Program Overview

Overview

The purpose of this program will be to train and prepare an Alaskan workforce to meet the increasing demand for mill operators in Alaska’s mining industry.

Description

The proposed Occupational Endorsement will be designed as a three to four month training program that will consist of a minimum of 17 credits of coursework. This design will provide a program that is short in duration, focused on the skills and knowledge of a mill operator, and be eligible for students to receive financial aid while completing the program. Completion of the program will result in students being awarded an Occupational Endorsement (OE) credential in Mining Mill Operations.

Goals & Outcomes

Students who earn the Mill Operator Occupational Endorsement will have the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in the following areas of mill operations:

Occupational and Mine Safety:  Students will learn to work safely in a mill environment; how to properly and safely transport dangerous goods; how to identify and work safely around power line hazards; and how to utilize of fall protection systems and equipment. Students will develop knowledge related to the Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) requirements for mine and mill safety.

Industrial Process Instrumentation:  Students will learn the basics of PLC and instrumentation operation.

Mining Systems and Equipment:  Students will develop skills and knowledge related to hand and power tools used in mill operations; lifting devices; ladders and scaffolds; sump pump operations; service vehicles and equipment, and general mill operations.

Mill Operations and Processes:  Students will learn processing basics, including, conveying, crushing, grinding, classification, gravity separation, dewatering, extraction, physical and chemical processes, hydromet/pyromet, tailings disposition, and sampling and testing.