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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Occupational Certificate: Mining Technician (Strata Control Practitioner: Underground Hardrock) 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94038  Occupational Certificate: Mining Technician (Strata Control Practitioner: Underground Hardrock) 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MQA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  198  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Mining Technician: Strata Control Practitioners for underground hardrock: These qualified learners will be able to assist the mining department to implement the code of practice to achieve and maintain a safe and productive working environment by identifying, assessing and recommending appropriate and necessary measures to manage rock-related risks. The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with the theoretical knowledge, technical skills and practical ability to function as a Strata Control Officer within the mining environment. Strata Control Officers assist personnel engaged in mining operations to ensure:
  • The safety and efficiency of mining operations.
  • Pro-active reduction in Levels of rock related risk in mining operations.
  • The development of awareness regarding rock-related risk among mining personnel.

    A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Compile rock-related hazard rating for mining working areas based on appropriate criteria.
  • Investigate rock related accidents and incidents.
  • Promote awareness of strata control practices through training and coaching.
  • Participate in planning sessions to assess compliance to mining standards and leading practice and bring issues of concern to the attention of the Rock Engineering practitioner.
  • Inspect workings, identifying and assess anomalous ground conditions, inspect support performance (individually or as part of a cross functional team) and recommend appropriate remedial measures.

    Rationale:
    The qualifying learner should be able to assist the Rock Engineer with the design, implementation and monitoring of strategies to reduce rock-related risk with mining layouts and support systems and with the assessment and interpretation of rock mass.

    Seen on a national level, safe and productive mines operate at optimal level; with maximum ore body extraction, the lowest possible safety risk and best operating cost. This has spin-off benefits in terms of the sustained production of minerals, with increased generation of revenue for the economy, greater investment in South African mines by particularly overseas investors and sustainable employment opportunities within the mining industry for society in general.

    This qualification will equip the learner with necessary knowledge, skills and ability the position of Strata Control Officer. It is also intended to provide the building blocks upon which to build a further career in rock engineering. Attaining this qualification will improve the learner's skills, thus increasing his potential of employability. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for credits to the qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    NQF Level 3 qualification with Mathematical Literacy or equivalent experience in the field of mining. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • Rock Engineering Practice (Strata Control II), NQF Level 4, 23 credits.
  • Mining Engineering Practice (Strata Control II), NQF Level 4, 20 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 43.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • Assess workplace stability and compile a rock- related hazard rating, NQF Level 4, 9 Credits.
  • Recommend actions to mitigate the rock related risk and follow up on the implementation of actions, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • Make training presentations and test understanding of basic strata control concepts, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • Assess information provided regarding current and planned work to determine the strata control impact, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • Inspect work places, observe, measure and record strata control related information and activities taking place, NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.
  • Determine deviations from the requirements of the mine standards and procedures, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • Inspect and evaluate the performance of installed support measures, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • Systematically inspect, measure and record information relating to the accident or incident, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 59.

    This qualification also requires the following compulsory Work Experience Modules:
  • Exposure to Mine risk management processes, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • Exposure to Accident and Incident investigation processes, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • Exposure to Organisational Learning and Development processes, NQF Level 4, 24 Credits.
  • Exposure to Mine specific communication processes, NQF Levels 4, 16 Credits.
  • Exposure to Mine Planning processes, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • Exposure to Mining cycle work activity planning processes, NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.
  • Exposure to systematic workplace inspection and assessment processes, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 96. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. The ability to compile rock-related hazard ratings for underground hard rock mining areas.
    2. The ability to investigate rock-related accidents and incidents.
    3. The ability to inspect installed support and assess the support performance in underground hard rock mining operations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The meaning of the key rock mass properties and rock engineering concepts in the contexts of various mining operations are explained.
    Range: a. Friction angle; b. Coefficient of friction; c. Cohesion; d. Peak strength; e. Residual strength; f. Brittle failure g. Ductile deformation; h. Yield stress; i. Effective stress; j. Pore pressure; k. K-Ratio; l. Poisson's Ratio; m. Young's Modulus of elasticity; n. Strain. o. Principle Stress; p. Uniaxial tension and compression; q. Triaxial compression. r. Shear stress; s. Virgin stress, t. Induced stress; u. Tectonic stress; v. Safety factor; w. Probability of failure; x. Overall slope angles; y. Batter angles; z. Percentage Extractions; aa. Arial extraction ab. Tributary area theory; ac. Subsidence theory.
  • The concept of risk is explained and the commonly used processes for identifying and quantifying risks on mines are described.
  • The purpose of the common instruments used for rock mass stability measurements are identified and described, also how the various instruments and measurements used are explained.
    Range: a. Extensometers; b. Closure and Ride Meters; c. Stress Measurements; d. Measurements in backfill; e. Load Measurements on conventional support; f. Fracture mapping.
  • How a hazard rating system used on a mine is described and the role of the Strata Control Practitioner in making the system effective is indicated.
  • An understanding of the influence of geological structures within the rock mass on deterioration of ground conditions is provided in the mining context.
    Range: Proximity to geological structures. Characteristics of geological structures. Orientation and spacing of geological structures Zones of influence of geological structures.
  • Given descriptions of mining conditions and support standards for various narrow tabular and massive underground hard rock mining operations as well observation data and details of the geotechnical environment associated with the operations: The support resistance generated by individual support elements in the selected tributary area for each cycle of support installation is correctly calculated.
  • Given a description of an underground hard rock mine with narrow tabular and massive mining operations, various strata control inspection reports, physical inspection note books and measurements of various geological features. Broad findings from the information are drafted and a consolidated report with recommended next step actions is populated.
  • Given descriptions of various mines and mining conditions as well as a range of completed rock mass risk ratings: An implementation plan to reduce the risk values in the short, medium and long term is developed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The role of the rock engineering function regarding accident and incident investigations is developed.
  • Given details of various rock related accidents and incidents and simulated accident/incident scenes for narrow tabular and massive hard rock mining environments: The investigation following all the required legal procedures is conducted and a report that will stand the test of investigative rigor is generated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The zones of influence of an excavation are identified and described and how various excavation shapes impact the tress in the surrounding rock formations are indicated.
  • The design principles for a range of pillars in different mining situations are explained.
    Range: a. Bracket pillar b. Boundary pillar c. Shaft pillar d. Stabilising pillar e. Crush pillars f. Yield pillars g. Non-yield pillars.
  • Given a range of mine plans covering narrow tabular and massive hardrock mining operations, support standards and geological plans for designated work areas as well as rock mass risk ratings and strata control observation reports. Areas where changes should be made to support standards and applications and the impact that the current and future planned activities will have on the rock mass stability are identified.
  • Given various strata control and support standards, policies, procedures and codes of conduct covering narrow tabular and massive hardrock mining conditions, and descriptions/simulations of actual mining conditions and practices as well as a full set of strata control observation reports for the designated areas. The actual situation as set out in the observation reports against the standards are evaluated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability in this instance has not revealed comparable qualifications for one or more of the following reasons:
    ¿ The qualification is a very specific qualification while the relevant units found internationally are packaged into broader qualifications at this level .
    ¿ The reason for South African unit standards and qualifications representing a learning path starting at lower levels is mainly due to the relatively low educational base of the majority of workers in the mining industry. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification may articulation to other qualifications in the field of rock engineering. Areas for articulation include Underground Tabular Hard Rock, Underground Hard Rock Massive, as well as Rock Engineering Practitioner. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience including Foundational Learning Competence or equivalent.

    Additional legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
    Candidates must meet the regulatory medical requirements for working in an underground hardrock mine.

    In order to complete the practical skills and work experience components learners must meet the health requirements to work in an underground hardrock mine.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers to provide this qualification will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Mining Technician: Strata Control Practitioner (Underground Hardrock): 311701006.

    Trades Covered by this Qualification:
    This qualification does not cover any of the trades recorded on the NLRD.

    Part-Qualifications:
    None. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.