HomeCoursesMiningCertificate III in Surface Extraction Operations
Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations
This qualification is for people working in open cut mines and quarries, where the job is running the machinery that shifts rock and ore and keeping the site safe while it happens.
- Study mode: Workplace based
- Course code: RII30120
Where you can study this course
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Charles Darwin University
- Campuses
- 12 campuses
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
What students say
Students often praise the facilities and campus, while some value student support and course content. Some found organisation and admin frustrating, and opinions are mixed on trainers and teaching, with communication also a concern.
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Programmed Skilled Workforce
- Campuses
- 35 campuses
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
What students say
Most students criticise the communication and organisation and admin, and some found the student support lacking, so getting clear updates and a well run course matters when choosing where to study.
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Box Hill Institute
- Campuses
- 4 campuses
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
What students say
Students speak highly of the trainers and teaching, with the campus and facilities also well regarded. Many found student support frustrating, along with organisation and communication.
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Central Queensland University
- Campuses
- 18 campuses
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
What students say
A number of students praise the student support and campus facilities, while many found the organisation and admin frustrating and some had trouble with the enrolment process. Opinions are mixed on student support.
- Campuses
- Not yet checked
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
- Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
North Metropolitan TAFE
- Campuses
- 16 campuses
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
What students say
Opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching, with some students finding the organisation and admin frustrating and a number unhappy with the course content.
- Campuses
- 12 campuses
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
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Australian Training Management
- Campuses
- Not yet checked
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
Last reviewed 20 September 2026.
Is this course right for you?
Entry requirements
Nil
- Providers can set their own conditions, such as a minimum age or a current job in the industry, and practical training may need a workplace placement. Check each provider above.
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, it helps to have:
- an interest in working outdoors with heavy machinery
- a careful attitude to safety on a mine site
- good communication skills with your crew
- the willingness to solve problems as they come up
What will you learn?
You learn to operate and monitor extraction equipment, pick the right machine or method for the ground in front of you, and deal with problems when they come up during a shift. It suits someone already working on a mine site who wants their skills formally recognised, and it is also open to new starters with no prior experience. Because safety and licensing rules differ between states, territories and industry sectors, check what the relevant regulator requires before you enrol.
- Open cut site safety
- Operating extraction equipment
- Haul truck and loader work
- Reading mine plans
- Dust and noise controls
- Shift handovers and reporting
Where this fits
Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations in mining: the study that leads into it, the study that follows, and other routes at the same level.
You are looking at
Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations
After
No later step listed.
Data from training.gov.au and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (CC BY 4.0).