Source: Worksafe New Zealand
WorkSafe has published a consolidated version of the Health and Safety at Work (Mining Operations and Quarrying Operations – Prescribed Competency Requirements for Certificates of Competence) Safe Work Instrument 2023 on our website.
The consolidated safe work instrument (SWI) specifies the requirements for certificates of competence for the extractives industry to be issued or renewed.
It brings together the information from the principal (original) 2023 SWI and the subsequent 2025 amendment into one document, for ease of use.
While the consolidated SWI is a useful summary, it’s for reference only and is not the official version of a SWI.
Applicants for a certificate of competence must meet the requirements introduced in the 2025 amendment. The amendment added recently developed unit standards across 20 certificates of competence, and removed references to an outdated unit standard.
Those renewing their certificate of competence do not have to meet the new requirements in the amendment. The principal 2023 SWI has the requirements for people renewing their certificate.
Under the Health and Safety at Work (Mining Operations and Quarrying Operations) Regulations 2016, everyone in a safety critical role must hold a current certificate of competence. Certificate of competence holders have statutory responsibilities that reflect the importance of their roles. Holding a certificate of competence shows that the holder has the knowledge, experience and skills to carry out their duties safely.
The New Zealand Mining Board of Examiners issues, renews, cancels and suspends certificates of competence for the extractives industry, while WorkSafe sets the competency requirements.
Mining Operations and Quarrying Operations – Safe Work Instruments
WorkSafe has also recently updated the Good practice guidelines for health and safety at opencast mines, alluvial mines and quarries
