The process of certifying experienced Nozzlemen in recognition of their exemplary theoretical and practical skills has begun in earnest with the certification of expert Nozzlemen – three from Ireland and three from Australia. EFNARC continues to roll out the scheme and is in communication with ITA – The International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association with a view to obtaining ITA CET and ITA WG 12 endorsement of the scheme later this year.

The first assessments were carried out in May 2010 at the Lisheen mine, County Tipperary, Ireland by examiner Adam Barker. The men are employed by Anglo American who owns the mine. The Lisheen management is very proud of their men and Jonathon Talbot, Geotechnical Officer at the mine said that “Lisheen mine are delighted for the sprayers on passing the assessment and found the certification process very useful and will use the EFNARC Nozzleman certification scheme as part of the continuing improvements in shotcreting being conducted at the Lisheen mines.”

The second round of assessments was carried out in June 2010 at the Newcrest gold mine Telfer, Western Australia by examiner Bo Kalin. The men are employed by Jetcrete Australia. Tony Finn, General Manager, Jetcrete Australia commented that “our current internal certification system has satisfied us for a number of years and it is of a very high standard, yes there is probably still room to improve which we constantly strive to do. In Australia there is no recognised national system and whilst we don’t need the EFNARC certification scheme as such, I can see this changing sometime in the near future and if we already have our people certified by an internationally recognised body this will give us a competitive advantage.” EFNARC continues to recruit Nozzleman examiners.