Surface Miner Common Core (Program 770210) Online Training
$149.99 CAD
This Surface Miner Common Core (Program #770210) online training course meets the training theory requirement as set out by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). This Surface Miner Common Core (Program 770210) online course is mandatory for full-time and part-time production employees, operators, maintenance crews, contractors, and supervisors working in surface mining operations in Ontario under Regulation 854 (Mines and Mining Plants).
In Ontario, the MLITSD enforces the mandatory Surface Miner Common Core (#770210) program and has established the modular standards in collaboration with the mining sector, and failure to train workers can result in ministry enforcement action or fines
Ministry Requirements for Full Accreditation
Completing this Surface Miner Common Core (#770210) online training course (theory only) is only the first step of the Ministry's strict multi-step certification process. To be fully accredited by the MLITSD, a worker must complete the following journey:
Foundational Training: The worker must complete the 3 mandatory knowledge modules of Surface Miner Common Core 770210 Online Training.
Mandatory Modules Covered
- U5030: Work Safely in the Job Environment
- U5031: Perform General Lockout and Tagout on Prime Movers and Related Equipment
- U5032: Operate Hand and Power Tools
Workplace Demonstration: The worker must return to their specific pit, quarry, or excavation site and physically demonstrate practical competency.
Internal Sign-off: A qualified, company-designated in-house Signing Authority must evaluate and sign off on the employee's progress.
Ministry Registration: The employer must officially submit the completed Surface Miner Common Core (#770210) document records to the MLITSD to finalize the worker's permanent government profile.
- Timeline: New workers must complete this Surface Miner Common Core 770210 Online Training theory portion within 12 months of beginning work at a surface mine operation.
Who Is Required to Take Surface Miner Common Core (#770210) Online Training?
- Production Employees: Workers who perform physical labour or operate machinery involved in extracting and processing materials in a surface mine, pit, or quarry (including gravel, sand, clay, earth, and metallic or non-metallic rock).
- Maintenance Crews & Contractors: Personnel performing work or servicing equipment on surface mining sites.
- Supervisors: First-line supervisors and team leads, overseeing surface mining operations (the program is also a prerequisite for the Generic First Line Supervisor program #770141).
Who Is Excluded from Taking Surface Miner Common Core (#770210) Online Training?
- Clerical and Administrative Staff: Office workers who do not perform physical labour or operate equipment within the actual surface mining or processing operations.
- Road/Rail Right-of-Way Cuttings: Workers on general highway or railroad right-of-way cuts (which are legally excluded from the definition of a surface mine under mining regulations).
Duration
- The Surface Miner Common Core (#770210) Online Training course theory portion takes approximately 360 minutes to complete.
Testing
- Participants in the Surface Miner Common Core (#770210) Online Training course will be assessed by a test after viewing the course material. What mark is needed to earn a certificate of completion? Participants must achieve a mark of 80% or higher to earn their certificate of completion. Can participants repeat the course if they don’t reach the required mark? Those that do not reach the required mark will be allowed to repeat the course two additional times.
Certificate of Completion
- How do I earn a certificate of completion for the Surface Miner Common Core (#770210) Online Training Course (theory portion)? Participants who successfully pass the Surface Miner Common Core (#770210) Online Training Course will earn a certificate of completion which they can print out or download for their records. Your employer must sign your training card for it to be valid. How long are Certificates of Completion valid? Certificates of Completion never expire.
Working at a surface mine (open-pit, quarry, or sand and gravel pit) exposes workers to unique hazards, primarily involving massive machinery, changing wall stabilities, and environmental exposure.
Below are some key safety tips for preventing incidents and staying compliant on a surface mining site include:
- Maintain Vehicle-Pedestrian Segregation
The leading cause of fatalities in surface mining is powered haulage accidents (collisions between heavy equipment and light vehicles or ground workers). Always enforce strict traffic rules. Never walk behind or near a haul truck without positive radio contact and always utilize designated pedestrian walkways.
- Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) to the Letter
Never perform maintenance, clear a jam, or clean a conveyor belt until the machine's primary mover is completely de-energized, locked out, and tagged. Stored energy (gravitational, hydraulic, or pneumatic) must be fully bled down before starting any work.
- Conduct Thorough Pre-Shift Inspections
Before starting any shift or operating a piece of machinery, complete a formal pre-shift inspection checklist. Look for oil leaks, worn brakes, structural cracking, and faulty safety devices. If a machine or highwall area fails inspection, tag it out and report it immediately.
- Monitor Highwall and Bench Stability
Surface mining involves dynamic vertical faces. Constantly scan highwalls and benches for signs of ground control failure, such as loose rocks, tension cracks at the top of the wall, or trickling debris. Avoid parking equipment or standing directly beneath an unscaled highwall.
- Never Drive Without a Spotter in Blind Zones
Heavy mining equipment (like excavators, loaders, and haulers) has massive blind spots. When maneuvering in tight quarters, near highwalls, or around crowded dump areas, always use a trained spotter who remains visible to you at all times.
- Protect Your Lungs from Silica Dust
Open-pit mining generates high concentrations of respirable crystalline silica dust from drilling, blasting, and crushing. Use dust suppression systems (like water sprays) inside vehicle cabs and wear properly fitted respiratory protection (such as N95s or PAPRs) when exposed to heavy dust.
- Enforce Strict Fall Protection Controls
Working on top of haul trucks, crusher hoppers, or highwall edges presents serious fall risks. Use engineered walkways with guardrails wherever possible. If working within 2 meters of an unprotected edge or at elevated heights, you must wear a full-body harness with a secure anchor point.
- Treat Blasting Areas with Absolute Respect
Blasting requires total compliance. Always clear the blast zone entirely of personnel and equipment before loading a shot. Stand clear, respect audible siren sequences, and immediately suspend operations if lightning or an electrical storm is detected in the area.
- Use the Right PPE as a Last Line of Defense
Never step onto a site without your core personal protective equipment: class-E hard hats, high-visibility clothing (critical for heavy equipment visibility), steel-toed boots with metatarsal protection, and safety glasses.
- Avoid Routine Complacency
Many serious accidents happen to experienced miners who normalize risks over time. Before executing any task especially hand-intensive maintenance pause and ask yourself three questions:
What is the pinch point?
What is still under pressure?
What could move if I touch it?
Click here for more details on O. Reg. 296/11: MINES AND MINING PLANTS