Queensland’s registered mine surveyors have been reminded of their responsibilities when it comes to oversight, verifications and certifications.

The Surveyors Board of Queensland’s latest communique reminds the state’s mine surveyors of the need to be mindful of their responsibilities.

Specifically, the Board advised that it “wishes to remind Registered Mine Surveyors (RMS) of the importance of maintaining effective operational oversight, verification and certification practices in relation to statutory mine surveying obligations”.

“As part of the Board’s ongoing engagement with Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ), Board representatives have recently participated in a number of mine site visits and discussions regarding contemporary mining survey practices and operational arrangements,” the Board said.

“In addition, the Board has undertaken a preliminary review of Annual Statutory Mine Plan submission data across Queensland mining operations.”

The Board made note of the ways in which modern mining operations increasingly use shared survey resources, contractor and consultant RMS, and RMS who might have oversight across multiple different mine sites and operations.

The Board said that it “recognises that such arrangements may be entirely appropriate and necessary within modern mining operations. The Board also acknowledges the significant experience and professionalism demonstrated by RMS practitioners across the Queensland mining industry.”

Statutory responsibilities and maintaining awareness

The communique goes on to reminds RMS that statutory certification responsibilities require ongoing:

• operational familiarity with the relevant mine;
• effective supervision and verification processes;
• appropriate QA/QC systems; and
• sufficient oversight to ensure plans and associated survey information comply with legislative and recognised standard requirements.

The Board said it particularly wants RMS practitioners to be reminded of the importance of ensuring that:

• statutory certifications are based upon appropriate review and verification processes;
• survey control and mine plan systems remain current and accurate;
• operational arrangements support effective discharge of RMS responsibilities; and
• delegation or support arrangements do not diminish the RMS’s personal responsibility for statutory certification obligations.

The Board also noted the importance of maintaining awareness of the Recognised Standard 10, relevant provisions of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017, and site-specific Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) obligations relevant to mine surveying activities.

“The Board intends to continue working collaboratively with RSHQ to better understand contemporary mining survey practices across Queensland,” the communique said.

Finally, the communique advised that future Board engagement with the sector might include further site visits, industry discussions and continued monitoring of operational trends within the mining sector.

“The Board appreciates the ongoing professionalism and cooperation of RMS practitioners and acknowledges the critical role mine surveyors play in supporting the safety and integrity of Queensland mining operations,” it said.