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Certificate III · national qualification

Certificate III in Resource Processing

This qualification prepares you to work as a production operator in mineral processing plants and coal preparation or treatment plants, where ore and coal are crushed, separated and upgraded before they move on.

Compare 8 providers
How long it takes
1 to 2 years
typical for this level
How you can study
On the job
Taught by
8 providers
Every state and territory

Is this course right for you?

What the Certificate III in Resource Processing asks of you, and what you might want to check first.

It helps to have

  • an interest in how raw materials are processed
  • a careful approach to safety and following procedures
  • good teamwork and communication skills
  • willingness to make decisions and solve problems

Before you start

The qualification has no set entry requirements, but each provider can add its own.

Where this course can take you

The study that can follow this course.

If you study further

Pay is the median for everyone in the job, and “In demand” means the job is on the national shortage list.

Where you can study this course

There are 8 places you can study this course. When you compare them, check they teach it the way you want to study, how far you'd be from a campus, what it will cost you and what past students say about the teaching and support. They're listed by how often people search for them, and none of them pays to be here or to move up.

What you’ll learn

The main topics covered in the Certificate III in Resource Processing.

  • Running processing plant equipment
  • Monitoring plant and production
  • Sampling and testing materials
  • Crushing, screening and conveyors
  • Safety and emergency procedures
  • Fault finding and problem solving

Questions to ask before you enrol

Providers run this course differently, so the answers change from one to the next.

  1. When is the next intake, and how many are there each year?
  2. What is the total cost, including materials, checks and any placement costs?
  3. Can I study part time or online, and how does that change the length?
  4. Do the units count towards a higher qualification if I go on to study further?

Questions people ask

Who is this qualification for?

It prepares you to work as a production operator in mineral processing plants and coal preparation or treatment plants, where ore and coal are crushed, separated and upgraded. You run and monitor equipment such as conveyors, crushers and screens, take samples and run tests, and handle hazardous materials, spills, dust and safe isolation for maintenance. It leads to roles such as Bulk Materials Handling Operator.

Do I need experience or other qualifications first?

The qualification itself has no entry requirements. Individual providers can set their own conditions, so check with the provider you choose.

Related courses

The national training register, training.gov.au. TAFE course pages, read 20 September 2026. Google reviews. Pay and shortage status from Jobs and Skills Australia.