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

Occupational Certificate: Mining Technician (Mining Sampler: Hardrock) 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94870  Occupational Certificate: Mining Technician (Mining Sampler: Hardrock) 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MQA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   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  168  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(Sampler Mining: Hardrock). This will enable them to supervise the collection of rock samples, process and capture sample analysis data (manually and electronic) for evaluating mineral resources in hardrock mines.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Oversee the collection of hardrock samples in mines.
  • Capture sample and related mining workplace data onto mine evaluation systems.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is targeted at occupations at the entry level of the career pathway for Sampling in Hardrock Mining. The development of the qualification was initiated by the Mine Qualifications Authority upon request from the industry.
    The qualification covers the required knowledge, practical skills and required work experience needed in Hardrock Mines.

    The role of the Mining Technician as a Mining Sampler is critical in Mineral Resource Management. Skills in this area are scarce and with the development of new technologies and increasing legal and environmental requirements the level of complexity of work in this area is increasing. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Entry Requirements:
  • NQF Level 3 qualification with Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
    Or
  • The Basic Certificate Sampling issued by the Chamber of Mines.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 311701002-KM-01: Mine Sampling Practices (1), NQF Level 4, 28 Credits.
  • 311701002-KM-02: Mining Engineering Practice for Samplers (1), NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 40.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 311701002-PM-01: Safely access workings to execute sampling tasks, NQF Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 311701002-PM-02: Oversee the taking of samples, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 311701002-PM-03: Capture, plot and transfer rock sample data and measurements on relevant media and compile communication reports, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 38.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 311701002-WM-01: Exposure to the Rock Sampling processes, NQF Level 4, 90 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 90. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Oversee the collection of hardrock samples in a mine.
    2. Take and record required measurements of geological features and workplace dimensions in a mine.
    3. Process all the data and capture it manually and electronically on a mine evaluation system. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Fundamentals of sampling are correctly described.
    >Range: The description will cover: Defining the sampling problem; Relevance of what is being sampled; Type of method that is appropriate to the sample to be taken; Causality of the sampling; The effect of space and time on the sampling; Underlying fundamentals of bias; Underlying fundamentals of representivity; Difference between accuracy, precision and measurement resolution; Types of sampling require.
  • Various places and positions on maps and plans are identified using the coordinates and coordinate systems.
  • Primary geological structures/features associated with mining are identified and described.
    > Range: The descriptions will be accurate in terms of: Faults (normal, reverse, thrust and lateral); Folds (synclines and anticlines). Dykes and sills; Potholes and sinkholes; Joints, fissures, fractures; Bedding planes; Ground water; Entrapped gasses and fluids.
  • All required data in the field book are accurately captured (Pre- and post- sampling).
  • In an actual work environment all the required safety procedures are followed and correctly determined and the areas to be sampled are marked.
  • Correct procedures to observe the sample chipping process are applied and take immediate corrective actions when required.
  • Samples are correctly bagged and labelled and the sample data in the field book are accurately recorded.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The location of the areas to be measured is accurately determined and all relevant information regarding the area to be measured is collected and prepared in the field book for the measuring exercise.
  • Strike and dip tapes are installed making use of at least two fixed survey points/stations.
  • The shape (polygon) is accurately created according to the field data.
  • The appropriate areas are correctly determined and the actual volumes of rock in the areas are correctly calculated.
  • Tape measurements, offsets and features are correctly plotted on the working plan/media.
  • The true heights of workings are determined at regular intervals.
  • Right angled ties (offsets) at regular intervals (operational standard) are read off and recorded to capture the working face position and other relevant features in the working area.
    > Range: The features will include: Face on reef, RIH/RIF, sweepings, support, ventilation, geological features and pillars.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • All data relevant for compiling a sample record sheet is consolidated and collated for manual and electronic capturing onto the evaluation system.
  • Sample record sheet are compiled and average values and widths are accurately calculated (Manually and electronically).
  • Results are accurately plotted and transferred onto the relevant media.
  • A communication report is compiled using a generic template, all information is correctly captured and appropriate notes are recorded.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum as a guide for the internal assessments (formative) by focussing on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and its weighting of the practical skills, knowledge and work experience modules. This formative assessment will enable a learner access into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    A relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner conducts the external integrated summative assessment and is also responsible for issuing of this qualification. This external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria.
    The external assessment will be a written assessment containing knowledge and skills-related scenarios for the learners to apply their learnt knowledge and skills.

    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 statement of results and work experience. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International qualifications were compared to ensure that the qualification structure and are comparable in terms of level, scope of qualification and competencies covered.

    The following were considered:
  • Countries with a formal Qualifications Framework, such as the United Kingdom (NVQ and SVQ), Australia and New Zealand.
  • Countries who are reputed to be leaders in this particular field.
  • SADC countries, which are in geographical proximity to South Africa.

    Qualifications Frameworks:
  • Frameworks consulted were those of Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom (Britain) and Scotland.
  • While conducting the research in this regard, no evidence could be found of a technical support qualification, i.e. a qualification combining geological, surveying and sampling services or of separate qualifications in these areas at this level.
  • Evidence was however found of qualifications at a higher level, comparable to Diploma or Degree Level (Levels 5 and 6 respectively) for the individual disciplines. These are at a higher level than envisaged in this qualification at NQF Level 4.

    Leading Countries:
    The fields of geology, surveying and sampling are common across the world, particularly in the mining context. There was no evidence suggesting that any particular country could be considered a leader in this regard.
    Qualifications at undergraduate level were found in various countries.
    Countries included in the search were Canada (British Columbia), United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

    People rendering geological or surveying support (i.e. at a professional level) typically have a relevant Degree or Diploma from a recognised institution (university, technical college).

    Canada (British Columbia):
    Online courses are being offered at the University of British Columbia.
    Similar elements of competences were found and the outcomes of the modules match closely with the outcomes of the unit standards incorporated in this National Certificate Geology for the training of geological assistants, aides and operators.
    The structures of the courses are similar; however, no judgement could be made on the level and depth of the courses as they are delivered on-line according to the pace of the learner.

    United Kingdom:
    WJEC (Originally Welsh Joint Education Committee) run certificate courses and shorter professional development courses. GCE and GCSE Courses are offered in Geology, The various courses are organised into units, which correspond to clusters of individual unit standards of the proposed.

    NC Technical Support:
  • UNIT GL1: Foundation Geology.
  • UNIT GL2: Investigative Geology.
  • UNIT GL3: Geology and the Human Environment.
  • Unit GL4: Interpreting the Geological Record.
  • Unit GL5: Geological Themes.
  • Unit GL6: Geological Investigations.

    Australia:
    Relevant competencies are packaged into various qualifications e.g:
  • Certificate II in Surface Coal Operations.
  • MNCG1000 Conduct Mine Surveying Operations.

    New Zealand:
    A number of Geology unit standards were found, although not a specific qualification per se:

    Level 2:
  • 6360: Identify geological features from recorded visual information.
  • 6361: Investigate and report on the geology in an area.
  • 6362: Demonstrate an understanding of fossils.

    Level 3:
  • 21614: Describe the geological history of an area in the Southwest Pacific.
  • 6364: Use plate tectonics to explain distribution of major NZ and Southwest Pacific geological features.
  • 6365: Demonstrate knowledge of geological hazards.
  • 8153: Explain factors affecting a water resource and its management, and plot and interpret hydrographs.

    Level 4:
  • 8140: Investigate, interpret and report on geological features, landforms and active processes of a site.
  • 8145: Read geological maps and interpret geological history.
  • 8147: Demonstrate knowledge of the interior of the Earth.
  • 8152: Collect water samples for analysis.

    Level 5:
  • 8137: Collect geophysical data and samples.
  • 8138: Collect geotechnical data and samples.
  • 8139: Collect geological data and rock samples.
  • 8141: Describe and classify soils using soil maps.
  • 8142: Identify and classify rock and soil materials.
  • 8144: Model subsurface geological features.
  • 8146: Read and interpret geophysical maps.
  • 8148: Describe biogeochemical cycling of elements.
  • 8150: Analyse wastewaters and demonstrate an understanding of wastewater treatment and discharge.

    Level 6:
  • 12364: Demonstrate knowledge of soil formation and structure.
  • 12365: Demonstrate knowledge of soil fertility.
  • 14398: Describe, assess and report on a degraded landform.
  • 8143: Describe, assess and report on a contaminated site.
  • 8149: Perform sedimentological and paleontological analyses.
  • 8151: Perform soil chemical analysis.

    Surveying: A National Certificate in Surveying (Level 3) with the following relevant standards exists:
  • 8762: Confirm reliability of existing survey marks.
  • 8774: Set up survey instruments and targets.
  • 8775: Undertake and record linear field measurements for survey purposes.
  • 8776: Undertake and record angular field measurements for survey purposes.
  • 8777: Determine vertical height for survey purposes.
  • 8778: Construct control survey marks, bench marks and trigonometrical beacons.
  • 8798: Work safely during survey operations.

    Conclusions:
    International comparison in this instance has not revealed comparable qualifications however, components were found to be at same level and content as the South African qualification.
  • The courses found e.g. in the UK and Canada, are not necessarily set in a mining context and are therefore not as practically oriented as the NC: Technical Support, which focuses entirely on the mining context.

    The competencies covered by this qualification are required by workers in the mining industry and it is highly motivated that learners should learn towards and be assessed against the relevant standards.
    Despite the lack of directly comparable qualifications internationally, the qualification is directly occupationally based and will meet a specific need in the industry and is therefore deemed a valuable and relevant qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally and vertically with similar or related qualifications for career progression. In terms of career development, a Mining Sampler (Hardrock) could select from a number of occupational qualifications for career options which could be available in occupations such as:

    Horizontally the qualification articulate with Unit Standard based qualifications:
  • Occupational Certificate: Mining Technician (Surveyor-Mining) at NQF Level 4.

    Vertically articulate with:
  • Bachelor of Mine Surveying NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    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 environment:
    Meet the regulated health requirements for working on mines.

    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 Sampler: Hardrock, 311701002.

    This qualification encompasses the following trades recorded on the NLRD:
    This is not a trade. 

    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.