Powder Monkey

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

• AQF Certificate II or III, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

In New Zealand:

• NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Note: some roles within this unit group are at a higher ANZSCO Skill Level.

Registration or licensing may be required.

• dismantling, moving and reassembling drilling rigs and accessory plant
• taking samples of ore, liquids and gases and packaging them
• performing minor maintenance and repairs, and lubricating and cleaning plant
• recording performance details and information obtained from wells, and keeping logs detailing operations
• operating surface and underground mining plant
• undertaking development work such as opening up new shafts, drives, air vents, rises and crib rooms
• positioning explosives in bore holes and priming explosives using detonators and explosive cartridges
• connecting wires, fuses and detonating cords to explosive cartridges and detonators, and detonating explosives
• monitoring operation of plant and ensuring safety of other workers on mining sites and during drilling operations
• operating auxiliary plant such as pumps to expel air, water and mud