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

National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Underground Hard Rock 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
49014  National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Underground Hard Rock 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was MQA until Last Date for Achievement  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  130  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 0160/05  2007-04-03  2007-08-16 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-08-16   2011-08-16  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
21840  National Certificate: Rockbreaking for Underground Hard Rock Tabular Ore Bodies  Level 3  NQF Level 03  310  Complete 

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
58760  National Certificate: Rock Breaking Underground Hard Rock  Level 3  NQF Level 03  126  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
This qualification will allow a learner in the mining and minerals industry to obtain a nationally recognised qualification in rockbreaking in the area of underground hard rock mining. It will also contribute to the upliftment of the mining industry and will set a standard for professionalism in the industry. The attainment of this qualification will also attract and retain quality learners and employees. This qualification will also provide for recognition of prior learning to allow for the recognition of existing and common knowledge and skills that will not only allow a learner to gain credits towards this qualification, but also to move across the different occupational areas.

People credited with this qualification are able to:
  • Communicate effectively in the workplace and a variety of other contexts
  • Apply mathematical principles in practical applications
  • Work in accordance with sound Occupational Safety, Health, Hygiene and Environmental principles and practices
  • Conduct rockbreaking operations in Underground Hard Rock mines

    Rationale:

    The Mining & Minerals sector serves the need of the society and the economy. The National Certificate in Rockbreaking for Underground Hard Rock (Level 3) is designed to contribute to mining operations, in particular underground hard rock rockbreaking competence.

    Persons working in underground mining operations require a sound knowledge of the mining and minerals environment and the capacity to understand underground mining operations related to underground hard rock rockbreaking in tabular ore bodies.

    In the Mining and Minerals sector, Employees are appointed on technical knowledge (operations), experience and potential supervisory ability. It is therefore assumed that learners attempting this qualification are competent in numeric and communication skills and/or learners are technically competent on a specific aspect of underground mining operations or related fabrication and extraction field.

    The National Certificate in Rockbreaking for Underground Hard Rock (Level 3) is designed to meet the needs of learners in the Mining and Minerals sector (or those wish to enter the Mining and minerals sector) who require technical expertise and essential knowledge needed to earn a formal qualification in mining operations. The qualification facilitates access from previously disadvantaged groups and other learners to acquire the technical knowledge and skills that are required.

    This qualification will enhance the status, productivity and employability of the learner within the mining and minerals industry as well as contribute to the quality, production rate and growth. This allows for access, progression, portability and mobility within and between the different mining operations areas in the mining and minerals industry. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that candidates embarking on learning towards this qualification are already competent in the following areas:
  • Outcomes required for the National Certificate in Mining Operations for Underground Hard Rock (Level 2).

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning in terms of the criteria laid out.

    Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

    All such evidence should be judged according to the general principles of assessment. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Fundamental: All 55 Credits must be achieved:
  • All 23 Language and Communications credits
  • All 17 Mathematical literacy credits
  • All 15 Natural Sciences credits

    Core:
  • All 29 credits from the core unit standards must be achieved

    Elective:
  • A minimum of 46 credits must be chosen from the elective unit standards 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Candidates for the National Certificate in Rockbreaking for Underground Hard Rock must achieve the outcomes specified in terms of a combination of specific and critical cross-field outcomes as defined in the different unit standards. The detailed lists of unit standards for each category are presented in the matrix of the qualification.

    Fundamental Exit level outcomes:
    1. Communicate effectively in the workplace and a variety of other contexts.
    2. Apply mathematical principles in practical applications.

    See matrix for the list of unit standards that relate to these exit level outcomes.

    Core Exit level outcomes:
    1. Work in accordance with sound Occupational Health, Hygiene, Safety and Environmental principles and practices.
    2. Conduct rockbreaking operations in Underground Hard Rock Mines.

    See Matrix for the list of unit standards that relate to these exit level outcomes.

    Consistency of Exit Level Outcomes with Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    In accordance with SAQA guidelines, all unit standards include the assessment of relevant critical cross-field outcomes. Consequently, Exit Level Outcomes are consistent with critical cross-field outcome requirements.

    The following CCFO's have been addressed in this qualification as per the unit standards outlined in the matrix:
  • Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made
  • Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, or community
  • Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively
  • Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information
  • Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Fundamental Assessment Criteria:

    1. The learner is able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing while performing the tasks related to conducting rockbreaking operations in underground hard rock mines and in other related contexts.

    2. The learner is able to apply mathematical principles and techniques while performing the tasks related to conducting rockbreaking operations in underground hard rock mines and in other related contexts.

    Core Assessment Criteria:

    1. The learner ensures that Occupational Health, Safety, Hygiene and Environmental requirements are met by self and members of his team while conducting underground hard rock mining and other related activities.

    2. The learner is able to conduct the making safe, marking, blasting and explosives handling activities related to underground hardrock rockbreaking in a safe, productive and efficient manner.

    Integrated Assessment:

    For award of the qualification, a candidate must achieve each unit standard.

    In addition, candidates must demonstrate the ability to engage in the operations selected in an integrative way, dealing with divergent and "random" demands related to these work operations, effectively. Evidence is required that the candidate is able to achieve the purpose of the qualification as a whole at the time of the award of the qualification. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification and the component unit standards have been compared with similar qualifications from the following countries:
  • Australia - MNM Metalliferous Mining
  • New Zealand - Introductory Skills underground metalliferous

    In general this qualification and its component unit standards compare well with their international counterparts. The only major differences are in formatting and scope of coverage or focus. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification can act as a springboard from which people may progress to other qualifications in mining, mining-related sub-fields and mining supervision. Such qualifications may either be horisontal (e.g. to Gold Extraction) or vertical to e.g. a relevant Level 4 qualification. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards and exit level outcomes, as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.
  • Assessors and moderators should develop and conduct their own workplace specific assessments by making use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of foundational, practical and reflective competencies. Assessors should give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQAs policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQAs (including professional bodies). 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessors registered with the relevant ETQA must carry out the assessment of candidates for any of the unit standards that make up this qualification.
  • The assessor must have completed a similar qualification, which is one level above the level of the qualification; or a similar qualification at the level with a minimum of 12 months field experience after he/she has completed the qualification; or the subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    This qualification has been replaced by qualification 58760, which is "National Certificate: Rock Breaking Underground Hard Rock", Level 3, 129 credits, as soon as 58760 is registered.

    This qualification replaces qualification 21840, "National Certificate: Rockbreaking for Underground Hard Rock Tabular Ore Bodies", Level 3, 310 credits. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  119099  Break rocks by means of blasting  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  116659  Demonstrate an understanding of legal terms and requirements related to rockbreaking operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  11704  Destroy old explosives in the workplace  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  116671  Demonstrate understanding of the principles of blasting operations and rock breaking techniques in an underground hard rock environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  9 
    Core  119128  Identify and deal with rock strata conditions pertaining to daily mining operations within an underground-working place  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  9697  Remove hazardous ground by means of blasting  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  9698  Remove support by means of blasting  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  7509  Apply basic concepts and principles in the natural sciences  Level 1  NQF Level 01  5 
    Fundamental  7513  Assess the impact of scientific innovation on quality of life  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Fundamental  7451  Collect, analyse, use and communicate numerical data  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Fundamental  7508  Conduct an investigation in the natural science  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
    Fundamental  14111  Demonstrate an understanding of how scientific skills and knowledge could contribute to sustainable use of resources  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Fundamental  7507  Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of science  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Fundamental  7463  Describe and represent objects and the environment in terms of shape, space, time and motion  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Fundamental  12462  Engage in a range of speaking and listening interactions for a variety of purposes  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Fundamental  12471  Explore and use a variety of strategies to learn (revised)  Level 1  NQF Level 01  5 
    Fundamental  12469  Read and respond to a range of text types  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Fundamental  7461  Use maps to access and communicate information concerning routes, location and direction  Level 1  NQF Level 01  1 
    Fundamental  7450  Work with measurement in a variety of contexts  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Fundamental  7448  Work with patterns in various contexts  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
    Fundamental  7447  Working with numbers in various contexts  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Fundamental  12470  Write for a variety of different purposes  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Elective  110417  Demonstrate an understanding of typical basic underground hard rock mining processes and layouts  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Elective  115101  Address workplace hazards and risks  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  9695  Blast a misfire in a development end during the shift  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  10550  Charge shot holes with bulk explosives  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  119097  Mark shot and pilot holes in an underground mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  116646  Mark shot holes for secondary blasting  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  7547  Operate a personal computer system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  10636  Transfer broken rock by means of a diesel-powered Load Haul Dumper (LHD) in an underground mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  9594  Transfer broken rock by means of a remote-controlled Load Haul Dumper (LHD) in an underground mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  9591  Transfer broken rock by means of an electrical-powered Load Haul Dumper (LHD) in an underground mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  116669  Conduct an issue-based risk assessment within an underground workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Elective  116665  Connect and initiate a blast of a stope face using shock tube  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  15288  Drill holes by means of an electro hydraulic drill rig in an underground workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  116651  Install an initiating system used in blasting operations underground  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  9699  Remove an obstruction from an orepass by means of blasting  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  119117  Time connect and initiate a blast of a development end using elctric/electronic delay detonators  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  119101  Time connect and initiate a blast of a development end using fuses and igniter cord  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  116660  Time connect and initiate a blast of a stope face using electric/electronic delay detonators  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  119096  Time connect and initiate a blast of a stope face using fuses and igniter cord  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  116668  Time, connect and initiate a blast of a development end using shock tube  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  8556  Interact orally and in writing in the workplace  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  11473  Manage individual and team performance  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Elective  7873  Manage one`s own development  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.
     
    1. CONCOR PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    2. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    3. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    4. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    5. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    6. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 


    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.