The WA mining industry depends on competent leaders to uphold safety and compliance. Under the WHS (Mines) Regulations 2022, both Mining Supervisors and Mining Managers hold statutory positions with specific legal responsibilities.
While the two roles share a focus on workplace safety, their scope and qualification requirements are different. Understanding which applies to you is vital for compliance and career growth.
Future Institute of Australia delivers both the Statutory Mining Supervisor Course and the Statutory Mining Manager Course, plus the LGIRS (FKA DEMIRS) exam preparation course, helping individuals and organisations stay compliant and prepared for statutory appointments.
Understanding Statutory Roles in WA Mining
A statutory role is one defined in Schedule 26 of the WHS (Mines) Regulations 2022. These roles ensure qualified people (based on qualifications and experience) are directly responsible for health and safety outcomes on mine sites.
Both supervisors and managers are accountable for WHS performance, but their authority levels differ:
- Statutory Mining Supervisors are front-line managers responsible for direct, daily safety and compliance within a specific, designated area of the mine.
- Statutory Mining Managers oversee site-wide systems, governance, and compliance strategies.
Whether you lead a crew or manage a whole site, holding the correct qualification is a legal requirement under Schedule 26.
Statutory positions are classified into several categories, with different functions and obligations, and levels of knowledge, experience and formal qualifications for the appointed persons, with some positions requiring statutory certificates.
- Underground supervisor (non-coal)
- Underground supervisor (coal)
- Restricted quarry manager
- Statutory supervisor
- Mine air quality officer
- Noise officer
- Electrical supervisor
What Does a Statutory Mining Supervisor Do?
A Statutory Mining Supervisor oversees their team or designated area of the mine site and ensures day-to-day compliance with WHS procedures. Examples of designated areas include laboratories, processing plants, and quarries.
Their responsibilities include supervising workers and operations within a designated area, identifying and managing risks, hazard management, incident reporting, and enforcing safe systems of work.
Under Schedule 26, Statutory Mining Supervisors must hold two specific units of competency:
- BSBWHS411 – Implement and monitor WHS policies, procedures and programs
- BSBWHS414 – Contribute to WHS risk management
The Statutory Mining Supervisor Course delivered by Future Institute of Australia meets these requirements.
Course features:
- Two days of face-to-face training (public or onsite options available)
- Written assessments integrated with collection of workplace documentation
- Ideal for frontline leaders, shift supervisors, or aspiring statutory supervisors
This qualification ensures compliance and builds the skills needed to lead safely and confidently.
What Does a Statutory Mining Manager Do?
A Statutory Mining Manager carries overall responsibility for the mine’s operations and safety systems. They allocate specific supervised areas to supervisors, ensure compliance with legislative requirements and the site meets all statutory requirements, and they must be in an appointed role, such as the Site Senior Executive (SSE).
The Statutory Mining Manager Course equips participants with the leadership and compliance knowledge required for LGIRS appointment.
Course highlights:
- Focuses on strategic WHS management, leadership, and risk governance
- Designed for those being appointed to Senior Site Executive (SSE) roles, site managers, superintendents, or professionals moving into statutory leadership
- Delivered by industry-experienced trainers, who have worked within the sector and understand the intricacies of the industry
- Aligns with WA WHS (Mines) Regulations and Schedule 26
- Very high completion rates
- Flexibility in assessment methods
This course is essential for those responsible for whole-of-site WHS outcomes or preparing for formal Senior Site Executive (SSE) appointments.
Key Differences Between Mining Supervisors and Mining Managers
Both roles are critical – supervisors ensure safety is upheld in daily operations, while managers provide the strategic leadership and governance required by law.
Why Choose Future Institute of Australia
Future Institute of Australia is a trusted provider of statutory mining qualifications with a strong industry reputation.
Why organisations and individuals choose Future Institute:
- Fully aligned with WHS (Mines) Regulations 2022
- Streamlined course with clustered assessments (to reduce repetition) with the Statutory Mining Supervisor Course delivered over 2 intensive days, rather than 3
- Delivered by experienced facilitators, with extensive mining experience
- Flexible options for public or private courses, including onsite delivery
- Nationally recognised Statement of Attainment
- Supported by expert guidance and flexibility is assessment methods
Future Institute helps ensure every statutory leader – from supervisors to managers – is trained, competent, and compliant.
Course Costs and Booking
The Statutory Mining Supervisor course costs $900 for 2 days, and the Statutory Mining Manager course costs $500 for the 1 day per person (GST free).
To book or learn more:
- Visit the Organisations page for group or onsite sessions
- Visit the Individuals page to enrol in a public course
- Check upcoming sessions via the Course Calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Statutory Mining Supervisor and a Statutory Mining Manager?
A Statutory Mining Supervisor manages teams and designated areas, as allocated by the Senior Site Executive (SSE), ensuring daily compliance. A Statutory Mining Manager oversees the entire site and is responsible for all WHS systems and personnel at that site.
Who needs a Statutory Mining Manager ticket in WA?
Anyone managing a mine site or responsible for site-wide operations must hold a statutory mining manager qualification under WHS (Mines) Regulations 2022.
Do I need to attend both the Statutory Mining Supervisor course and the Statutory Mining Manager course to be a Senior Site Executive (SSE) and manage a mine site?
Yes, you must hold all three units of competency.
Statutory Mining Supervisor course has two Units of Competency:
- BSBWHS411 – Implement and monitor WHS policies, procedures and programs, and BSBWHS414 – Contribute to WHS risk management
Statutory Mining Managers course has an additional one Unit of Competency:
- BSBWHS513 – Lead WHS risk management
What qualifications are required for Statutory Mining Supervisors?
Statutory Mining Supervisors must complete BSBWHS411 – Implement and monitor WHS policies, procedures and programs, and BSBWHS414 – Contribute to WHS risk management – both delivered through Future Institute’s Statutory Mining Supervisor Course.
Do both roles require LGIRS approval?
Statutory Mining Supervisors are appointed by their employer, while Statutory Mining Managers must be approved by LGIRS following successful completion of the approved Units of Competency and the issuance of the Statement of Attainment.
How long do the courses take?
The Statutory Mining Supervisors course is delivered over two days, and the Statutory Mining Managers course is delivered over one day. Future Institute also offers a one day exam preparation course to assist with preparing for the LGIRS legislative exam. Onsite training is available for groups of 10 or more.
Are the Statutory Mining qualifications nationally recognised?
Yes. Both are nationally accredited and recognised across Australia’s mining and resource sectors.
How do I know which course is right for me?
If you manage daily operations, enrol in the Statutory Mining Supervisor Course. If you oversee full-site compliance or manage other supervisors, you will need to complete the Statutory Mining Supervisor Course as well as the Statutory Mining Manager Course.
