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: Quarrying 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
57121  National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Quarrying 
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  160  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 "Registered" 		 SAQA 0368/06  2006-11-16  2008-09-17 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2009-09-17   2012-09-17  

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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
62869  National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Surface Excavations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  141  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

This qualification will allow a learner in the mining and minerals industry to obtain a nationally recognised qualification in rockbreaking in the areas of quarries and/or dimension stone. 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.
  • Handle, transport and store explosives in quarries and dimension stone operations.
  • Conduct primary and secondary rockbreaking operations in quarries.

    Rationale:

    The National Certificate in Rockbreaking (Quarrying) Level 3 is designed to contribute to an effective mining operation, in particular rockbreaking competence in quarries and dimension stone operations.

    Persons working in quarry and dimension stone operations require a sound knowledge of the mining and minerals environment and have the capacity to understand mining operations related to quarrying. While the quarrying industry is increasingly making use of outsourcing (external contractors) to conduct rockbreaking activities, there is nevertheless a requirement for companies to have internal skills as well as ensure that the contractor's employees are competent to carry out primary and secondary rockbreaking. Safe and efficient rockbreaking and associated activities are of paramount importance in the quarrying environment. The skills to be obtained through this qualification would also benefit learners at large as it contributes to workplace readiness.

    In the Mining and Minerals sector, employees are appointed on technical knowledge (operations), experience and potential supervisory ability.

    The National Certificate in Rockbreaking (Quarrying) 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.

    This qualification provides for both primary and secondary rock breaking in quarries in terms of Chapter 4, Explosives Regulations under the Mines Health and Safety Act. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.
  • The unit standard "Demonstrate knowledge of the most common harmful gases and vapours"; level 1, 1 credit SAQA ID 110118.
  • The unit standard "Operate a personal computer system"; level 1, 3 credits SAQA ID 116932.

    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 described in the note to assessors.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access to this qualification is open bearing in mind learning assumed to be in place. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of a planned combination of learning outcomes that have a defined purpose and will provide the qualifying learners with applied competence and a basis for further learning. The qualification is made up of standards that are classified as Fundamental, Core and Electives for the purpose of this qualification.

    Fundamental:
  • All 36 credits are compulsory and must be achieved.

    Core:
  • All 74 credits are compulsory and must be achieved.

    Electives:
  • 50 credits must be chosen as specified below.

    For the specialization stream: Quarries

    The following 20 credits must be achieved:
  • Drill small diameter blast holes using a drilling rig and compressor L2, C5; SAQA ID - 230020.
  • Blast materials in quarry operations, L3, C15; SAQA ID - 230012.

    An additional 30 credits must be chosen from the rest of the electives to make up a minimum of 160 credits to achieve the qualification.

    For the specialization stream: Dimension Stone

    The following 40 credits must be achieved:
  • Drill holes for blasting and/or splitting dimension stone blocks L2, C3 - 116632.
  • Demonstrate basic understanding of dimension stone geology and mineralogy, L3, C16; SAQA ID - 116627.
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of dimension stone quality and geology to block extraction L3, C 21; SAQA ID - 230019.

    An additional 10 credits must be chosen from the rest of the electives to make up a minimum of 160 credits to achieve the qualification. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate effectively in the workplace and a variety of other contexts.
    2. Apply mathematical principles in practical applications.
    3. Handle, transport and store explosives in quarries and dimension stone operations.
    4. Conduct rockbreaking operations in quarries.
    > Range: Primary and Secondary rockbreaking.

    The following Critical Cross Field Outcomes have been addressed in this qualification:
  • Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical thinking have been made.
    > Equivalent Exit Level Outcome 2.
  • Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization and community.
    > Equivalent Exit Level Outcome 1.
  • Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
    > Equivalent Exit Level Outcomes 3, 4.
  • Collecting, analyzing, organizing and critically evaluating information.
    > Equivalent Exit Level Outcomes 3, 4.
  • Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills.
    > Equivalent Exit Level Outcomes 1, 2.
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility toward the environment and health of others.
    > Equivalent Exit Level Outcome 2.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem contexts do not exist in isolation.
    > Equivalent Exit Level Outcome 2. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Verbal and written communication is used effectively while performing the tasks related to rockbreaking operations in quarries and dimension stone operations and in other related contexts.
  • Communication skills are used in order to ensure that rockbreaking operations are conducted in accordance with productivity requirements.

    2.
  • Mathematical principles and techniques are applied while performing the tasks related to rockbreaking operations in quarries and dimension stone operations and in other related contexts.
  • Basic mathematical principles are applied to perform calculations and solve routine problems that occur in the workplace.

    3.
  • Explosives and accessories are handled, transported and stored in accordance with operational requirements.
  • Safety legislation is understood and complied with during operational activities in accordance with specified requirements.
  • Occupational Health, Safety and Hygiene requirements are as per workplace requirements.

    4.
  • Marking, drilling and blasting operations are co-ordinated and conducted in quarries in accordance with set standards.
  • Safety legislation is explained and applied in operational activities in accordance with specified requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show they are able to integrate concepts, actions and ideas achieved across a range of unit standards and contexts.

    Integrated assessment must evaluate the quality of observable performance as well as the thinking behind the performance, and must be based on a summative assessment guide. The guide will spell out how the assessor will assess different aspects of the performance and will include:
  • Observing the learner at work (both in the primary activity as well as other interactions).
  • Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding.
  • Looking at records and reports in the portfolio and reviewing previous assessments.

    It is necessary to ensure that the fundamental part of the qualification is also targeted to ensure that while the competence may have been achieved in a particular context, learners are able to apply it in a range of other contexts and for further learning. The assessment should also ensure that all the critical cross-field outcomes have been achieved.

    The learner may choose in which language s/he wants to be assessed. This should be established as part of a process of preparing the learner for assessment and familiarising the learner with the approach being taken.

    While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the exit-level outcomes. The assessment process should cover both the explicit tasks required for the qualification as well as the understanding of the concepts and principles that underpin the activities associated with the quarrying rockbreaking. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    It was decided to conduct a benchmarking exercise with the following listed countries as their quarrying and mining operational methods are considered world-class. In addition their methods of operation are considered best practice.
  • Australia.
  • The United Kingdom.
  • New Zealand.

    It was also considered wise to perform international benchmarking with a country in a similar economic class as South Africa, hence Malaysia was chosen. Furthermore various South African-based organisations conduct quarrying business within Malaysia.

    It was prudent to consider educational and training trends within the continent of Africa. Namibia was chosen as a good country to compare this qualification with as many organisations in the sector conduct their business in Namibia.

    1. New Zealand - NC in Extractive Industries- (Shotfiring-Surface)

    This New Zealand qualification comprises amongst others the following standards:
  • 8890 - Store explosives for use in extractive industries - Level 4, Credits 10.
  • 8907 - Design blasting layouts within quarries and aggregate production areas Level 4, Credits 20.
  • 8918 - Carry out shot-firing operations - Level 3, Credits 12.

    Similar outcomes can be found in this qualification.

    2. Australia - Certificate III in Extractive Industries Operations

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

    3. UK - N/SVQ's Shot firing Operations - Quarries

    This qualification contains the following standards:
  • Unit - U1052394 - PR01 - Contribute to an Efficient and Effective Work Environment.
  • Unit - U1052390 - PR02 - Contribute to Health and Safety in the Workplace.
  • Unit - U1053349 - SF3 - Receive, Store and Issue Explosive Materials.
  • Unit - U1053348 - SF4 - Obtain and Transport Explosive Materials.
  • Unit - U1053347 - SF5 - Charge Blast Holes to Specification.
  • Unit - U1053346 - SF6 - Blast to Specification.
  • Unit - U1053345 - SF7 - Deal with Misfires.

    Similar outcomes can be found in this qualification.

    4.

    The African benchmark was done with Namibia. Detailed information on the standards for quarrying rockbreaking was not available to be analysed. However Namibia's Vocational Education and Training (VET) system follows the South African system fairly closely. The training that is provided to learners for workplace readiness in the quarrying field compares very well with the South African Quarrying industry. In fact a substantial number of workers in the Namibian quarrying sector have obtained workplace skills from South African where they have received training that is closely linked with the outcomes of this National Certificate being submitted for registration on the NQF.

    5.

    The institute of Quarrying in Malaysia -(http://www.iqm.com.my/newpage1.htm) - is a Branch of the Institute of Quarrying United Kingdom and conducts the following course " training course for shot-firers" that ensures fully qualified, skilful and competent shot-firers officially recognised throughout Malaysia. This course covers the following areas:
  • Receive, Store and Issue Explosive Materials.
  • Obtain and Transport Explosive Materials.
  • Charge Blast Holes to Specification.
  • Blast to Specification.
  • Deal with Misfires.

    These unit standards are contained in the National Certificate: Rockbreaking, Level 3.
    The above deductions indicate that this qualification compares well with those with what it was compared. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Vertical articulation exists with:
  • FETC : Manufacturing and assembly operations supervision; SAQA ID - 48915

    Horizontal articulation exists with:
  • National Certificate: Underground Hardrock - Rockbreaking L3; SAQA ID - 49014. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated Unit Standards.
  • 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. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors should be in possession of:
  • An appropriate qualification at or above the level of this qualification and preferably relevant workplace practical experience.
  • Registration as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    This qualification has been replaced by qualification 62869, which is "National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Surface Excavations", Level 3, 141 credits. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  115101  Address workplace hazards and risks  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  116520  Apply safety, health and environmental principles and procedures in a workplace  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  116533  Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of emergency preparedness and response  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  115514  Handle explosives in a surface mining environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  230015  Mark off drill holes for blasting in quarries  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  116534  Carry out basic first aid treatment in the workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Core  116666  Carry out secondary breaking using explosives  Level 3  NQF Level 03  11 
    Core  115615  Co-ordinate drilling and blasting operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  26 
    Core  115535  Examine and make safe blasted quarry excavations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  115507  Examine and make safe non-blasted quarry excavations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  116630  Install and maintain support in surface mines and quarries  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9010  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  119457  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119467  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  10490  Carry out secondary breaking by mechanical means  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  115613  Conduct fire fighting in surface mines  Level 2  NQF Level 02  16 
    Elective  10745  Cut mild steel by means of an Oxy-acetylene cutting torch  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  116632  Drill holes for blasting and/or splitting dimension stone blocks using a mechanised drill rig  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  116658  Drill intersecting holes for diamond wire sawing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  7 
    Elective  230011  Drill medium diameter blast holes using an hydraulic or pneumatic drilling rig and compressor  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  230020  Drill small diameter blast holes using a percussion drilling rig and compressor  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  230018  Operate a mixer-placer explosives truck  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  14911  Participate in formal meetings  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  116625  Split dimension stone blocks by means of non explosive methods  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  116937  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based spreadsheet application to create and edit spreadsheets  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  117924  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based word processor to format documents  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  230012  Blast materials in quarry operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  230014  Carry out basic surveying and calculations in quarries  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  110218  Collect, store and issue explosives from a surface magazine  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  116614  Conduct blasting operations in dimension stone quarries  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  230013  Conduct face profiling and blast hole surveys  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  230019  Demonstrate and apply knowledge of dimension stone quality and geology to block extraction  Level 3  NQF Level 03  21 
    Elective  116627  Demonstrate basic understanding of dimension stone geology and mineralogy  Level 3  NQF Level 03  16 
    Elective  230010  Demonstrate knowledge of the geological nature of surface extraction sites  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  116626  Handle dimension stone blocks by means of front end loader  Level 3  NQF Level 03  13 
    Elective  116622  Lift and position loads  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  116663  Make saw cuts by means of diamond wire saw  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  117877  Perform one-to-one training on the job  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  13941  Apply the budget function in a business unit  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  230017  Carry out blasting environmental testing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Elective  230016  Design blasts for quarry operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  24 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    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. PPC Ltd 


    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.