BC Mines Certification Program
Mines Supervisor Online Certification
This course is designed to certify Mines Supervisors in the Mines Act, Regulations, and the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia.
Purchase Mines Supervisor Certification
Blaster Online Certification Program
Blasting is a regular part of mining operations. As required by the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in BC (Code), in order to work in, conduct, or oversee blasting operations, you must obtain a BC Mines Blaster Certification for the type of blasting activity you'll be performing.
A BC Mines Blaster Certification costs $100. After registering and paying for the certification, you'll have three attempts to pass two online, closed-book, exams: first, a regulatory exam and once you've successfully completed that, a technical exam that's specific to the certification you've selected. If you fail an attempt, you must wait at least one week before trying again (your second and third attempts are included in the $100 fee). You may take up to six months to pass the exams. If you have a learning disability or require special assistance, contact mine.certifications@gov.bc.ca and an administrator will forward your request to the nearest EMLI mining regional office. An Inspector of Mines in that office will be able to accommodate you. Note: The reference to "online" is a Learning Management System called Moodle which houses information and access to the online exams.
It's critical to note that the following information pertains to BC Mines Blaster Certification— that is, blasting that's performed on a mine site. If you require certification for blasting performed elsewhere (on a construction site, for example), contact WorkSafeBC.
Note: No one under the age of 18 can be employed at a mine as per section 3.2.1 of the Health, Safety, and Reclamation Code for Mines in BC.
The Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation (EMLI) offers different levels of blaster certification. The certification is enabled through the Code, under section 8.2.1 and the examination process under section 8.2.4.
BC Mines Blaster Certifications are valid for five years from the date of issue. If you have a certification that has expired, you must re-certify.
The cost for each BC Mines Blaster Certification is $100. To find out more about certification requirements in BC, contact your regional office.
Email: mine.certifications@gov.bc.ca
Phone: (833) 978-9798
For further information including a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document, please go to the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation's mine certifications web site: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/mineral-exploration-mining/health-safety/certifications
Please select the certification you wish to obtain:
Allows you to handle explosives and assist with mine blast preparation, to be trained by a certified BC Mines Blaster, and perform single-shots on the surface of a mine.
Proceed for purchaseAllows you to perform general surface mine blasting operations outside of defined urban zones.
Proceed for purchaseAllows you to perform all general surface mine blasting operations in all zones.
Proceed for purchaseAllows you to handle and assist with mine blast preparation, to be trained by a certified BC Mines Blaster, and perform single-shots in a non-coal underground mine.
Proceed for purchaseAllows you to perform all general underground mine blasting operations, with the exception of underground coal.
Proceed for purchaseAllows you to perform underground blasting operations in underground coal mines only.
Proceed for purchaseAllows you to set off charges in relation to exploration activities, handle and assist with blast preparation, perform seismic blasts and single-series electric blasts.
Proceed for purchaseOnly for those who hold blaster certifications from other jurisdictions in Canada. During the in-person interview, the interviewer will determine which blaster certification you're qualified for. Proof of a current, valid blaster competency certificate from another Canadian provincial or territorial jurisdiction, outside of B.C. must be provided at the interview.
Note: Avalanche Control Blasting
To perform Avalanche Control Blasting at a B.C. mine you must complete the BC Mines Blaster Equivalent Certification and hold a valid WorkSafeBC Avalanche Control Blasting Certificate. After completion of the Equivalent Certification, you will receive a Surface Blaster — 3rd Class Certificate. Both your WorkSafeBC Avalanche Control Blasting Certificate and the Surface Blaster — 3rd Class Certificate must be maintained and kept current.