The first step in a BC Mines Underground Blaster Certification; this certification has a focus on regulatory requirements, magazines, care and handling of explosives, guarding, and transportation safety. A BC Mines Underground Blaster 3rd Class Certification allows 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.
In order to apply for this certification, you must have completed:
Assistance on a minimum of 12 single-shot charges under the direct supervision of a certified BC Mines Blaster.
The certification process includes two online exams (one regulatory, one technical) that you must pass before scheduling a face-to-face interview. You have three attempts to pass each exam and you must pass the regulatory exam before taking the technical exam. (If you need more than one attempt to complete an exam, you must wait at least one week between attempts.) Once you pass both exams, you'll set up a face-to-face interview with a Inspector of Mines.
You must provide the following documents at your face-to-face interview
A completed and signed Application for BC Mines Blaster Certification.
Proof of ID.
A criminal record check.
Proof of experience (e.g., logbook) and/or letter of reference from your employer or a certified BC Mines Blaster or certified blaster.
The online component provides:
An overview of all BC Mines Blaster Certifications.
Access to supporting resources including videos about safety and blasting on BC Mines sites (e.g., magazines, care and handling of explosives, guarding, and transportation safety).
Access to a BC Mines Blaster Certification Application Form and information on how to set up a face-to-face interview with a Inspector of Mines, including the documentation you're required to bring with you.
The Regulatory Exam:
Covers parts of the Health, Safety, and Reclamation Code for Mines in BC, the Explosives Act (Federal) and the Explosives Regulation 2013 (Federal).
You need a passing grade of 75% or higher. You must pass this exam before attempting the technical exam.
It is closed book (i.e., no books or resources may be referenced during the exam).
May take up to three hours and must be completed in one sitting.
The Technical Exam:
Covers specific questions related to BC Mines Underground Blaster 3rd Class (i.e., underground single-shot blasting activities).
You need a passing grade of 75% or higher.
It is closed book (i.e., no books or resources may be referenced during the exam).
May take up to two hours and must be completed in one sitting.
You can take the exams at any time (remembering that you must pass the regulatory exam before attempting the technical exam) and you have six months (from the time of registration) to pass both exams.
Online Ordering
Please complete the following questionnaire before purchasing or accessing the BC Mines Underground Blaster 3rd Class Certification.
The cost for the BC Mines Underground Blaster 3rd Class Certification is $100.
A searchable online copy of the Code is available on the Resources page of the course and is required reading before taking the exams. Printed copies of the Code are available for purchase through Crown Publications (https://www.crownpub.bc.ca/). Please allow time for shipping and handling.
What to expect after you’ve purchased the course:
An email containing your receipt of purchase. Remember to check your junk/spam folder.
Another email containing a link to register in the course. Please Note: This email could take an hour or more before you receive it.
Click to preview the Self-Registration Page
After registering, you will receive an email with a username and information for accessing the course.
