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

National Certificate: Strata Control Operations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
59549  National Certificate: Strata Control Operations 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
MQA - Mining Qualifications Authority  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  123  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
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 equip learners with the theoretical knowledge, technical skills and practical ability to function as a Strata Control Observer within the mining environment. Strata Control Observers assist personnel engaged in mining operations to ensure the stability of mining excavations, thereby providing a safe and productive mining environment.

Economic/Societal benefits:

Seen on a national level, safe and productive mines operate at optimal level; with maximum orebody 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.

Benefits to the industry:

This qualification will ensure uniform standards of knowledge, skill and ability for Strata Control Observers across the industry. It will improve the level of professionalism within the discipline, and provide a point of reference for employers wishing to recruit qualified personnel. It will also contribute to the upliftment of education and skills level within the mining industry, with spin-off benefits to safety and productivity.

Benefits to the learner:

This qualification will equip the learner with necessary knowledge, skills and ability for promotion to the post of Strata Control Observer. It is also intended to provide the basic 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 employability. The concept of the four different streams, with appropriate elective unit standards, means that the learner can move between the different mining operations areas by completing the necessary elective unit standards.

People credited with this qualification will be able to:
  • Communicate and solve problems in a variety of ways.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of occupational safety, health and environmental standards in the workplace.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental strata control principles.
  • Conduct strata control operations and related activities in mining operations.

    On a practical level, learners equipped with this qualification will be able to conduct the essential operations associated with the:
  • Observation and reporting of ground conditions; mining practices; support measures and requirements.
  • Assistance in quality control practices; identification of higher risk areas; collection of geotechnical and monitoring data.
  • Assist production personnel in identification and amelioration of rock related hazards.

    Rationale:

    Strata Control forms part of the discipline of Rock Engineering, one of the specialist disciplines within the mining environment. Rock engineering may be defined as technical mine engineering that bridges the gap between mining geology and production engineering. Its application turns geological and geotechnical information into rational mine plans, that facilitate maximum orebody extraction at least safety risk and lowest operating cost for the prevailing rock mass conditions. Rock engineering is concerned with the design of mining strategies, excavation layouts and support systems that ensure safe, stable and productive mining operations. There is a need for this qualification as there is an industry wide skills shortage of qualified Rock Engineers as identified in the Sector Skills Plan. This qualification is also necessary as the skills level amongst mining personnel has declined to such an extent that they can no longer conduct Strata Control operations as part of their day to day operations.

    Strata Control may be defined as a risk management tool, which in part ensures the proper control of the mining environment to minimise the risk of local instability. Effective strata control ensures that on a local scale, appropriate mining strategies and/or support actions are employed to overcome local & unforeseen or unpredictable changes to the prevailing geotechnical environment. This requires on-site training in the mechanics of, and reasons for, excavation failure and the roles & mechanisms of excavation support.

    The role of strata control also extends to ensuring adherence to mining layout and support standards, as well as the maintenance of quality control in support type selection and support installation. This is emphasised because the value of even the best available rock engineering advice is diminished if recommended standards and systems are not properly understood or implemented underground.

    This NQF Level 2 qualification provides the basic foundation of theoretical knowledge, technical skills and practical ability applicable to the discipline of strata control and rock engineering. It is intended to equip entrants to the discipline with the basic building blocks upon which to build their further career in rock engineering, as well as serve as the appropriate qualification for a learner to be appointed as a Strata Control Observer. This qualification has 4 specialisation streams for learners to follow, based on different mining environments which vary significantly in geological composition, geotechnical environment and extraction method.

    Learners entering this qualification will typically come from within the mining industry, with a NQF Level 1 education and some experience of the industry, although school-leaving matriculants may also be accepted. A learner will join a rock engineering department or consultancy as a Strata Control Observer-in-Training, and will undergo a period of mentorship within the department or consultancy while completing the qualification.

    Upon obtaining the qualification, the learner will be eligible for appointment as a Strata Control Observer. As such, he/she will be responsible for recording and reporting strata control-related issues for a portion of a shaft or mine, working under the supervision of a Junior Strata Control Officer or Strata Control Officer.

    This is the first qualification in a learning pathway for Rock Engineering. A typical learning pathway for learners with this qualification within the rock engineering discipline begins with the GETC: Mining and Mineral Processes (entrance into discipline) and ends with the FETC: Strata Control Operations NQF Level 4. The series provides a developmental pathway for the full range of activities required for Strata Control. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1.

    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 above.

    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.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access is open; however it is preferable that learners have completed the GETC: Mining and Mineral Processes. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    There are four specialisation areas possible:
  • Specialisation Area A: Underground Hard Rock Mining.
  • Specialisation Area B: Underground Coal Mining.
  • Specialisation Area C: Massive Mining.
  • Specialisation Area D: Surface Mining.

    A minimum of 123 credits is required to complete the qualification. In this qualification, credits are allocated as follows:

    Fundamental:
  • All 36 credits must be achieved.

    Core:
  • All 67 credits must be achieved.

    Electives:
  • 20 Elective credits as specified below must be achieved.

    Specialisation Area A: Underground Hard Rock Mining:

    The following unit standards totalling 8 credits must be achieved:

    Title; Level; Credits:
  • Make safe a workplace by means of barring; Level 2; 3 credits.
  • Follow basic Health and Safety practices underground; Level 2; 5 credits.

    Total = 8.

    A further 8 credits must be achieved from the list below, totalling 16 credits:

    Title; Level; Credits:
  • Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support in a tabular hard rock stope; Level 2; 4 credits.
  • Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support in a large excavation; Level 2; 4 credits.
  • Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support installation in shafts; Level 2; 4 credits.
  • Achieve mining excavation stability with support installation in a tunnel development end; Level 2; 4 credits.

    Total = 16.

    A further 4 credits must be achieved from the list below, totalling 10 credits to make up a minimum of 123 credits for the qualification.

    Title; Level; Credits:
  • Process recorded seismic events; Level 2; 4 credits.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of factors that affect gully stability; Level 2; 4 credits.
  • Identify and deal with rock strata conditions when working or travelling within an underground working place Level 2; 2 credits.

    Total = 10.

    Specialisation Area B: Underground Coal Mining:

    The following unit standards totalling 9 credits must be achieved:

    Title; Level; Credits:
  • Sound and bar down roof and side walls using sounding and barring equipment in an underground coal mine; Level 2; 4 credits.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of mine health and safety act, regulations and definitions; Level 2; 5 credits.

    Total = 9.

    A further 8 credits must be achieved from the list below, totalling 16 credits:

    Title; Level; Credits:
  • Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support in coal-mining panels; Level 2; 4 credits.
  • Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support in a large excavation; Level 2; 4 credits.
  • Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support installation in shafts; Level 2; 4 credits.
  • Achieve mining excavation stability with support installation in a tunnel development end; Level 2; 4 credits.

    Total = 16.

    A further 3 credits must be achieved from the list below, totalling 14 credits to make up a minimum of 123 credits for the qualification.

    Title; Level; Credits:
  • Process recorded seismic events; Level 2; 4 credits.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and ability to work in an underground coal mine; Level 1; 8 credits.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of strata control; Level 3; 2 credits.

    Specialisation Area C: Underground Hard Rock Massive Mining:

    The following unit standards totalling 8 credits must be achieved:

    Title; Level; Credits:
  • Make safe a workplace by means of barring; Level 2; 3 credits.
  • Follow basic Health and Safety practices underground; Level 2; 5 credits.

    Total = 8.

    A further 8 credits must be achieved from the list below, totalling 12 credits:

    Title; Level; Credits:
  • Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support in a large excavation; Level 2; 4 credits.
  • Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support installation in shafts; Level 2, 4 credits.
  • Achieve mining excavation stability with support installation in a tunnel development end; Level 2; 4 credits.

    Total = 12.

    A further 4 credits must be achieved from the list below, totalling 11 credits to make up a minimum of 123 credits for the qualification.

    Title; Level; Credits:
  • Process recorded seismic events; Level 2; 4 credits.
  • Identify and deal with rock strata conditions when working or travelling within an underground working place; Level 2; 2 credits.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of mine health and safety act, regulations and definitions; Level 2; 5 credits.

    Total = 11.

    Specialisation Area D: Surface Mining:

    A total of 16 credits must be achieved from the list below, totalling 23 credits:

    Title; Level; Credits:
  • Achieve mining excavation stability with support installation in a high wall open pit/strip mine; Level 2; 3 credits.
  • Identify signs of failure of slopes and haul roads in surface and open pit mines; Level 2; 4 credits.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of various slope failure modes; Level 2; 2 credits.
  • Make safe a workplace by means of barring; Level 2; 3 credits.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant terminology used in mining - range of underground coal, surface, underground hard rock; Level 1; 3 credits.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and ability to work in a surface mine; Level 2; 8 credits.

    Total = 23.

    A further 4 credits must be achieved from the list below, totalling 17 credits to make up a minimum of 123 credits for the qualification.

    Title; Level; Credits:
  • Process recorded seismic events; Level 2; 4 credits.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of typical surface mining processes and layouts; Level 1; 6 credits.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the rehabilitation using topsoil process; Level 2; 3 credits.
  • Support the Blasting Operations; Level 2; 4 credits.

    Total = 17. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate and solve problems in a variety of ways.

    2. Demonstrate an understanding of and apply occupational safety, health and environmental standards in the workplace.

    3. Demonstrate an understanding of and apply strata control principles.

    4. Conduct strata control operations and related activities in mining operations.

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

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical thinking have been made.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcomes 1, 2, 4.
  • Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization and community.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5.
  • Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5.
  • Collecting, analyzing, organizing and critically evaluating information.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcomes 2, 3, 4.
  • Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5.
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility toward the environment and health of others.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem contexts do not exist in isolation.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2, 3, 4. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Effective verbal and written communication is demonstrated while performing the tasks related to conducting strata control in mining operations.
  • Information related to work tasks is accessed and interpreted from a range of written and oral sources to ensure that work requirements are understood.
  • Principles and techniques of mathematics, applied mechanics and science are applied in the context of strata control in mining operations.
  • Problems and solutions are recorded and monitored for reoccurrence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental polices, procedures and requirements are understood and applied in line with the needs of the organisation.
  • Safe, healthy and environmentally related activities are conducted in a strata control environment according to the Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Strata control principles are explained and applied within a strata control environment.
  • The terminology and concepts relating to strata control in mining operations are explained in accordance with specified requirements.
    Range: Terminology and concepts relating to strata control refers to:
    > Rock mechanics.
    > Rock mass behaviour.
    > Support units.
    > Practical mining.
    > Monitoring and instrumentation.
  • Risk assessment concepts and processes are applied in accordance with organisational standards and procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The terminology, concepts and principles of rock related hazard identification are understood and applied in a strata control environment.
  • In-situ rock mass conditions and support are assessed according to workplace operational requirements.
  • Observation of mining practices; the different support measures and their requirements are conducted in accordance with Strata Control procedures and mine specific standards.
  • High risk areas and quality control practices are identified according to established guidelines or mine specific standards.
  • Geotechnical, instrumentation and monitoring data is collected as per equipment manufacturer's requirements.
  • The results of observations and assessments are recorded in the appropriate format.
    Range: This format may include:
    > Completed templates.
    > Written reports.
    > Notes on mine plans.

    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.

    In some cases inference will be necessary to determine competence depending on the nature and context within which performance takes place.

    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 strata control. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Southern African mining industry finds itself in a unique situation, in that most mining operations are very labour-intensive, with the workforce generally having a low standard of education. Comparable operations in overseas countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia are highly mechanized, with well-qualified operators. In line with this approach, overseas mines do not have rock engineering departments-strata control issues are handled by the production personnel, while higher-level rock engineering is contracted to specialist consultancies.

    Countries that dominate the world mining as measured by resources and knowledge industry are the United States, Canada and Australia, South Africa and Chile (http://www.mbendi.co.za/indy/ming/p0005.htm). Although South Africa is not number one mining country, it is arguably the best in terms of rock engineering because of the following reasons:
  • Mining at ultra depths (close to 4km): South Africa has the deepest mines in the world hence it has the most challenging rock engineering problems mainly due to the prevalence of seismic events. The other mining countries do not have these problems thus with reference to rock engineering, South Africa has to take the leading role and other countries, if need arises, always benchmark against it (Handley, 2006, Hilmaz 2006).
  • The labour intensiveness of South African operations: For instance, in a typical underground gold mine stope there are 11 miners exposed to strata control hazards for six hours per shift. This increases miner's exposure time to rockfalls, especially as some mines have rockfall probabilities that range as high as 7 to 14 % (Gumede, 2006). On the contrary, the other top mining countries are highly mechanized with some almost automated as such risk levels are significantly low hence not much attention is given to rock engineering training. As an example, drilling, loading and hauling operations in Kiruna Mine in Sweden are carried out by remote control from surface i.e. tele-operation. Http://www.memagazine.org/contents/current/features/armchair/armchair.html).
  • Size of mining in relation to the economy: Mining contributes significantly to the South African economy thus more funds are channelled to research if there is an industry threatening problem and this has led to South Africa being a pioneer in rock engineering (the Coalbrook Mining disaster giving rise to the universally applied Salmon and Munro pillar formula).

    In essence, when it comes to rock engineering training activities there is no clearly defined precedence to benchmark against and the same observation was highlighted in the SIMRAC report GAP 609a. It should be noted that Australia which has relatively closer rock engineering problems to South Africa employ South Africans for their rock engineering operations and they recognize both the Strata Control and Rock Engineering certificates. Mining countries that have similar economies as South Africa; namely Brazil and Chile do not have these rock engineering problems because many of their mines are either open pit mines (quarries) or underground mines operating at very shallow depths. Also, most of the companies that have invested in these countries have South African subsidiaries hence they easily transfer rock engineering personnel. (e.g. Dr. F. Vieira formally CSIR now with Anglogold Ashanti is in charge of South American operations). The trend with most of these countries mines is to carry out an in-house training for their strata controllers. The same can be said for the African countries with some mainly SADC countries sending their strata controllers and rock engineers for training in South Africa. Added to that, almost all these mines consult South African Consulting companies for rock engineering related problems. Conclusively, whereas any form of rock engineering (training or practice) is regarded as a 'part-function' in all the countries, it is a specialist field in South Africa thus there is no direct comparability or correlation. Nevertheless, for comparison purposes, only an Australian qualification was chosen. The qualification was chosen because the outcomes are, to some extent, closer to the desired outcome for this qualification although it is intended for production personnel.

    Australian MNM20205 Certificate II in Metalliferous Mining Operations (underground):
  • Unit Code:
    > MNNUD202A.
  • Unit Standard Title:
    > Install ground support.

    South African National Certificate: Strata Control, NQF Level 2 Equivalent:
  • Unit Standard Title:
    > Achieve mining excavation stability with support in a large excavation in deep geotechnical conditions.
    > Achieve mining excavation stability with support installation in a vertical shaft.
    > Achieve mining excavation stability with support installation in an incline/decline shaft.
    > Achieve mining excavation stability with support installation in a tunnel development end in shallow geotechnical conditions.
    > Achieve mining excavation stability with support installation in a tunnel development end in deep geotechnical condition.
    > Support an underground workplace by means of timber pack support.
    > Install and remove mechanical props.
    > Support an underground workplace by means of full column grouted rods.
    > Install and remove hydraulic props.
    > Install pre-stressed elongate support.
    > Support an underground workplace by means of mechanical anchors.
    > Support an underground workplace by means of backfilling.
    > Support an underground workplace by means of a thin-layered spray.
    > Install tendon support by means of a roof bolter.
    > Support an underground workplace by means of grout.
    > Support an underground workplace by means of sets.
    > Identify and deal with rock strata conditions when working or travelling within an underground working place.
    > Support an underground work place by means of wire mesh and lacing.
    > Achieve mining excavation stability with support installation in a long and short wall coal mining panel.

    The National Certificate: Strata Control NQF Level 2 covers in more detail the desired result of the Australian Certificate II in Metalliferous Mining Operations. This is due to the specialist nature of the NQF Level 2 certificate while the Australian one is general.

    References:
  • Gardner, L. (2006) Personal communication 28/09/2006 (Rock Engineering Manager Implats, SANIRE Chairman of the Bushveld branch).
  • Gumede, H. (2006) Development of data sets on joint characteristics and consideration of associated instability for a typical South African gold mine, MSc Eng Dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand.
  • http://www.mbendi.co.za/indy/ming/p0005.htm (accessed on 28/09/2006).
  • http://www.memagazine.org/contents/current/features/armchair/armchair.html (accessed on 29/09/2006).
  • http://www.riisc.com.au/TrainingPackages/Metalliferous/Content/ (accessed on 26/09/2006).
  • Knottenbelt P. (2006) Personal communication 28/09/2006 (Head of Mining Department, University of Johannesburg).
  • Handley M. F. (2006) Personal communication 27/09/2006 (Professor, Mining Department University of Pretoria).
  • Safety in Mines Advisory Committee (SIMRAC) Gap 609a (2000).
  • Yilmaz H. (2006) Personal communication 27/09/2006 (Senior Lecturer in Rock Mechanics, Mining Department University of Witwatersrand). 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification acts as a platform from which people may progress to more advanced qualifications in rock engineering.

    This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Vertical articulation exists with:
  • National Certificate: Strata Control at NQF Level 3 (under construction).

    Horizontal articulation can occur between the various strata control specialisation areas, and on a unit standard level within the different NQF Level 2 qualifications, such as:
  • ID 58739; National Certificate: Mining Operations for Underground Hard Rock at NQF Level 2.
  • National Certificate: Geology at NQF Level 2 (under construction). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the 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.
  • 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. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  253014  Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with tendon support installation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  253036  Assess poor quality support installations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  115087  Conduct a preliminary incident investigation into workplace health, safety and environmental incidents  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  253015  Demonstrate a basic understanding of the concept of a Ground Control District  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  252534  Demonstrate an understanding of geology related to mining  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  252775  Demonstrate an understanding of risk assessment concepts and processes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  252834  Demonstrate an understanding of rock engineering terminology, theory and mensuration  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  252814  Demonstrate an understanding of rock strengths and relevant testing methods  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  252696  Demonstrate an understanding of support principles  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  252616  Demonstrate an understanding of the generic artificial support types, their characteristics and applications  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  252735  Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of support installation quality  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  252854  Demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationship between rock strength, stress and fracturing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  253026  Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of monitoring and instrumentation and the ability to take measurements from installed instrumentation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  116533  Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of emergency preparedness and response  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  253029  Demonstrate knowledge of evaluating and ensuring excavation stability when re-opening an excavation after a period of time  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  253035  Demonstrate knowledge of restoring excavation stability following loss of excavation integrity  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  253028  Demonstrate knowledge of various types of pillars and their role as a support medium  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  252595  Inspect compliance to a set standards with regards to ground and support conditions  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  252554  Apply calculations of areas, volumes, masses and weights to simple shapes in strata control  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  252774  Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of the mining process (drilling, blasting and cleaning) on installed support types and the surrounding rock mass  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  120337  Demonstrate knowledge pertaining to the preparation, conducting, recording and follow-up actions of a planned task observation in a working place  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Core  253016  Read and understand a mine plan and transfer recorded information onto mine plans  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  119463  Access and use information from texts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  9009  Apply basic knowledge of statistics and probability to influence the use of data and procedures in order to investigate life related problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  7480  Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  9008  Identify, describe, compare, classify, explore shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional shapes in different contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  119454  Maintain and adapt oral/signed communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  119460  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  7469  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Fundamental  9007  Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  119456  Write/present for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  252594  Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant terminology used in mining-range of underground coal, surface, underground hard rock  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Elective  252654  Demonstrate an understanding of typical surface mining processes and layouts  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Elective  110217  Demonstrate knowledge and ability to work in an underground coal mine  Level 1  NQF Level 01  8 
    Elective  116932  Operate a personal computer system  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Elective  252874  Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support in a large excavation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  252694  Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support in a tabular hard rock stope panel  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  253034  Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support in coal-mining panels  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  9811  Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support installation in a high wall open pit or strip mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  253027  Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support installation in shafts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  252794  Achieve excavation stability with support in a steep mining environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  252615  Achieve excavation stability with support installation in high mining height areas in various geotechnical conditions  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  253037  Achieve mining excavation stability with support installation in a tunnel development end  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  252555  Demonstrate an understanding of the hazards associated with the removal of installed support units under various conditions  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  252714  Demonstrate an understanding of the rehabilitation using topsoil process  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  253025  Demonstrate knowledge and ability to work in a surface mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  253017  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of factors that affect gully stability  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  110205  Demonstrate knowledge of the Mine Health and Safety Act, regulations and definitions  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  252574  Demonstrate knowledge of various slope failure modes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  8015  Executing general office administration  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  244445  Follow basic health and safety practices underground  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  243650  Handle waste material in a metallurgical plant  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  110406  Identify and deal with rock strata conditions when working or travelling within an underground-working place  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  252695  Identify signs of failure of slopes and haul roads in surface and open pit mines  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  244416  Make safe a workplace by means of barring  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  14342  Manage time and work processes within a business environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  252734  Process recorded seismic events  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  9610  Sound and bar down roof and side walls using sounding and barring equipment in an underground coal mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  252754  Support the blasting operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  115749  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strata control  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 


    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.
     
    1. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    2. GEOSTRAT TRAINING 
    3. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    4. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 


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