Active Curriculum

Mining, Resources &
Safety

Train sustainable workers for Canada's mining and extraction industries.

Learner
Syllabus Overview

Structured learning journey.

1
42 Mins

Mining Industry Overview

Module 1: Mining Industry Overview introduces the basics of the mining industry in Canada, including the main types of mining, key regions, major resources, and career opportunities. It provides a foundation for understanding how mining works and its importance to the economy and everyday life.

Key Terminology

1Mining: The process of extracting valuable natural resources such as metals, minerals, and energy materials from the earth.
2Surface Mining: A mining method where soil and rock are removed to access resources near the earth’s surface.
3Underground Mining: A method of extracting resources located deep below the surface using tunnels and shafts.
4Resource Extraction: The process of removing natural resources from the earth for use in industry and manufacturing.
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2
44 Mins

Mining Safety Fundamentals

Module 2: Mining Safety Fundamentals covers the basic principles of workplace safety in mining, including hazard awareness, safety regulations, PPE, and emergency procedures. It introduces how to recognize and report risks and work safely in mining environments.

Key Terminology

1Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): A set of laws and practices designed to protect workers from hazards and ensure safe working conditions.
2Safety Culture: The shared attitudes, values, and behaviors that determine how safety is managed and prioritized in the workplace.
3Hazard: Anything that has the potential to cause injury, illness, or damage.
4Physical Hazard: A danger caused by physical conditions such as moving equipment, noise, vibration, or falling objects.
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3
45 Mins

WHMIS & Hazardous Materials

Module 3: WHMIS & Hazardous Materials introduces how hazardous chemicals are identified, labeled, and safely managed in mining workplaces. It covers WHMIS, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), common chemical hazards, and exposure control methods to help workers stay safe around dangerous materials.

Key Terminology

1WHMIS: A Canadian system that provides standardized information about hazardous materials in the workplace to ensure worker safety.
2Hazardous Materials: Substances that can cause harm to people, property, or the environment if not properly controlled.
3Safety Data Sheet (SDS): A detailed document that provides information about a hazardous product, including risks, handling, storage, and emergency measures.
4WHMIS Labels: Standardized labels on hazardous products that communicate key warnings and safety information.
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4
43 Mins

Ground Control & Geotechnical Hazards

Module 4: Ground Control & Geotechnical Hazards introduces the basics of rock mechanics, ground support systems, and geotechnical hazards in mining. It teaches workers how to recognize unstable ground conditions and apply measures to help prevent rockfalls and collapses.

Key Terminology

1Ground Control: The methods and practices used to maintain the stability of rock and soil in mining operations.
2Rock Mechanics: The study of how rock behaves under stress, pressure, and excavation activities.
3Geotechnical Hazard: A ground-related hazard such as a rockfall, collapse, slope failure, or ground movement.
4Stress: The force acting within a rock mass that can affect its stability.
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5
42 Mins

Mining Equipment & Operations

Module 5: Mining Equipment & Operations covers the main types of mining equipment and how they are safely used. It focuses on pre-operational inspections, safe operating practices, and lockout/tagout procedures to help prevent equipment-related incidents.

Key Terminology

1Mining Equipment: Large machines used in mining operations for excavation, transport, and material handling.
2Haul Truck: A heavy-duty vehicle used to transport large volumes of mined material.
3Loader: A machine used to scoop and load material into haul trucks or processing equipment.
4Drill: Equipment used to create holes in rock for blasting or exploration.
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6
44 Mins

Blasting & Explosives Safety

Module 6: Blasting & Explosives Safety covers the safe use of explosives in mining, including types of explosives, basic blast design, safe storage and handling, and post-blast procedures. It also explains how to manage risks such as flyrock and misfires to ensure safe blasting operations.

Key Terminology

1Blasting: Controlled use of explosives to break rock for mining operations.
2Explosives: Chemical materials designed to release energy rapidly to fragment rock.
3ANFO: Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil, a common mining explosive used in dry conditions.
4Emulsion Explosives: Water-resistant explosives used in wet or underground conditions.
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7
45 Mins

Ventilation & Air Quality

Module 7: Ventilation & Air Quality explains how mines keep air safe to breathe using ventilation systems, gas monitoring, and respiratory protection. It covers key hazards like diesel emissions and toxic gases, and how workers are protected from exposure.

Key Terminology

1Air Quality: The condition of air in a mine, including oxygen levels and presence of harmful contaminants.
2Ventilation: The controlled movement of air to supply fresh air and remove contaminated air from a mine.
3Primary Ventilation: The main system that moves large volumes of air through the mine.
4Secondary Ventilation: Airflow directed to specific working areas within the mine.
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8
42 Mins

Confined Space Entry

Module 8: Confined Space Entry covers how to safely work in enclosed or restricted spaces in mining. It focuses on identifying hazards, using entry permits, testing air quality, and following rescue procedures to prevent serious accidents.

Key Terminology

1Confined Space: An area large enough for a worker to enter but not designed for continuous occupancy, with limited entry and exit.
2Atmospheric Hazard: Dangerous air conditions such as low oxygen, toxic gases, or flammable atmospheres.
3Entry Permit: A formal authorization required before entering a confined space, confirming safety controls are in place.
4Entrant: The worker who physically enters the confined space to perform tasks.
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9
44 Mins

Sustainable Mining Practices

Module 9: Sustainable Mining Practices covers how mining operations manage environmental impacts through tailings control, water treatment, reclamation, and responsible mine closure. It focuses on reducing harm and restoring land after mining activities.

Key Terminology

1Sustainable Mining: Mining practices that reduce environmental impact while maintaining efficient resource extraction.
2Environmental Impact: Effects of mining on air, water, land, and ecosystems.
3Tailings: Waste materials left after mineral extraction, often stored in controlled facilities.
4Tailings Storage Facility (TSF): Engineered structure designed to safely contain tailings.
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10
42 Mins

Digital Tools & Automation

Module 10: Digital Tools & Automation covers how mining uses technology like autonomous equipment, remote operations, predictive maintenance, and digital twins to improve safety, efficiency, and decision-making.

Key Terminology

1Digital Mining: The use of digital technologies, data systems, and automation to improve mining operations.
2Automation: The use of systems and machines that operate with minimal human control.
3Autonomous Equipment: Mining machinery that operates using sensors, GPS, and programmed systems without a driver or operator on board.
4Remote Operations: Controlling and monitoring mining equipment from a distant centralized control center.
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11
43 Mins

Drones in Mining

Module 11: Drones in Mining covers how drones are used in mining for surveying, mapping, stockpile measurements, highwall inspections, and safety monitoring. It focuses on improving safety, accuracy, and efficiency in site operations.

Key Terminology

1Drone (UAS): An unmanned aerial system used to collect images and data from mining sites.
2Surveying: The process of measuring and mapping mine terrain and features.
3Photogrammetry: A method that turns overlapping images into accurate 3D models and maps.
4Stockpiles: Piles of mined material stored for processing or transport.
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12
41 Mins

Mineral Processing Basics

Module 12: Mineral Processing Basics covers how ore is crushed, ground, and separated to produce valuable mineral concentrates. It also introduces metallurgical accounting to track production and recovery in mining operations.

Key Terminology

1Mineral Processing: The stage of mining that converts raw ore into valuable mineral products through physical and chemical processes.
2Crushing: The process of breaking large rocks into smaller pieces to prepare ore for further processing.
3Grinding: Reducing crushed ore into fine particles or slurry to release valuable minerals.
4Slurry: A mixture of finely ground ore and water used in processing operations.
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13
42 Mins

Indigenous Relations & Consultation

Module 13: Indigenous Relations & Consultation covers how mining projects work with Indigenous communities through agreements, consultation processes, land use studies, and economic opportunities. It focuses on respectful engagement, shared benefits, and responsible development on traditional lands.

Key Terminology

1Indigenous Consultation: The ongoing process of engaging Indigenous communities in decisions that may affect their lands, rights, and interests.
2Impact and Benefit Agreement (IBA): A formal agreement between a mining company and an Indigenous community outlining project impacts and shared benefits.
3Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC): A principle ensuring Indigenous communities are informed, consulted early, and able to meaningfully agree to or influence projects affecting them.
4Traditional Land Use Study (TLUS): Research documenting how Indigenous communities use land for hunting, fishing, cultural, spiritual, and subsistence activities.
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14
42 Mins

Environmental Monitoring & Compliance

Module 14: Environmental Monitoring & Compliance focuses on how mining operations are monitored and regulated to reduce environmental impacts. It covers environmental assessments, water and air quality monitoring, wildlife protection, and reporting requirements to ensure legal compliance and sustainable operations.

Key Terminology

1Environmental Assessment: A formal process used to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of a mining project before approval.
2Baseline Data: Environmental measurements collected before mining begins, used for comparison during operations.
3Mitigation Measures: Actions taken to reduce or prevent negative environmental impacts.
4Water Quality Monitoring: The process of testing surface and groundwater to detect contamination and ensure compliance.
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15
45 Mins

Career Advancement in Mining

Module 15: Career Advancement in Mining outlines how workers can progress in the mining industry through certifications, supervisory and management roles, technical specializations, and ongoing education. It focuses on building skills and experience for long-term career growth.

Key Terminology

1Certification: Formal proof that a worker has completed required training and is competent to perform specific mining tasks safely.
2Surface Mining Certification: Qualification for operating equipment and performing tasks in open-pit or surface mining environments.
3Underground Mining Certification: Qualification for working in underground mining environments with higher safety risks and specialized equipment.
4Supervisor: A role responsible for overseeing crews, ensuring safety compliance, and managing daily mining operations.
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Professional Certification

Complete 15 modules to unlock your verified certificate.