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Underground Mining Core


Location(s):  Delivery details below

You will receive a comprehensive grounding in mine safety and radiation safety. You will gain an understanding of the components in the mining industry and the stages in the mining process (exploration, development, production and decommissioning).

To meet the needs of students and employers, the program offers two exit points.

Underground Mining Level 1 is offered off campus at rural or remote communities or mine sites in partnership with Northlands College.

Underground Mining Level 2 is offered off campus at northern mine sites in partnership with Northlands College.

You will also receive:

  • a general overview of employee and employer roles and responsibilities

  • an orientation to the seven day-in/seven day-out shift rotation used at fly-in mine sites

  • an introduction to work place conditions (ground conditions, ground control techniques and ventilation systems)

  • an introduction to mining equipment, operating procedures, preventative maintenance procedures and mining processes used in underground mining (drilling, blasting and ore movement)

  • certified training required by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety


Upon successfully completing each of Underground Mining Level 1 and Underground Mining Level 2, you will receive an applied certificate from SIAST.

Length: Total training time 780 hours

The program operates on a seven day-in/day-out shift rotation.

You will receive 60 hours of training per seven day-in rotation (the equivalent of two training weeks) delivered in a community setting.


Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared to work for mining contractors in entry level positions and, with additional underground experience, to advance to become development and production miners.


Program Details

Start Date(s): Varies

For more information, contact Les Erikson at (306) 765-1719.

Apply Now

Admission Requirements


  • 18 years old (to meet CNSC regulations)

  • Grade 10

  • Industry may stipulate other admission requirements consistent with industry standards

  • English Language Requirement


Note

Standard First Aid and CPR HeartSaver "A" AED (FAID 1001) is not a requirement to graduate from the program but it is offered as part of the program to satisfy safety and due diligence.

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.



ACCUPLACER ©     

ACCUPLACER© Cut Scores
for this program

Not applicable at this time
Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies


Admission Method

Application must be made directly to Northlands College. Call Northlands toll free at 1-888-311-1185.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
    • A variety of learning methods are used (including classroom and work place lectures, demonstrations, hands-on learning and supervised skill development and work experiences).
      Work Experience
      Work-based Training

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.


Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.





Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.



  • COMM 185  Industrial Communications
  • You will receive instruction in basic job related interpersonal, oral and written communication, including writing for the workplace and job search techniques to develop employability skills.



    1.0 Credit Units
    16.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Equivalent Course(s):   COMM 127    COMM 186    COMM 187    COMM 188   


  • GEOL 145  Ground Control 1
  • The course provides information on rock formations, rock properties, sources of ground movement, equipment and a demonstration of scaling procedures.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery

    Prerequisites:
    MINE 141 Minimum Grade of 60


  • GEOL 146  Ground Control 2
  • Building on the knowledge acquired in GEOL 145 (Ground Control 1), you will receive an introduction to the hands-on scaling procedures used to check ground conditions.

    1.0 Credit Units
    20.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery

    Prerequisites:
    GEOL 145 Minimum Grade of 60


  • MINE 141  Mine Ventilation 1
  • You will receive an introduction to the purpose of mine ventilation systems, the types of systems used in underground mines and the components of mine ventilation systems.

    1.0 Credit Units
    20.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery

    Prerequisites:
    SUPP 135 Minimum Grade of 60


  • MINE 142  Manual Drilling 1
  • The course provides an introduction to the types and components of manual drilling equipment (Jackleg and Stoper drills) used in hard-rock mines. The course content includes safety procedures and procedures for rigging-in and operating manual drills.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery


  • MINE 143  Blasting Methods 1
  • The course provides an introduction to the types of explosives, igniters and detonators. The course content includes safe handling, transportation and storage procedures.

    1.0 Credit Units
    10.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery


  • MINE 144  Ore Movement 1
  • The course provides an introduction to some of the types of equipment (scooptram, remote controls, ore trucks and conveyors) and procedures used to handle and move muck safely.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery


  • MINE 153  Introduction to Radiation Safety
  • The course provides an introduction to the sources of ionizing radiation, atoms, protons, neutrons, radioactive decay chain, types of ionizing radiation, protection methods, monitoring methods, exposure limits and regulatory reporting procedures.

    1.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery


  • MINE 155  Mine Ventilation 2
  • Building on the knowledge of mine ventilation systems acquired in MINE 141 (Mine Ventilation 1), you will develop the skills needed to install and maintain mine ventilation systems.

    1.0 Credit Units
    20.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery

    Prerequisites:
    MINE 141 Minimum Grade of 60


  • MINE 156  Manual Drilling 2
  • Building on the knowledge and skills gained in MINE 142 (Manual Drilling 1), you will learn how to install rock bolts, prepare the face for drilling and drill patterns. You will also begin to develop hands-on skills operating manual drilling equipment.

    7.0 Credit Units
    100.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery

    Prerequisites:
    MINE 142 Minimum Grade of 60


  • MINE 157  Blasting Methods 2
  • Building on the knowledge and skills gained in MINE 143 (Blasting Methods 1), you will learn the safe use and methods of preparing and blasting single and multiple shots.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery

    Prerequisites:
    MINE 143 Minimum Grade of 60


  • MINE 158  Ore Movement 2
  • Building on the knowledge and skills gained in MINE 144 (Ore Movement 1), you will learn the safety procedures and skills needed to operate additional types of track and tramming ore handling equipment (slushers, mucking machines and ore trucks).

    7.0 Credit Units
    100.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery

    Prerequisites:
    MINE 144 Minimum Grade of 60


  • MINE 159  Shaft Operations
  • You will study the components of a mine shaft and general shaft safety procedures.

    1.0 Credit Units
    20.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery

    Prerequisites:
    MINE 145 Minimum Grade of 60


  • RIGG 141  Rigging and Staging
  • The course provides an introduction to the purpose and types of rigging and staging equipment and devices. You will also develop the skills needed to hang pipe and use fixed and mobile staging equipment.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery


  • SUPP 135  Introduction to Mining Safety
  • You will become familiar with the range of personal protection/fall arrest/respiratory and fire equipment, safe working practices, WHMIS and OH&S regulations.

    4.0 Credit Units
    54.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery

    Prerequisites:
    SUPP 155 Minimum Grade of 60


  • SUPP 155  Introduction to Mining Industry
  • You will gain an understanding of the types of mineral and metal resources in Saskatchewan, the exploration, development, operations and de-commissioning cycle, and types of surface and underground mining operations.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery


  • WORK 144  Work Experience 1
  • The course provides an introduction to working conditions and activities in an underground mine.

    0.0 Credit Units
    75.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Work Experience -Individual, Work Experience - Group

    Prerequisites:
    COMM 185 Minimum Grade of 60


  • WORK 148  Work Experience 2
  • Building on the practical skills and experience you gained in WORK 144 (Work Experience 1), you will have an opportunity to develop your hands-on practical skills and knowledge.

    0.0 Credit Units
    75.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Work Experience -Individual, Work Experience - Group

    Prerequisites:
    WORK 144 Minimum Grade of CO



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