Response required today - review of quarries sector 

All quarry operators registered with the Regulator, excluding local councils, recently received an email from us with a survey about the material being extracted at their operation. The survey relates to a review that’s underway to ensure all quarries are operating in accordance with the requirements of the Mining Act 1992. More information is available on our website.

Quarry operators are reminded that today (Thursday 31 March) is the deadline for responding to the survey questions.

If you seek any further information please email nswresourcesregulator@service-now.com.

EOI for Chairperson of Mining and Petroleum Competence Board

Expressions of interest are sought for appointment as independent Chairperson of the Mining and Petroleum Competence Board.

The Board is a Minister-appointed statutory body established under the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013.

The Chairperson must be independent of the mining industry stakeholder organisations and registered training organisations that service the mining industry. Appointment is for a term of up to three years.

Applications and resumes should be submitted by email to rr.secretariat@planning.nsw.gov.au. Applications close on 22 April 2022. More information is available on our website. 

Updates to certificate of competence exam calendar

Further changes have been made to the examination calendar for the first half of 2022. Details are available on our website and changes include:

• the closing dates for the written and subsequent oral exams have been separated
• mining engineering manager and open cut examiner written exams closing dates
• the underground mine supervisor oral exam closing date has been extended to 11 April.

All applications are to be submitted via the Resources Regulator portal by first obtaining a login, which requires identity documents to be submitted.

Individuals interested in applying are recommended to attend the free briefing session for each function conducted by each examination panel to inform you of what the process requires and what is expected to be assessed as competent. Please register to attend via this link.

A calendar of exams for 2022/2023 financial year will be published by May. Please contact the mining competence team for further information mca@planning.nsw.gov.au or 4063 6461

Changes for quarry manager tier practising certificates 2022 – 2024 

This is a reminder to industry about changes being made for quarry manager practising certificates. Mine operators and practising certificate holders are reminded that the following changes are being implemented:

• tier 2 specific location-only assessment process with an inspector on site will cease accepting applications after 30 September 2022.
• from 1 October 2022 the only process will be to apply for an all tier 2 quarries certificate by satisfying the qualification and experience gazetted requirements
• all new or renewed practising certificates have a condition requiring the holder to possess one of the gazetted eligible qualifications by 1 October 2024.

Further information can be obtained from our Applying for a practising certificate webpage. If you have specific questions contact the Mining competence team at mca@planning.nsw.gov.au or 4063 6461.

Roadway dust sampler information - now online only

The roadway dust sampler training course is now available through private providers to prospective roadway dust samplers nominated at underground coal mines under the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2014.

People interested in attending a course can contact the training providers information available on our website and can be accessed here.

See you at the IQA National Conference

Today is the last day to catch us at the 63rd IQA National Conference.

The conference was held at Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre from 29 March until today (31 March).

Our inspectors will be at Stand # 29 so please drop in and have a chat with the team.

MESS 2022 - Call for speakers closes tomorrow

Our call for speakers for the 30^th Annual Mechanical Engineering Safety Seminar closes tomorrow (Friday 1 April).

We are seeking experienced and enthusiastic presenters for MESS 2022, to be held on 10 and 11 August.

Note: If you submitted an expression of interest for 2021, you do not need to complete an application.

Subscribe to Mining Memo

Mining, Exploration and Geoscience (MEG) has an updated newsletter called Mining Memo.

The newly redesigned and refreshed newsletter will include information for industry, explorers, local government, landholders and other interest groups.

The newsletter will include updates on major projects, notification of changes to regulations or legislation, details about upcoming events, opportunities and achievements. Click here to sign up to receive Mining Memo.

Injured worker support group to continue

Injured workers and those who have lost loved ones in workplace incidents will continue to help shape support services and workplace policy with the Family and Injured Workers Support Group (FIWSG) remaining in place until December 2022.

The group provides advice for those affected by workplace incidents and advocates for increased workplace safety. Further information is available on the Safe Work website.

In case you missed it...

The following are recent publications and updates available on our website:

• Safety bulletin - impact of wet weather on slope stability 
• Fire On Mobile Plant - July to September 2021
• Compliance priorities outcomes – Positive communication (metalliferous miens and Tier-1 quarries)
• Planned Inspection Program – Consolidated Report – Fire or explosion electrical underground coal mines
• Monthly Business Activities Report - February 2022