BC Mine Blaster Online Certification Program


Mines Logo BC Mine Blaster Online Certification Program

Blasting is a regular part of mining activities. As required by the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia, anyone who blasts must have a BC Mine Blaster Certification. This applies to workers who perform, manage, or supervise blasters.

The purpose of the BC Mine Blaster Certification Program is to test the blaster's technical knowledge and abilities, and their awareness of their regulatory responsibilities as a BC Mine blaster, as set out in Code, the federal blasting legislation, and accompanying regulations. To get certified, a person must pass two exams and complete an interview.

A BC Mine Blaster Certification costs $100, which covers the online course and exam registration, the certification interview, and the issuance of the certification and secure ID card.

Note: "Online course" refers to a learning management system (LMS) called Moodle, which houses course content, and provides access to the online exams.

You must pass two online exams:

  • Regulatory Exam—Covers the Code and related regulations.
  • Technical Exam—Specific to the certification level.

The online exam process is as follows:

  • Each exam can be attempted up to three times.
  • Both exams are timed, with the time limit varying based on the certification type and exam.
  • If an exam is not completed within the time limit, it counts as one of the three attempts.
  • After a failed attempt, a one-week waiting period is required before the exam can be retaken.
  • Both exams must be passed within six months from receiving confirmation of registration to complete the exams.

Once you pass the Regulatory and Technical Exams, you are eligible for an interview with an inspector of mines.

Important notes

  • Certifications are valid for five years. To work as a blaster on a mine site, you must always have a valid certificate. You can begin re-certification before your certification expires, to ensure there is no lapse in certification.
  • You must be at least 18 years old to work in a mine.
  • If you need certification for non-mining blasting (for example, at construction sites), contact WorkSafeBC.

For further information including a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document, please visit the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals' BC Mine Certifications page.

Please select the certification you wish to obtain:

A BC Mine Surface Blaster - 3rd Class Certification allows you to:

  • Handle explosives and assist with mine blast preparation
  • Be trained by a certified BC Mine Blaster
  • Perform single-shot blasts on the surface of a mine

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A BC Mine Surface Blaster - 2nd Class Certification allows you to perform general surface mine blasting operations outside of defined urban zones.

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A BC Mine Surface Blaster - 1st Class Certification allows you to perform all general surface mine blasting operations in all zones.

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A BC Mine Underground Blaster - 3rd Class Certification allows you to:

  • Handle and assist with mine blast preparation
  • Be trained by a certified BC Mine Blaster
  • Perform single-shot blasts in an underground mine, except for underground coal

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A BC Mine Underground Blaster - 2nd Class Certification allows you to perform all general underground mine blasting operations, except for underground coal.

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A BC Mine Underground Blaster - 1st Class Certification (Underground Coal) allows you to perform underground blasting operations in underground coal mines only (Shot Firer).

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Allows you to set off charges in relation to exploration activities, handle and assist with blast preparation, perform seismic blasts and single-series electric blasts.

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The Equivalent Certification Process, under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, lets people with valid blaster certifications from other Canadian provinces or territories transfer their credentials to B.C.

To get certified in B.C. you must:

  • Pass a Regulatory Exam: The exam tests your knowledge of B.C.'s regulations, including rules for storing, handling, guarding, and transporting explosives.
  • Attend an interview: During the interview, the examiner decides which certification you qualify for. Bring proof of your certification from another province or territory to the interview.

Avalanche Control Blasting

To conduct avalanche blasting on BC mine sites, applicants must hold both a WorkSafeBC Avalanche Control Blaster Certificate and a Surface Blaster - 3rd Class certificate. Applicants must obtain the Surface Blaster - 3rd Class certificate through this Equivalent Certification Process.

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