Underground Mining Raise Boring

Program Overview

If you’re already working in Northern Saskatchewan’s mining industry, Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Underground Mining Raise Boring program can provide the training you need to advance into production jobs.

The program is industry driven, meaning it is delivered at northern mine sites by mining companies to employees.

Underground Mining Raise Boring is a 45-week certificate program offered in partnership with Northlands College and mining companies working in Northern Saskatchewan. The industry-driven program is specially designed to prepare you to work as a Raise Bore Operator in a Northern Saskatchewan mine.

You’ll receive instruction and training in the concepts and procedures associated with operating a raise bore machine in a safe and efficient manner. You’ll receive a certificate from Saskatchewan Polytechnic upon successful completion of the program.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

When you graduate, you’ll have the necessary training and skills to work in entry-level positions in hard rock underground service and development. You could work directly for a mining company or for a mining contractor.

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): Varies

Program delivery depends on industry demand.

For information regarding program dates and registration, contact Northlands College. For all other inquiries, contact Richard Long at richard.long@saskpolytech.ca or 306-659-4326 (Saskatoon).

Length: 45 weeks

Locations

Delivery is subject to needs assessment.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Grade 10
English Language Requirement

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER©

Not applicable at this time

Admission Method

Application must be made directly to Northlands College. Call Northlands toll free at 1-888-311-1185.

Tuition and Fees

For information regarding program dates and registration, contact Northlands College. For all other inquiries, contact Allan Willms at allan.willms@saskpolytech.ca or 306-765-1613.

Courses

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Code

Name/Description

Credits

COMM 185

Industrial Communications

You will develop employability skills in both oral and written communications, including writing for the workplace, preparing job search documents and developing effective interpersonal communication skills.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 16.0
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 127, COMM 186, COMM 187, COMM 188
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

EQPT 104

Raise Bore Drill Parts

You will receive an introduction to the parts of the six component assemblies of a raise bore drill and learn the purpose of each component.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 70.0
Prerequisites(s): MINE 105
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

EQPT 105

Drill String and Wrenching System

The course covers the components and purpose of the Drill String and Wrenching System and the safe use of wrenching tools.
Credit Units: 10
Course Hours: 150.0
Prerequisites(s): EQPT 106
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

EQPT 106

Drill Console and Pendant Controls

You will practice operating controls on the drill console. You will study the function of switches, gauges, valves and warning lights on the primary control console and the portable control pendants (consoles). You will also learn safe operating procedures.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Prerequisites(s): EQPT 104
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

EQPT 107

Equipment Setup and Takedown

You will become familiar with the procedures required to safely and efficiently move, setup, takedown and store a raise bore drill.
Credit Units: 8
Course Hours: 120.0
Prerequisites(s): EQPT 105
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

GEOL 145

Ground Control 1

The course provides information on rock formations, rock properties, sources of ground movement, equipment and a demonstration of scaling procedures.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Prerequisites(s): MINE 141
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Work Based Delivery

MINE 100

Raise Bore Drilling Process

The course includes hands-on operation of the raise bore and box hole drilling processes. You will examine rock mechanics and the advantages of raise boring over manual rise mining methods.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 10.0
Prerequisites(s): MINE 103
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

MINE 101

Drilling the Pilot Hole

You will gain an understanding of the procedures and hands-on skills required to safely and efficiently drill a pilot hole.
Credit Units: 16
Course Hours: 240.0
Prerequisites(s): MINE 100
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

MINE 102

Reaming the Raise

You will experience practical hands-on operating procedures to safely and efficiently ream a raise. You will learn inspection procedures, how to collar the raise, handle cuttings and procedures to remove and store reaming equipment.
Credit Units: 11
Course Hours: 160.0
Prerequisites(s): MINE 101
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

MINE 103

Maintenance and Testing Procedures

The course provides an introduction to the drill records maintenance system and how to conduct drill rod and bit testing procedures.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 10.0
Prerequisites(s): SFTY 109
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

MINE 104

Drilling in Uranium Ore

You will participate in a supervised, hands-on operation of raise bore equipment in uranium ore.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 10.0
Prerequisites(s): MINE 102
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

MINE 105

Manual Drilling

You will become familiar with types of manual drilling equipment (Jackleg and Stoper drills) and their components. You will develop safe operating procedures and hands-on skills as you rig-in and operate manual drills.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 50.0
Prerequisites(s): RIGG 103
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

MINE 141

Mine Ventilation 1

You will receive an introduction to the purpose of mine ventilation systems, the types of systems used in underground mines and the components of mine ventilation systems.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 20.0
Prerequisites(s): SUPP 135
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Work Based Delivery

MINE 159

Shaft Operations

You will study the components of a mine shaft and general shaft safety procedures.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 20.0
Prerequisites(s): MINE 145
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Work Based Delivery

RIGG 103

Rigging and Staging

You will learn about the types of rigging, staging equipment and devices used in underground mines. You will practice the hands-on skills needed to hang pipe and use fixed and mobile staging equipment.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): WORK 144
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

SFTY 109

Basic Safety and Maintenance

You will review the general and company-specific basic safety principles and maintenance procedures required to operate a raise bore drilling system.
Credit Units: 10
Course Hours: 150.0
Prerequisites(s): EQPT 107
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

SUPP 135

Introduction to Mining Safety

You will become familiar with the range of personal protection/fall arrest/respiratory and fire equipment, safe working practices, WHMIS and OH&S regulations.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 54.0
Prerequisites(s): SUPP 155
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Work Based Delivery

SUPP 155

Introduction to Mining Industry

You will gain an understanding of the types of mineral and metal resources in Saskatchewan, the exploration, development, operations and de-commissioning cycle, and types of surface and underground mining operations.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Work Based Delivery

WORK 144

Work Experience 1

The course provides an introduction to working conditions and activities in an underground mine.
Credit Units: 0
Course Hours: 75.0
Prerequisites(s): COMM 185
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Work Experience - Group, Work Experience -Individual

PLAR & Transfer Credit

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

More about PLAR

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Learn more about Transfer Credit.