Product Overview

This Open Cut Mining and Surface Extraction SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify, control, and minimise risks associated with open-cut mining and surface extraction operations, supporting robust WHS compliance. It provides detailed, practical guidance across the full lifecycle of open-cut mining and surface extraction activities, from planning and access control through to drilling, extraction, crushing, conveying, and waste rock management.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Establishing and maintaining physical barriers, bunds, and exclusion zones around the mining area to prevent unauthorised access and vehicle incursions
• Planning and conducting high wall scaling activities, including rock fall controls, safe stand-off distances, and supervision requirements
• Safe operation of in-pit crushing and conveying systems, including guarding, isolation, and lockout/tagout procedures
• Managing extraction operations, including loading, hauling, stockpiling, and interaction between mobile plant and pedestrians
• Mine drilling operations, including rig set-up, ground stability checks, noise and dust controls, and safe handling of drill rods and consumables
• Mineral extraction processes, including blasting interfaces, material handling, and control of airborne contaminants
• General mining activities such as pre-start inspections, traffic management, communications, and emergency response readiness
• Open-cut mining procedures, including pit design considerations, bench stability, and progressive rehabilitation interfaces
• Surface mining operations using excavators, loaders, dozers, and haul trucks, with controls for rollovers, collisions, and visibility risks
• Waste rock management, including dump design, tipping edge controls, compaction, and environmental protection measures
• Management of dust, noise, vibration, and blasting impacts on workers and surrounding communities
• Weather-related risk controls for heavy rain, high winds, heat stress, and reduced visibility affecting open-cut operations
• Emergency planning for pit wall failure, vehicle incidents, fire, and hazardous atmosphere events in surface mining environments

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for open-cut mining operators, surface extraction contractors, drill and blast teams, mine supervisors, and principal mining contractors responsible for managing open-cut and surface mining operations on Australian sites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on the safe use, inspection, and maintenance of mining and extraction plant
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Controls for working near high walls, benches, tipping edges, and other fall hazards
• Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice: Requirements for involving workers, contractors, and other duty holders in mining safety
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Controls for high-noise environments such as drilling, crushing, and heavy equipment operation
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Safe handling of explosives, fuels, lubricants, and other hazardous substances used in mining
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for safe amenities, access, and environmental conditions in open-cut mining areas
• AS/NZS 4801 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems: Framework for systematic management of health and safety risks in mining operations
• AS 2187 Explosives – Storage, Transport and Use: Relevant where surface extraction interfaces with blasting and explosives use