Introduction to Mining Operations

Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining
cnim@yukoncollege.yk.ca
t. 867.668.8760 f. 867.668.2935

Program Description

This forty-four day course introduces students to surface and underground mining through a combination of classroom and on-the-job training at Yukon College and in the three producing mines.  With safety at the core of everything we do, the program will orient students to the working environment in a producing mine, both underground and surface; provide an overview of the stages of the mining process and offer a complete two-week work shift in one of the mines.

Click here for the Application form.

Admission Requirements

• Age 18+
• Alcohol and drug free (willing to undergo alcohol and drug testing prior to acceptance into program)
• Yukon class 5 driver’s license with a clean drivers abstract (Yukon class 1 with a clean drivers abstract would be preferred for those wanting to start as haul truck drivers)
• Good health and physically fit - able to carry up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work in a fly-in/fly-out work environment and a 2-week in/2-week out rotational work cycle
• Good vision and hearing
• Three references (work or personal)

Other Requirements

Industry led job readiness and aptitude interview to determine if the applicant:

• Desires to work in the mining industry for the long term
• Takes direction well
• Is willing to work 12 hour days both indoors and in extreme temperatures
• Is acceptable to working in an underground mine in close quarters
• Is safety conscious

Yukon First Nations applicants will be given priority

Employment

Yukon’s mining industry is rapidly growing.  The mines are looking for local qualified workers who take direction well, have a dedication to their jobs and have willingness and desire to work hard.  This program will provide an avenue for students to secure entry-level employment in the mines.  Time, hard work, good attitude, commitment and further training will increase opportunities for promotion within the mines.

Duration

This program is 44 days with (388 hours of instruction) and consists of up to 26 modules delivered as per the current schedule.

General Outcomes

In order to graduate, students must successfully complete all courses in the program. Graduates of the program will receive a Yukon College Certificate.

Ancillary Fees

2012-13 Ancillary Fees 21 KB

Course Fee: $1,000. 

Additional Costs:  Students will need to cover their food costs while they are in classes in Whitehorse.  For those requiring accommodation in Whitehorse accommodation will be provided.  All accommodation and food costs will be provided at the mine sites. All personal protective gear will be provided.  Specific packing lists will be provided to students accepted to the program.

MODULE DESCRIPTIONS

WEEK 1 (4 days) at Yukon College Ayamdigut Campus (Whitehorse)

Mining Employment and Preparation
This module will be introduced in the first portion of the program, but will be revisited throughout the entire program.

First Aid and CPR

Introduction to Mining Safety 

WEEK 2 (2 weeks – 12 x 10 hours/day or 120 hours ) at Mine Site 

This section will involve all the students visiting each of the three operating mines.  In this section, they will be exposed to the mining cycle in both surface and underground contexts.  The two-week period will entail: three travel days and four 10 hours/days in each producing mines. The class will be divided into two groups with both groups having the opportunity to visit each mine.

Surface Mining Production Cycle (4 x 10-hours/day) at Minto Mine

• Working Safely in a Mining Operation
• Intro to Hand Tools and Power Tools
• Service Vehicles
• Conveyers, Crushers and Screens
• Transportation Controls and Communications
• Emergency Evacuation Plans and Procedures

Underground Mine Site (4 x 10-hours/day) at Alexco and (4 x 10 hours/day) at Wolverine
Underground production cycle including orientation to scaling, staging, drilling, bolting, blasting and mucking, milling, and hauling.  The emphasis of the orientation to the mines will depend on the activity at the mine (an orientation to the mill may be provided at Alexco while Wolverine may have a greater emphasis on hauling.

• Communications Underground
• Preparing to go Underground
• Performing General Inspections
• Introduction to Materials, Hand Tools and/or Power Tools
• Mine Ventilation
• Introduction to Mobile and Stationary Equipment Used in Underground Mining Operation
• Fire Prevention and Protection/ Evacuation and Safety

WEEK 3-4 (2 weeks – 80 hours) at Yukon College

Introduction to Mining Cycle 

Introduction to Hydraulic Systems

Ground Control

Bobcat Operator Training for Safe Workplaces (Optional)

Confined Space Awareness

Orientation to Surface Mine Equipment using simulators

• Excavator (based on the Komatsu PC1250 variant)
• Haul Truck (based on the Caterpillar 773F variant)
• Surface Mining Grader (based on the Cat 140H variant)
• Surface Mining Dozer (based on the Cat D10 variant)

Orientation to Underground Mine Equipment
(this is of particular interest to those seeking employment at Wolverine Mine)
Students who hold a Yukon Class 1 Drivers License will be given first priority to participate in this Module
Greater emphasis will be placed on orienting students to the articulated dump truck and the load haul dumper. However, students will see how the drill rig works.

• Underground Mining Articulated Dump Truck (based on the Toro 40D variant)
• Drill Rig (based on the Sandvik DD420 variant) short basic overview
• Load Haul Dumper (based on the Toro 007 variant)

Orientation to Mill Operations
(this will be of particular interest to those who are interested in employment at Alexco)
Students will be oriented to the basics of mining mill operations. 
 

WEEK 5-6 (14 days – 140 hours) at Mine Site

Students will be divided into three groups of four and will be assigned to one of the three mines for a two-week (14 x 10 hours/day) work placement.

Mining Work  
This module introduces students to working conditions and job expectations in surface or underground mines.  Students will have an opportunity to enter and be assigned to specific tasks in a mine under the supervision of the mine.  A College instructor will visit each of the three work sites to ensure that the needs of the employers and the students are met.  Participants may receive further training on actual operations of haul trucks and other entry-level equipment.

WEEK 7 (3 days – 24 hours) at Yukon College

Preparation for Mining Employment
This module will assist students in preparing students for employment in the mining industry.  Students will prepare for interviews, including mock interviews, and will update their resumes, including the training and safety certificates received in the program.

Mining Employment and Preparation Review
Students will review their essential skill portfolios and cross reference the skills acquired in the program to those required for entry-level employment.