Mining/AMTC Program

The Alabama Mining Academy was officially established by the Alabama Legislature in 1985. The Academy is the central agency for assistance to Alabama’s miners and mine operators in mine safety and mine training. Its purposes are 1) to provide assistance to the mining industry in developing and implementing effective mine health and safety programs and 2) to improve and expand programs aimed at safer, more productive mining industry.

The Program

Bevill State’s Mine Technology Program has provided training to the mining industry since 1975. Federally mandated training classes are taught throughout the state, from Huntsville to Mobile. Classes are scheduled days, evenings, and weekends to accommodate the needs of the mining industry.

Miners are trained by Bevill State in one or more of the following areas:

• New miner – surface, underground, coal and/or metal/nonmetal (part 46 & 48)
• Annual refresher – surface, underground, coal and/or metal/nonmetal (part 46 & 48)
• Foreman Certification – underground and surface
• Electrical – Initial and retraining
• Maintenance – Mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, diesel, and pneumatics
• Specific need courses

Training Benefits

Bevill State Community College is the only college in the state that offers Mine Technology curriculum. Our state-of-the-art virtual simulator provides hands-on training that enables students to be competitively prepared for the workforce industry. All of our courses are taught by MSHA-approved instructors. All new miner courses, both surface and underground, meet the requirements by the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Mining Simulator

Bevill State’s program uses a state-of-the-art, 3D simulator with a full-range motion-based operator’s seat, to provide training for surface mine equipment. This simulator is equivalent to those used by the military and commercial airlines for pilot training and can be used for many equipment scenarios.

This technology allows new students to immerse themselves in real-life situations without hazardous exposure. It also allows the cross-training of existing employees on new equipment and enhances management training through various operating conditions.

The simulator also optimizes training time for the student by providing different types of scenarios. This enables the student to be more prepared for real work experiences.

Underground Simulation Training

Bevill State Community College offers a wide array of services to miners and mining companies seeking training certification. BSCC offers the following services:

• Annual Refresher for Part 48 and Part 46 Regulations
• New Miner Training for Part 48 and Part 46 Regulations
• Training to Assist in Completing Part 46 Regulations
• CPR and First Aid Certification
• Hazard Communications Training
• Electrical Communications Training

All mining classes can be conducted at a job site or on the Sumiton campus of Bevill State. The College's instructors have over 60 years of instructional experience, combined with over 50 years of mining experience. All instructors are approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

State Program Summary

Alabama’s mining industry consists of surface and underground coal and non-metal mining. Bevill State Community College provides training to an average of 6500 miners each year.

Special emphasis is placed on providing training to smaller, independently operated mines that do not have the personnel or financial resources to provide their own training. These mines are in the most need of direct training assistance. All training is designed to discuss the topics outlined in State and Federal mining regulations and incorporates accident statistics to increase awareness of potential problems and health and safety hazards. The major thrust of the program is to ensure that coal and non-metal miners as well as contract employees are effectively trained in safety and health as required under 30 CFR parts 46, 48, 49, 56, 75, and 77.

Assistance is also made available to underground coal operators by providing training to meet the requirements of the Federal Diesel regulation.

State and Federal certification courses are conducted to provide miners with the knowledge necessary to successfully perform the duties required for the following certifications:

• Surface Blasting for Alabama Surface Mining Commission
• Electrical Certification for Mine Safety and Health Administration
• Underground Mine Foreman - State of Alabama
• Underground Fire Boss - State of Alabama
• Surface Mine Foreman - State of Alabama

The training programs offered at Bevill State can be taught on the school campus, carried to the mine site on a satellite basis, or conducted upon request at the mine site.

The training program also provides rescue and recovery services for Alabama’s smaller mines by providing two fully equipped and well-trained mine rescue teams. Bevill State is located in the Warrior Coal Basin which allows the College to meet criteria required by Federal regulations for reporting times in cases of mine disasters. This service is available to the Alabama small mine operators at no cost.

Available Training

Underground New Miner

Monday - Thursdays
7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Four-day Underground Miner training is held once a month in buildings 700 and 1000 on the Sumiton campus only. Cost of the class is $175. Students must pre-pay to register for class. Cash, check or money order payments can be made in the Mining Department office in building 700. Credit and debit card payments must be made in the Business office in building 1200. All students are required to bring a pen/pencil and a notebook to the training course.

Surface New Miner

Various Days
7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Three-day Surface Miner training is held once a month in buildings 700 and 1000 on the Sumiton campus only. Cost of the class is $150. Students must pre-pay to register for class. Cash, check or money order payments can be made in the Mining Department office in building 700. Credit and debit card payments must be made in the Business office in building 1200. All students are required to bring a pen/pencil and a notebook to the training course.

Underground and Surface Refresher Courses

Various Days
7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
1-day Underground and Surface Refresher training courses are held at various times in buildings 700 and 1000 on the Sumiton campus only. Cost of the class is $60. Students must pre-pay to register for class. Cash, check, or money order payments can be made in the Mining Department office in building 700. Credit and debit card payments must be made in the Business office in building 1200. All students are required to bring a pen/pencil and a notebook to the training course.

Mine Electrician

90-Hour Course
The 90-Hour Mine Electrician Course is held once a year in buildings 700 and 1000 on the Sumiton campus only. Course Requirements: The individual must have 2,000 hours of experience working with industrial or commercial electrical. Residential experience and personal wiring jobs do not count toward the 2,000 hours. Cost of the class is $600. Students must pre-pay to register for class. Cash, check, or money order payments can be made in the Mining Department office in building 700. Credit and debit card payments must be made in the Business office in building 1200.

Mine Electrician Refresher Course

Various Days
7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
1-day Mine Electrician Refresher training courses are held at various times in buildings 700 and 1000 on the Sumiton campus only. Cost of the class is $60. Students must pre-pay to register for class. Cash, check or money order payments can be made in the Mining Department office in building 700. Credit and debit card payments must be made in the Business office in building 1200. All students are required to bring a pen/pencil and a notebook to the training course.

AMTC

Contact Information

Rob Dzurino - Robin.Dzurino@BSCC.edu - Sumiton Campus
800.648.3271 ext. 5225

Connie Carmichael - Connie.Carmichael@bscc.edu - Sumiton Campus
800.648.3271 ext. 5433