NZQA Expiring unit standard / 15670 version4
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Title / Demonstrate knowledge of mining methods for metalliferous mines
Level / 6 / Credits / 20
Purpose / People credited with this unit standard are able to: demonstrate knowledge of geological features of metalliferous ore bodies in relation to mining methods; describe support requirements and potential hazards in metalliferous mines; demonstrate knowledge of metalliferous mine development methods; and demonstrate knowledge of metalliferous extraction methods.
Classification / Extractive Industries > Underground Extraction
Available grade / Achieved

Guidance Information

None.

Outcomes and performance criteria

Outcome 1

Demonstrate knowledge of geological features of metalliferous ore bodies in relation to mining methods.

Performance criteria

1.1The effects of geological features are described in relation to a given mining method.

Rangestructure, rock properties, ore body characteristics, host rock, minerals.

Outcome 2

Describe support requirements and potential hazards in metalliferous mines.

Performance criteria

2.1Support requirements are described in terms of the stability of the excavation.

Rangerock bolting methods, timber support, steel support, side support, mesh, grout, shotcrete, lining.

2.2Potential hazards are described in terms of mining safety.

Rangegas, dust, rock instability, water inundations.

Outcome 3

Demonstrate knowledge of metalliferous mine development methods.

Performance criteria

3.1Development methods are described in relation to the physical nature of the ore body.

Rangehand mining, drill and blast, mechanical loading, roadheader, single entry, stope development, level development, ore passes, winzes, shafts.

3.2The effectiveness of rock support is described in relation to development methods selected.

3.3The procedures adopted for excavating shafts, connections and facilities are described in relation to their intended use and safety.

Rangepump chambers, haulage drives, special use chambers.

3.4The resultant hazards from roadway development are described in terms of possible effects on health, safety of personnel and potential damage to plant and equipment.

Outcome 4

Demonstrate knowledge of metalliferous extraction methods.

Performance criteria

4.1Extraction methods are described in relation to the geological features of the ore body.

Rangestope mining, long hole blasting, cut and fill, shrinkage stoping, sub-level caving, block caving.

4.2The effectiveness of rock support is described in relation to given extraction methods.

4.3The resultant hazards of extraction methods are described in terms of possible effects on health, safety of personnel and potential damage to plant and equipment.

4.4Mining methods are described in terms of their impact on the surface.

Rangesubsidence, sink holes, vibration, compressive and tensile fracturing.

Replacement information / This unit standard and unit standard 15660 were replaced by unit standard 30903.

This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by the last date for assessment set out below.

Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions

Process / Version / Date / Last Date for Assessment
Registration / 1 / 25 July 1999 / 31 December 2017
Review / 2 / 24 November 2005 / 31 December 2017
Rollover / 3 / 16 July 2010 / 31 December 2017
Review / 4 / 1 March 2018 / 31 December 2019
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0114

This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.

MITO New Zealand Incorporated
SSB Code 101542 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2019 / / New Zealand Qualifications Aut