Blast Off! New Diploma in Surface Mining Explosives Engineering

First published in the August 2024 issue of Quarry Management

IQ, EPC Groupe, and the University of Derby have developed a new, accredited University Diploma

The Institute of Quarrying (IQ), EPC Groupe, and the University of Derby have collaborated to develop a new, accredited University Diploma in Surface Mining Explosives Engineering.

Created as part of a wider response to a growing need for specialized knowledge and skills across the mineral products sector, the new diploma specifically addresses a highlighted need from the explosives industry for a globally recognized qualification in explosives engineering. This groundbreaking, one-year level 5 course aims to meet the current and evolving demands of the explosives sector, ensuring improved safety (targeting zero incidents), professionalism, improved public perception, and operational excellence.

For individuals looking to build fulfilling careers within the sector, this diploma provides a pathway to further qualifications that will underpin their ongoing personal and professional development.

Ben Williams, managing director of EPC-UK, said: ‘From the beginning, passion and purpose have been the pillars in creating this diploma level learning opportunity with its scope to successfully upskill our industry. We began course design discussions with Chris Rowan of the University of Derby in 2022, and since then a dedicated team with extensive industry knowledge has worked passionately to bring the programme to life. Speaking as the Chairperson of the IQ, I understand the enhanced educational benefits that industry-led qualifications deliver and am extremely proud of Chris and the team for making this enabling diploma a learning and development reality.’

Blended learning

The diploma comprises a blended distance-learning model, which allows learners to access online educational materials which are then supplemented by several face-to-face sessions, undertaken at EPC-UK’s head office training facility in Alfreton, Derbyshire. This provides an opportunity for students to learn away from the work environment and to further develop their knowledge by engaging with other professionals.

To ensure the integrity of the diploma and its relevance to the industry, the diploma is the culmination of the work of four industry experts – Dr Chris Rowan FIQ, Julian Smallshaw FIQ, Dr Geoff Adderley MIQ, and Dan Richards MIQ – who worked together to deliver the qualification. Their ambition is to deliver a high-quality experience that will provide learners with a range of benefits, including:

1. Preparing individuals to be operationally and technically effective in management and engineering positions in the explosives industry by providing them with the tools to achieve this, a strong theoretical base, and a range of skills relevant to today’s business practice.

2. Developing the learner’s knowledge and understanding of the explosives products and services sector and the context in which they operate, including global and environmental influences.

3. The ability to analyse the properties, characteristics, and performance of explosives used in aggregate production, and the techniques used to manage product quality to satisfy end-user requirements.

4. Gaining a critical appreciation of the operational and business-related aspects of developing and operating an explosives products and services operation, including methods of production, transportation, safety, and use.

5. How to critically evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems and how to effectively apply these in a work context.

6. Being able to plan and implement activities or projects to improve practices within the explosives products and services sector generally, and specifically within their own area of work.

7. Understanding how to work within the legislative framework about the field of explosives manufacture, transport, storage, and use.

8. Working collaboratively with others on activities and showing skills in teamwork, negotiation, and organization which develop the learner’s capacity to work across their organization and be positively responsive to change.

9. Providing individuals with an increased capacity to learn, as well as a foundation for independent lifelong learning.

Three-module structure and assessment

The diploma is separated into three key modules:

Geology, Surveying & Drilling Operations: covering an in-depth exploration of rock properties and the geological factors affecting mining operations; comprehensive training on advanced surveying tools and software, emphasizing blast-related applications; and a detailed study of various drilling methods, equipment selection, set-up procedures, and their downstream benefits, combined with a focus on business ethics in drilling operations.

Explosives & Blasting Operations: covering the history and types of explosives and their classification; the properties and characteristics of explosives that influence explosive performance; insights into different detonators and initiation systems, their uses and patterns; the core principles of designing effective blasts; and detailed procedures and safety measures for conducting shotfiring operations.

Safety, Health, Environment & Sustainability: covering legislation and best practice governing health, safety, and environmental practices; training and competence, ensuring training to highest standards to manage misfires, fly-rock, and other hazards; environmental considerations to address air quality, vibration, noise, and dust management; and sustainable practices to promote long-term environmental stewardship.

Each module has two equal assessment components: coursework and an open-book end assessment. All assessment is completed online to facilitate distance learning. Each learner also receives a copy of IQ’s ‘Explosives in Quarrying’ textbook to supplement their studies. This textbook has recently been updated and is available to purchase from the IQ online shop at: shop.quarrying.org

James Thorne, chief executive officer of the IQ, said: ‘This new diploma is a significant and important development for the explosives industry. We are proud to be part of this tripartite collaboration and its resulting implementation via our trusted partners at EPC-UK and the University of Derby. Education is critical to personal professional development, and we are proud to add this to our portfolio of opportunities for our members.’

The expertise behind the new diploma

Dr Geoff Adderley MIQ – Blasting technology development manager, EPC-UK: In his current role, Geoff is responsible for the development, testing, and application of new technologies to support blasting processes, as well as the development and delivery of training courses in both surface and underground blasting.

Geoff completed his PhD in ‘The Effect of Tunnel Blast Design on Vibration’ at Camborne School of Mines in 2009 having previously studied Mining Engineering at an undergraduate level, before going on to achieve Chartered Engineer status in 2014. He is a member of the Institute of Quarrying and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, and sits on the Quarries National Joint Advisory Committee (QNJAC) Drilling and Blasting working group, and the Federation of European Explosives Manufacturers’ Blasting Practices working group.

He has worked in operational, consulting, and commercial roles covering a variety of commodities in both the UK and Australia, gaining significant experience in drilling and blasting activities in operations ranging from quarries to large-scale surface mining, as well as in underground mining and special effects. Beyond blasting, Geoff has also worked as a mining consultant working on other parts of the extractive process from mine design to backfill systems.

With a strong emphasis on research and development, Geoff has worked on several publications covering subjects from blast vibration analysis to the application of drone technology in the sector.

Julian Smallshaw FIQ – Head of education and standards, Institute of Quarrying: Julian has worked in the extractives industry all his life. After graduating from the University of Leeds Mining Department with a BSc in Quarrying he focused on operational management. He ran a range of mineral extractives operations throughout the UK, but more recently managed multi-million-tonne operations in the Middle East.

He joined the Institute of Quarrying as head of education and standards working closely with stakeholders and educational institutions to develop and run a range of qualifications and training for the industry.

Julian is a Fellow of the Institute of Quarrying and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK. He also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Education and an OFQUAL Industry Expert (The UK Government Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation).

Chris Rowan FIQ – Senior lecturer in mineral products, University of Derby: Chris has more than 45 years’ experience in the mineral extractives industry, including in the UK, the Middle East, and Africa. Working in many roles from quarry manager to country manager, Chris says he has been fortunate to work in varying cultures that have helped develop his knowledge and love of a career that has been his life.

One of his greatest achievements was setting up a new asphalt production and laying business in Qatar, in the Middle East, where, from a blank page, he set the business on the road to become one of the company’s flagship operations.

As a previous alumni of the Doncaster Assisted Private Study (DAPS) qualification, Chris understands the importance of ‘lifelong learning’ and giving clear progression pathways to those who wish to improve and enhance their career opportunities.

Returning from Nigeria, in Africa, in 2015 Chris joined the University of Derby’s Centre for Mineral Products as programme leader for the Asphalt Technology programmes, then took on the role of programme leader for Mineral Extractives and Cement in 2017.

As far back as the Hillhead 2022 show, Chris was approached by EPC and IQ and asked if it would be possible to develop a university diploma in Surface Mining Explosives Engineering. Following initial meetings to agree the content of the diploma, Chris worked tirelessly over 18 months with EPC, IQ, and the University of Derby to get the three-module, level 5 university diploma validated, which happened in May this year.

The diploma has now been validated by the University of Derby, which clearly shows how the programme aligns with the UK’s Quality Code for Higher Education and articulates the principles of UK higher education.

Dan Richards MIQ – Senior explosives engineer, EPC-UK: Dan Richards is a Chartered Engineer and a member of both the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and the Institute of Quarrying. Joining EPC-UK in 2018, Dan’s role as senior explosives engineer sees him providing and overseeing technical engineering support for both internal and external customers. In this role, he serves as a technical expert, offering guidance on explosive products, developing best practices, and ensuring safety across all activities.

He is also heavily involved in training, developing, and delivering industry courses, seminars, and presentations on explosives applications. His work in research and development focuses on advancing blasting techniques and technologies.

Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in mining engineering, complemented by industry-specific certifications relating to blasting and unmanned aircraft systems. His career has afforded him valuable experience across the UK and Ireland, enhancing his expertise in diverse geological conditions and operational challenges. Actively involved with QNJAC, Dan plays a key role in shaping industry-wide safety and operational guidelines.

University Diploma in Surface Mining Explosives Engineering

Who could benefit?

• Operational managers, assistant managers, and supervisors: Those with significant industry experience but limited formal qualifications seeking to enhance their competence.

• Graduate employees: Individuals with degrees in related fields, such as mining engineering or geology, looking to specialize in explosives.

• Industry suppliers/manufacturers’ employees: Professionals seeking to deepen their sector knowledge to better serve industry clients.

• Consultants: Those aiming to broaden their understanding of the mineral products environment to improve their service offerings.

• Entry-level individuals: School leavers with English and/or Maths GCSEs seeking a career in the commercial explosives sector.

• Ex-military personnel: Veterans transitioning into civilian roles within the explosives industry.

Eligibility criteria

• Employment affiliation: Learners must be employed or have an affiliation with an employer.

• Nomination and review: Learners should be nominated following a review or discussion with their line manager or recruitment manager.

• Capability and competence: Learners identified by their organizations as capable of succeeding in the programme.

• English language proficiency: Demonstrated capability equivalent to GCSE English Language or IELTS 6.0.

Further information

The first cohort of students on the diploma will start their studies this September. To find out more about the course and to register your interest, visit: www.quarrying.org/explosives; or contact IQ direct by calling: (0115) 972 9995; or email: [email protected]

• Subscribe to Quarry Management, the monthly journal for the mineral products industry, to read articles before they appear on Agg-Net.com