of experience: FCMM – 84 shifts employment in mine ventilation, mine planning or mine emergency management: Template
• Statement of experience: FCMM – 42 shifts managing ground stability: Template
• Statement of experience: FCMM – 42 shifts in production activities in stopes and development faces: Template
• Statement of experience: FCMM – 42 shifts in the use of explosives: Template
• Statement of experience: FCMM – 42 shifts in mine transport and other services necessary for mining operations to be carried out: Template
• First class mine manager – qualification self-assessment: Template
• First class mine manager – examples of suitable roles against relevant activity: Guide

These documents and templates are available from the First class mine manager’s certificate for non-coal mines: Templates.

Statutory certificates frequently asked questions