Certifications
The Mines Act states that every person employed at a mine must be under the daily supervision of a person who holds a valid and appropriate certificate as required by the regulations or the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia (the Code).
The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources offers a number of certifications applicable for mining in British Columbia.
Mine Supervisor Certification
A new provision, added in February 2017 to the Code, was the reintroduction of a Supervisor’s Certification. This certification was reintroduced to ensure a common understanding of the Code, to encourage worker safety and to ensure supervisors on a mine site are aware of their responsibilities under the Code. This requirement came into force on June 1, 2018.
The provision requires that anyone supervising six or fewer people on an active mine operation or in other areas of a mine, such as a mill, tailings storage facility, lab or maintenance area or shop, must complete their Supervisor’s Certification. It applies to all mine sites in the province including major mines, exploration sites, sand and gravel and placer operations and quarries.
This certification is now available through the following link. The cost for the Mine Supervisor Certification is $100 and must be renewed every five years.
If you have questions about the Mine Supervisor Certification, further information can be found below in the FAQ:
Shiftboss Certification
A Shiftboss Certification is required for those supervising more than six people in an active open-pit or underground mine. This certification is only available through the Regional Mining Operations offices.
Fireboss Certification (Underground Coal Mine Manager)
Fireboss Certification is required to supervise people in underground coal mines. This certification is only available through the Regional Mining Operations offices.
Blasting Certification
A Blasting Certification is required to perform blasting on a mine site in B.C. Types of blasting certificates include basic, exploration, surface, underground, underground coal (shotfirer), electrical blasting, and general, which includes all categories except underground coal. This certification is only available through the Regional Mining Operations offices.
Mine Rescue
Mine Rescue Certification is available upon request. Please contact your nearest Regional Mining Operations office for further information.
Further Information
For further information on certifications, please contact the closest regional office:
| Region | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Cranbrook | MMD-Cranbrook@gov.bc.ca | 250 417-6134 |
| Kamloops | MMD-Kamloops@gov.bc.ca | 250 371-3755 |
| Prince George | MMD-PrinceGeorge@gov.bc.ca | 250 565-4240 |
| Smithers | MMD-Smithers@gov.bc.ca | 250 847-7383 |
| Southwest (Vancouver Island/Lower Mainland) |
SouthwestMiningDivision@gov.bc.ca | 778 698-3649 |
