Mineral products technician

Reference Number: ST0605

Details of standard

Occupation summary

This occupation is found in the hazardous Mineral Products Industry which includes quarrying and deep mining. The industry directly employs 78,000 people in the UK and supplies industries with a combined turnover of £495bn. The Mineral Products Industry is a vital enabling sector of the UK economy and is the largest element of the construction supply chain, providing the raw materials to support major infrastructure and building projects. 

The broad purpose of the occupation is to ensure that sufficient materials and products are available to meet customer requirements whilst ensuring all health, safety, environmental and quality requirements/legislation are complied with.  This is carried out by supervising and coordinating operations in a safe manner whilst maintaining production to meet customer needs as well as optimising production and maintaining facilities to a high standard.

In their daily work an employee in this occupation interacts with colleagues within and outside their organisation across all departments, including managers at all levels, contract labour, customers and members of the public.  Typically this includes a balance between office and outside work observing and carrying out operational tasks.

Typical responsibilities include:

• optimising the effectiveness of their team by actively participating in daily/weekly briefings, appraisals and reviews;
• working with all members of the management team to continually raise the Health, Safety and Environmental standards of the company;
• ensuring all contractors who carry out work on-site are inducted, monitored and supervised to ensure safe working practices are adhered to;
• ensuring that all plant and equipment is maintained to a high standard and all production systems and products comply with all current quality standards;
• ensuring all company and regulatory inspections and reports and completed;
• liaising with the sales team and customers to ensure the site delivers the highest standard in customer service.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the safe operation of the site and maximising productivity.

Mineral Product Technicians are employed across several mineral extractive industries. These industries include quarrying, concrete production, cement manufacture, cementitious products, asphalt production, ashphalt laying and clay manufacture.

They require a detailed technical understanding of the part of the mineral extractive industry in which they work. These key specialist areas are aligned to the titles of the apprenticeship options as follows:

• Mineral Extraction
• Concrete (Readymix and Precast/Prestressed)
• Cement and cementitious products
• Asphalt & Pavements
• Clays (Heavy and White)

Typical job titles

Typical job titles include Quarry supervisor; Operations supervisor; Extraction supervisor; Cutting shed foreman; Prestressed operations supervisor; Assistant Materials Manager.

Core occupation duties

Option duties

KSBs

Knowledge

K1: Relevant Health, Safety Environmental Legislation relevant to their workplace.

K2: The health and safety hazards, major hazards, environmental aspects and risks associated with the operation.

K3: Major hazards associated  with the operational site.

K4: Emergency response, process and procedures.

K5: The concepts, theories and practicalities underpinning the safe, efficient operation of the production site

K6: The performance and competency requirements for all operational roles on site including contractors and sub-contractors.”

K7: Problem solving tools and techniques.

K8: An understanding of dynamic work Method Statements and Risk Assessments.

K9: Understand the effect of production processes on the supply chain.

K10: Understand the impact of production processes on sustainability

K11: Foundation   geo-sciences, such as understanding the geology and chemistry of the materials and its application relevant to the mineral products sector.

K12: The principles of operation of mobile and static plant equipment to produce and process a consistent product to customer and BS EN specifications minimising any waste.

K13: The principles of predictive and preventative maintenance of all mineral products equipment.

K14: Knowledge of relevant quality systems (such as ISO standards)

K15: An understanding of typical customer requirements and constraints

K16: How to establish site costs including cost benefit analysis

K17: Communication techniques, including report writing and methods of making written and oral presentations.

K18: The importance of communicating relevant information with the operational team, customers and all stakeholders.

K19: The importance of liaison with local communities, official bodies and other stakeholders associated with site operations and any impacts they may have.

K20: The minerals extraction processing operations that maximises the use of the resources, maximises products from raw materials, ensures availability of resources and restore spent or worked areas.

K21: The social and economic issues associated with the exploration, exploitation and development of a mineral extraction site.

K22: Different methods of winning and extracting raw material.

K23: Techniques employed to load extracted minerals and viable options to transport extracted minerals and its applications within the industry, including feeding, crushing, screening, washing, separation, classification and beneficiation techniques.

K24: Sustainable development, reclamation of mineral workings, minerals planning, managing waste and an understanding of environmental law and legislation and its implication for the minerals extractive industry.

K25: The requirements of blasting in a safe and environmentally conscious manner, without risk of causing injury or damage whilst optimising overall operating costs.

K26: An understanding of chemical and physical properties of aggregates – their specifications in order to produce aggregates that are fit for purpose and the full range of end uses such as concrete, asphalt or rail ballast.

K27: An in depth understanding of how to sample and test the aggregates, including typical standard deviations and implications of analysis of the final products in use this includes adjusting operations to achieve the required quality levels.

K28: Understand the maintenance processes required to maximise availability and cost base on the range of mobile and static plant including modes of failure, first line maintenance and specific maintenance activities.

K29: Understand the principles required and constraints around both new site planning requirements and planning permissions extensions.

K30: Deep understanding of the Quarry Regulations 1999.

K31: An understanding of fresh and hardened concrete, its constituents, specifications, mix design and its properties, in order to produce concrete that is fit for purpose and durable.

K32: An understanding of how to sample and test the end product in a fresh and hardened state.

K33: Sustainable use of concrete in durable structures and its environmental impact.

K34: Appropriate use of resources, admixtures, additives for constituent materials, and energy consumption.

K35: Cementitious materials including cement replacing materials; natural and recycled aggregates; admixtures; properties of fresh, hardening and hardened concrete for durable structures; standards, specifications and conformity control; production and placing.

K36: Properties of concretes and cementitious mortars used for specialist end uses – including self-compacting, precast and fibre reinforced concrete; and mortars for masonry, render and screed.

K37: Concrete in construction and a deep understanding of reinforced and pre-stressed concrete, including its use in concrete slabs, floors and external paving.

K38: The particular characteristics of fresh concrete required for specialist end uses such as pumped, sprayed, foamed and underwater concrete are also studied. Includes an understanding of the influence of formwork on the surface finish of hardened concrete.

K39: The factors that influence the long term durability of concrete used in structures, including the role of cracks. Compaction of placed product and impacts of the environmental conditions during placement

K40: Methods used to investigate and analyse the causes and extent of deterioration in a concrete structure and how to repair and protect reinforced and pre-stressed concrete structures.

K41: The importance and various methods for curing concrete.

K42: The sequence of activities required to produce cement, including how the raw materials are sourced and blended; the chemical processes in the cement kiln; and the processing and blending of clinker to give the range of cements required by customers.

K43: The complex range of activities and processes that are used in relation to the extracted raw materials and other components required to prepare the dry or semi-dry material known as ‘kiln feed.

K44: The balanced and efficient use of different fuels (including waste fuels) and their contribution to the economic and sustainable operation of a Portland cement kiln.

K45: Clinker processing – the processes that grind and blend the output from the cement kiln into a cement that can be sold to the customer in bulk or in packaging.

K46: The safe processes and procedures for site shutdown in both routine and emergency situations.

K47: Effective environmental management in line with the Part A process at the clinker manufacturing facility and also local permits at associated depots, including monitoring and reporting of CO2 and improvements in emissions (such as fugitive or respirable dust and gaseous emissions).

K48: Quality control and end use of cement and cementitious products, including the correct use, maintenance and calibration of equipment, including XRF, chemical and physical testing equipment.

K49: Understand the end use of the cement, cementitious products and the properties which will impact on the final product, this covers conventional and special concretes such as self-compacting concrete.

K50: Correct dosing facilities and testing for Chromium(Cr)6+ in cement, reporting shelf life and testing  required to confirm the suitability for use. Understand the health implications of Cr6+ in final product and COSHH of the chemicals used to reduce Cr6+

K51: The technology, standards, specifications and other requirements that apply to bituminous products and asphalt mixtures.

K52: The technology and principles of designing bituminous mixtures including Recycled Asphalt Product (RAP), and of the specific processes and knowledge required to produce, transport and place the products.

K53: Techniques used to manage asphalt product quality so as to satisfy the needs of the customer and end use.

K54: Compaction of placed product and impacts of the environmental conditions during placement.

K55: Pavement products and how they work to protect the underlying substrates and the fundamental principles of pavement design.

K56: Pavement designed for lifespan and traffic predictions, design of treatments to maintain the structure.

K57: The ‘Asset Management’ approach to maintaining highways, and prioritisation of maintenance treatments.

K58: Fundamental properties of asphalt mixtures and their function in road pavements. The production of bitumen and special binders, such as emulsions and polymer modified binders.

K59: The fundamental requirements of an asphalt mix, durability, resistance to cracking and resistance to deformation.

K60: The major specialist treatments for the surface of roads, and their reinforcement.

K61: Sustainability through recycling and consideration of ‘alternatives aggregates’.

K62: The techniques used to identify potential sources of clay and their potential use in a range of clay products.

K63: The environmental and geological factors that can have an impact on the development of a clay extraction site.

K64: The methods and techniques used to investigate and evaluate a potential source of clay, including site survey and site investigation methods.

K65: Winning & Preparation – methods and techniques used to extract, stockpile and process clay so that it can be used for the production of clay products.

K66: The issues and constraints associated with crushing and size reduction of clay lumps and particles.

K67: Processes used to prepare clay so that it can be used to produce clay products in a safe way that also respects the environment.

K68: Forming – how the moulded clay can influence the dimensions and shape of the finished clay product.

K69: How surface treatments can be used to create particular surface characteristics and properties in the finished clay product and how surface finishes can be used to provide resistance to specified ground conditions and end-use environments.

K70: Techniques used to dry and then fire clay products. The drying and firing processes that produce different types of clay products and the influence of drying and firing techniques on their characteristics.

Skills

S1 Work competently, safely and manage risks in accordance with HSE regulations.

S2 Apply their knowledge of health and safety hazards, major hazards, environmental aspects and risks associated with the operation in order to train others to conduct full risk assessments, license to operate procedures and be able to fully investigate and evaluate health, safety and environmental accidents and incidents, report findings and implement improvements.

S3 Use their knowledge of emergency response processes and procedures to deal with emergency situations and ensure that in these circumstances the site is evacuated, secured and made safe as swiftly as possible.

S4 Recommend and support improvements to environmental, health and safety culture, procedures, process and systems across the operation.

S5 Obtain, evaluate and use information from the teams across the site to take critical operational decisions. This could include information on a range of matters such as the products, the equipment and the staffing levels.

S6 Utilise communications technology  for performing and supporting the business processes including, communications, work co-ordination, task analysis and problem solving.

S7 Ensure that operational systems are adhered to by all employees in accordance with  quality control plans and procedures.

S8 Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment in order to meet employers and regulatory health and safety requirements.

S9 Apply root cause analysis

S10 Use the principles of predictive and preventative maintenance of all mineral products equipment in order to minimise downtime and costs.

S11 Develop & write technical reports that meet business requirements including the optimisation and continuous improvement of processes and services

S12 Maximise the use of the resources, maximise products from raw materials, ensuring sustainability of resources.

S13 Provide technical knowledge transfer to colleagues and continuous improvements in line with business requirements.

S14 Optimise processes & products re: cost and performance in line with budget requirements.

S15 Communicate all relevant information with the operational team, customers and all stakeholders by email, handheld radio, phone and face to face to keep them up to date with site production issues, ensuring information is passed clearly and promptly.

S16 Plan and implement plans for work activities and projects.

S17 Monitoring trends, interpreting results and making adjustments in production.

S18 Use knowledge of the local communities, official bodies and other stakeholders associated with Mineral Products and their interests in the industry to liaise and engage with them to ensure positive working relationships are established, minimising disputes.

S19 Ensure safe and effective utilisations of mineral extraction equipment and resources by following standard operating procedures and/or site rules.

S20 Maximise operational and resource efficiency in a mineral extraction environment, in accordance with the quarry/mine plan.

S21 Plans processes to win and extract mineral in a safe, efficient and environmentally sensitive manner applying blasting, digging or cutting techniques.

S22 Plan to use, select and utilise face loading machines, dumptrucks, conveyor systems, processing and benefication equipment by planning material flow and matching equipment.

S23 Use and apply the the quarry/mine plan to assess environmental impact, planning constraints, site restoration and the wider sustainability agenda.

S24 Achieve and verify product quality meets both European Standards and customer specifications and optimizes the production process to achieve these in a cost effective manner and whilst maintaining end use applications.

S25 Ensures all test equipment is maintained, used correctly and calibrated, retains appropriate records. Interprets all test results for accuracy, retesting as required, and taking appropriate actions and communications if results fall outside of specifications.

S26 Conduct the full range of legislative and procedural inspections required in the quarry, processing plant and associated locations, record, document findings and take appropriate action. For inspections conducted by specialist third parties – can interpret, prioritize and action the recommendations.

S27 Planning work activities and production schedule with customer requirements.”

S28 Sampling and testing of concrete products to the relevant European standards.

S29 Monitoring trends, interpreting results and making adjustments in concrete mix designs.

S30 Management of product constituents to include secondary, alternative and recycled materials.

S31 Demonstration of the selection and appropriate use of reinforcement materials in concrete applications.

S32 Planning the selection and utilisation of fresh concrete delivery systems by planning material flow and matching equipment.

S33 Able to apply different concrete batching techniques in the manufacture of concrete products.

S34 Undertaking of assessment, inspection and development of suitable repair strategies for existing concrete structures.

S35 Planning work activities and production schedule with customer and trend requirements.

S36 Managing risks specific to high energy and cost production processes.

S37 Sampling, testing and reporting of Cement, Lime and Cementitious products to the relevant European standards.

S38 Sampling, testing and reporting of incoming and intermediary materials supporting the adjustments in the cement manufacturing process.

S39 Management of product constituents to include secondary, alternative and recycled materials.

S40 Planning the selection and utilisation of milling, grinding and blending equipment by planning process flow and matching equipment

S41 Demonstrate an understanding of the selection and use of different fuel types in order to maximise thermal efficiencies and minimise environmental impacts.

S42 Planning the selection and utilisation of Cement, Lime and Cementitious Products delivery systems.

S43 Planning work activities, production schedules, transport and delivery in line with customer requirements.

S44 Sampling source materials, bitumens and asphalt products.

S45 Defining different asphalt production processes and ancillary equipment to maximise production. Inspecting and optimising asphalt production plant and equipment.

S46 Inspecting and optimising laying and compaction plant and equipment.

S47 Managing risks to health and safety and the environment associated with the production, transport and laying of asphalt mixtures.

S48 Application and on going management of assets both in terms of production and laying equipment and in pavements, foundations, drainage, skid resistance, embankments, bridges and street furniture.

S49 Application of pavement design according to design speciications.

S50 Identifying pavement failure modes and subsequent remedial options.

S51 Application of specialist road surface treatments and sustainable recycled aggregates and recycling processes.

S52 Apply understanding of the nature and formation processes of clay deposits to the manufacture of heavy clay construction products to ensure product quality.

S53 Maximise operational and resource efficiency by using and understanding the quarry/clay pit plan in and minimising environmental impacts.

S54 Supervision of methods of extraction, transportation and stockpiling of clay raw materials to industry standards.

S55 Effective management of raw material processing in relation to the manufacturing operation.

S56 Recognise the influence of raw material properties in the selection of the appropriate clay forming equipment and drying processes.

S57 Appropriate selection and use of different surface texturing and colouring processes.

S58 Planning and control of the appropriate drying and firing cycles for the production process.

S59 Sampling, testing and reporting of intermediary and final clay products supporting the adjustments in the process.

Behaviour

B1: A strong personal commitment to health, mental wellbeing, safety and the environment.

B2: Leads from the front setting a high example to all employees.

B3: Works within the company policies, procedures and regulations at all times.

B4: Remains calm, composed and maintains accuracy of detail under pressure.

B5: Takes responsibility for own behaviours, actions and standards of work.

B6: Identifies improvements that could be made and contributes to implementing new procedures or ways of safe and effective working.

B7: Takes responsibility for on-going continuous professional development

B8: Ensures a customer focused approach and is an advocate for the business.

B9: Promotes a collaborative team ethic as well as a supportive and positive culture.

B10: Encourages innovation and supports suggestions and feedback.

B11: Demonstrates a commitment to equality and diversity and manages/challenges others to meet the requirements of fairness at work.

B12: Maintains a professional, courteous, polite and friendly approach at all times.

B13: Identify own development needs and takes action to meet those needs.

Qualifications

English and Maths qualifications
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.  For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL. 

Other qualifications

Mandatory qualification 1: MPQC Level 4 Diploma in Safety, Health and Environmental Management in Mineral Products Operations

Level of qualification: 4

Professional recognition

The Institute of Quarrying / Associate Member

The Institute of Asphalt Technology / Associate Member

The Institute of Concrete Technology / Associate Member

The Concrete Society / Associate Member

The International Clay Technology Association / Associate Member

The Institute of mining, metals and minerals. (Iom3). / Associate Member

Additional details

Occupational Level: 5
Duration (months): 36

Review

This standard will be reviewed after three years.

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