Regulation Part 3 - Management of Mines

Question 1

An underground workplace must be inspected at frequent intervals. In a non-coal mining operation;

(a) What qualifications must the person carrying out the inspection possess?
(b) How frequently must the inspections be carried out?
(c) Who determines if the workplace requires a more frequent inspection?
(d) How is a direction regarding this rate of inspection to be made?

Answer 1

(a) - 1st Class Mine Managers Certificate
- Underground Supervisors Certificate

(b) - Once per shift
- More frequently if determined by the Manager

(c) The Underground Manager
(d) In writing

Question 2

The Regulations require that certain information be provided when giving notification of commencement of mining operations including the provision of a Project Management Plan for the mining operation.

What do the Regulations require to be included in the Project Management Plan?

Answer 2

• Summary of proposed operations including; mine type, mineral extracted, mineral treatment onsite, no. employees, expected duration.
• Risk & Hazard Management Plan
• Survey Plan of mine layout, tenement boundaries.
• Underground operation plan, ventilation, stoping & development systems.
• Mine layout plan
• Emergency Preparation Plan

Question 3

The employer must ensure that biological monitoring is carried out when certain conditions are found.

(a) List the 3 factors that must exist before biological monitoring becomes mandatory.
(b) Who is empowered to request that biological monitoring be carried out on employees not included in the above criteria?
(c) What may the employer be required to do with the results of the biological monitoring?

Answer 3

(a) - Employees who engage in specified occupational exposure work.
- Where there is a recognised biological monitoring procedure.
- A reasonable likelihood for exceedance of accepted values.

(b) State Mining Engineer
(c) Provide results in writing to the State Mining Engineer.

Question 4

The Act requires that the District Inspector is notified of the commencement or suspension of mining. The Regulations list the information which needs to be included in the notification.

In addition to the general details to be included in any notification what specific details must be included in the notification of the suspension of mining operation?

Answer 4

In addition to the general information included in the notification, the following details must be included:

• Reason & duration for planned suspension.
• Detail whether closure is total or partial, with open pit / underground workings still in operation.
• If suspension is partial, provide details for the provisions of regular services & emergency services for the remaining operation.
• Measures taken to prevent unauthorised access to the mine.
• Precautions taken to protect underground equipment and services.

Question 5

(a) What are the training requirements in addition to requirements stipulated in regulation 4.13 for employees engaged in exploration work?
(b) What are the requirements for equipment to be provided for exploration operation?

Answer 5

(a) An Employer must ensure each employee is provided with training to manage risks associated with the hazards of exploration operations in remote sites.
(b) An Employer must ensure employees are provided with suitable vehicles and appropriate equipment (including communications and emergency equipment) to engage in operations.

Question 6

(a) What details must be included in the notice of recommencement in addition to the details set out in the regulation 3.12?
(b) What is the duty of the registered manager with respect to inspection of a mine?

Answer 6

(a) 1. Sufficient information to demonstrate that mine services and emergency response capacity have been maintained and restored.
2. Details of any substantial changes to the mine operations.

(b) The Registered Manager must ensure that each workplace at the mine is inspected.

Question 7

What are the requirements to hold an authorised mine surveyors certificate?

Answer 7

A person must not make or draw a survey or plan of a quarry unless the person:

• Holds an authorised mine surveyors certificate (grade 1 or 2)
• Is acting under the control and supervision of a person who holds an authorised mine surveyors certificate.

A person must not make or draw a survey or plan of an underground mine unless the person:

• Holds an authorised mine surveyors certificate (grade 1 only)
• Is acting under the control and supervision of a person who holds an authorised mine surveyors certificate.

The Mine Manager must enter in the record book the name of the Surveyor appointed and the day of appointment.