This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of individuals such as mine managers, working in open cut coal or metalliferous mines or quarries. They perform tasks involving a high level of autonomy and requiring the application of significant judgement in planning and determining the selection of equipment, roles and techniques for themselves and others. They are required to demonstrate the application of a broad range of technical, managerial, coordination and planning skills, and implement safety management plans.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification considerations
Licensing, legislative and certification requirements that apply to this qualification can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Users must check requirements with relevant body before applying the qualification.
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Financial help
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are available
See training providers offering VET Student Loans -
You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Ensure a safe workplace for a work area | Core |
| Identify, implement and maintain legal compliance requirements | Core |
| Implement and maintain management systems to control risk | Core |
| Apply and monitor systems and methods of surface coal mining | Elective |
| Apply, monitor and report on compliance systems | Elective |
| Carry out the risk management process | Elective |
| Communicate information | Elective |
| Conduct mine surveying operations | Elective |
| Conduct safety and health investigations | Elective |
| Conduct surface shotfiring operations | Elective |
| Coordinate the learning and development of teams and individuals | Elective |
| Design blasts | Elective |
| Design stockpile formations and reclaiming systems | Elective |
| Develop and implement site plant and resource management plan | Elective |
| Develop and maintain positive community relations | Elective |
| Develop, implement and maintain process control systems | Elective |
| Establish and maintain explosives safety and security management systems | Elective |
| Facilitate continuous improvement | Elective |
| Implement and maintain environmental management plans | Elective |
| Implement and maintain the site plant, equipment and infrastructure maintenance plans | Elective |
| Implement and monitor health and hygiene management systems | Elective |
| Implement and monitor WHS policies, procedures and programs | Elective |
| Implement emergency preparedness and response systems | Elective |
| Implement information and knowledge management systems | Elective |
| Implement mine fixed plant and infrastructure systems | Elective |
| Implement mine services systems | Elective |
| Implement mine transport systems and production equipment | Elective |
| Implement pit plan | Elective |
| Implement site processing plant operations | Elective |
| Implement site services and infrastructure systems | Elective |
| Implement site waste and by-product management plan | Elective |
| Implement stockpile management plans | Elective |
| Implement systems and methods of mining | Elective |
| Implement the ground control management plan | Elective |
| Implement the site water management plan | Elective |
| Implement the surface mine mechanical plant management plan | Elective |
| Implement, monitor, rectify and report on contracts | Elective |
| Implement, monitor, rectify and report on inventory control system | Elective |
| Manage and coordinate spill response | Elective |
| Manage blasting operations | Elective |
| Manage budgets and financial plans | Elective |
| Manage business operational plans | Elective |
| Manage dredging operations | Elective |
| Manage major incidents and emergencies | Elective |
| Manage organisational customer service | Elective |
| Manage personal and professional development | Elective |
| Manage team effectiveness | Elective |
| Manage the interaction of heavy and light vehicles and mining equipment | Elective |
| Plan and monitor recycled material operations | Elective |
| Plan finances for new business ventures | Elective |
| Provide leadership in the supervision of diverse work teams | Elective |
| Select and install surface plant and equipment | Elective |
| Undertake process or project environmental impact assessments | Elective |
Job prospects
The Diploma of Surface Operations Management sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Mine Manager
ANZSCO 133513
Manage the production activities of mining organisations.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Surveyor
ANZSCO 232212
Surveyors plan, direct and conduct survey work to determine, delineate, plan and precisely position tracts of land, natural and constructed features, coastlines, marine floors and underground works, and manage related information systems.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Sand Blaster
ANZSCO 711913
Sand Blasters operate sandblasting machines to clean and grind metal products and other hard surfaces.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Earthmoving Plant Operator (General)
ANZSCO 721211
Earthmoving Plant Operators (General) operate a range of earthmoving plants to assist with building roads, rail, water supplies, dams, treatment plants and agricultural earthworks.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Diploma of Surface Operations Management
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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Skillstrain Pty Ltd (RTO code 70211)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Advanced Mine Performance Training Services Pty Ltd (RTO code 51822)
Contact this provider
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Box Hill Institute (RTO code 4687)
Contact this provider
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Halo Nation Training Pty Ltd (RTO code 32485)
Contact this provider
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Mine Training Solutions (RTO code 46163)
Contact this provider
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Mining Skills Australia Pty Ltd (RTO code 45868)
Contact this provider
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MinRes Training Institute Pty Ltd (RTO code 40727)
Contact this provider
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Ocurrio Pty Ltd (RTO code 45526)
Contact this provider
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Performance Training Pty Limited (RTO code 1718)
Contact this provider
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RTV Training (RTO code 90674)
Contact this provider
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SPICE TRAINING PTY LTD (RTO code 40914)
Contact this provider
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The Pivot Institute (RTO code 51586)
Contact this provider
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Thrivability Training and Coaching (RTO code 51358)
Contact this provider
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TRAINSAFE RTO PTY LTD (RTO code 46070)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.