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: Mining Technical Support |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
60349 | National Certificate: Mining Technical Support | |||
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 | 125 | 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 9999/99 | 2018-07-01 | 2023-06-30 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2026-06-30 | 2029-06-30 |
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:
This qualification will provide qualifying learners with the necessary skills, knowledge, understanding and competence, to competently and confidently assist a Surveyor, Geologist and Sampler in their specific fields related to surface and underground mining; as well as provide an opportunity for learners to apply appropriate skills in relation to the workplace. The Surveying, Geology and Sampling technical support operations assistant is vital to the smooth running of these disciplines of the mining industry which covers a wide variety of fields such as Geological Exploration sampling, GPS surveying as well as structural mapping and hazard identification. Learners achieving this qualification will be able to understand their role of applying required competencies consistently and effectively in the execution of their duties. They will also contribute to the mining technical services discipline by effectively adhering to quality and occupational safety requirements. This qualification will have a positive impact on society through assisting in the identification and delineation of potential mineral deposits; as well as improve the health and safety of people in and outside the mining environment through input to hazard identification programmes and helping protect the environment during mine closure procedures. Learners credited with this qualification will be able to: Rationale: Surveying, Geology and Sampling are recognised as generic key competencies in the development of basic skills in the South African mining industry through the identification and delineation of potential mineral deposits, development of mines and the safe, profitable and optimal exploitation of mining reserves. Quality standards within the mining industry have become of vital importance as efficiencies are maximised within the industry. Maintenance of such standards is a key component in Technical Support Operations training and serves to extend the life of mines. The increasing complexity of SA mining has resulted in a greater need for skilled support in Surveying, Geological and Sampling input. These factors have been recognised and emphasis has been placed on providing such technical support training at all levels within these mining disciplines. Learners entering this qualification will typically come from mining, survey, geology or sampling operations, working as Technical support assistants or stope face operators. In some cases learners will come from other industries such as soil science or civil engineering. Learners from other industries would, however, have to become familiar with the mining environment, equipment and processes before they can proceed with this qualification. Qualifying learners will be competent support technicians on NQF Level 2 in the Surveying, Geological and Sampling disciplines in all mining operations, which relates to assisting with underground or surface surveying and mapping, geological mapping and core logging and mineral sampling procedures. Learners will obtain the basic theoretical knowledge pertinent to these mining related environments. This qualification has 3 specialisation streams for learners to follow. A typical learning pathway in this field would start with this qualification and proceed to the National Certificate: Minerals Technical Support, NQF Level 3. Learners would then progress onto a NQF Level 4 qualification in one of the specialisation areas namely Surveying, Geology or Sampling. The qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible so that learners are able to demonstrate the competencies in Surveying, Geology and Sampling Technical Support across the mining and minerals sectors. This qualification will be a suitable and justified recognition for the skills and competencies of technical assistants who, to date, have been trained and developed on an informal basis only, with little chance of advancement. The associated status of a nationally recognised qualification will serve as a motivation for learners to further their skills by entering the fields of Surveying, Geology and Sampling. Current Surveying, Geology and Sampling technical assistants in particular will benefit from the opportunities of assessment and subsequent recognition presented by RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). |
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. 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 3 specialisation areas possible:
A minimum of 125 credits are required to complete the qualification. In this Qualification, credits are allocated as follows: Fundamental: Core: Electives: Note: The elective credits should be chosen in accordance with the requirements of the selected context and the interests of the learner. For Specialisation Area A: Sampling. The following unit standards totaling 24 credits must be achieved: Title; NQF Level; Credits. Total = 24. A further 25 credits are to be chosen from the rest of the electives to make up a minimum of 125 credits for the qualification. For Specialisation Area B: Surveying. The following unit standards totaling 17 credits must be achieved: Title; NQF Level; Credits. Total = 17 Credits. A further 32 credits are to be chosen from the rest of the electives to make up a minimum of 125 credits for the qualification. For Specialisation Area C: Geology. The following unit standards totaling 26 credits must be achieved: Title; NQF Level; Credits. Total = 26 Credits. A further 23 credits are to be chosen from the rest of the electives to make up a minimum of 125 credits for the qualification. |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Communicate and solve problems in a variety of ways.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental standards in the workplace. 3. Demonstrate an understanding and application of surveying, geological and sampling principles in a mining environment. 4. Select and use surveying, geological and sampling equipment and tools. 5. Perform tape measurements. 6. Prepare and collect a sample. 7. Apply a selection of Surveying procedures. Or 8. Apply a selection of Sampling procedures. Or 9. Apply a selection of Geological procedures. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical thinking have been made. Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization and community. Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. Collecting, analyzing, organizing and critically evaluating information. Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills. Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility toward the environment and health of others. Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem contexts do not exist in isolation. Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it an underlying intention of the programme of learning to make an individual aware of: |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 7: Or Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 8: Or Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 9: 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: 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 the plating process. |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
When conducting research in terms of benchmarking the NC: Mining Technical Support Level 2 against qualifications elsewhere, the following was considered:
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. Evidence was however found of qualifications at a higher level, comparable to Diploma or Degree Level (Levels 5 and 6 respectively). 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. Some of the countries included in the search were: Courses found on these websites were at undergraduate level. SADEC Countries: No evidence of a relevant qualification was found for any of the SADEC countries. Consultation with experienced mining engineers who have worked in Africa (SADEC countries) have confirmed that competencies relating to the NC Technical Support Level 2 qualification are normally acquired informally in the workplace, typically by workers assisting technical or professional people performing these tasks. Where tasks related to this qualification are conducted formally, the responsible person would typically have a relevant degree or diploma from a recognised institution (university, technical college). Qualifications and unit standards (competencies) found: The following relevant qualifications and/or standards were found: Columbia: Online courses are being offered at the University of British Columbia. Similar elements of competence were found and the outcomes of the courses 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 structure 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. Australia: New Zealand: Geology: Although there is no qualification in this regard, a number of unit standards have been found: Level 1: Level 2: Level 3: Level 4: Level 5: Level 6: Surveying: A National Certificate in Surveying (Level 3) with the following relevant standards exists: Conclusions: International benchmarking in this instance has not revealed comparable qualifications for one or more of the following reasons: The competencies covered by the NC Mining Technical Support (Level 2) are needed by the mining industry and it is highly motivated that learners should learn towards and be assessed against the relevant standards. Despite lack of any internationally comparable qualifications, it is nevertheless deemed a valuable and relevant qualification. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This qualification is the ideal platform for horizontal articulation into the Survey, Geology and Sampling disciplines, and other mining industry related sub-fields.
This qualification articulates vertically with the National Certificate: Mining Technical Support NQF Level 3. |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
Assessors should be in possession of:
|
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 | 254502 | Demonstrate an understanding of the location of typical mineral deposits in SA | Level 1 | NQF Level 01 | 2 |
Core | 14097 | Know, select and use materials, tools and equipment safely for technological purposes | Level 1 | NQF Level 01 | 3 |
Core | 116520 | Apply safety, health and environmental principles and procedures in a workplace | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 2 |
Core | 254495 | Demonstrate an understanding of the principal rock groups, their origins and characteristics | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 5 |
Core | 254499 | Measure and record the dip and strike of a plane | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 2 |
Core | 14257 | Position a tape for measuring | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Core | 254509 | Collect special samples for mineral evaluation purposes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Core | 254507 | Demonstrate an understanding of selected structural features and their characteristics | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Core | 254501 | Demonstrate an understanding of the principal mineral groups and their characteristics | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Core | 254494 | Demonstrate an understanding of the stratigraphy of the economic zones within the relevant economic deposit | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 4 |
Core | 14242 | Read a plan | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Core | 11694 | Undertake tape and offset surveying | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
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 | 9756 | Collect a face sample for the purpose of determining the content or quality of the mineral | Level 1 | NQF Level 01 | 4 |
Elective | 9357 | Develop and use keyboard skills to enter text | Level 1 | NQF Level 01 | 4 |
Elective | 116932 | Operate a personal computer system | Level 1 | NQF Level 01 | 3 |
Elective | 254503 | Assist in a geological surface exploration mapping programme | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 5 |
Elective | 254496 | Assist in the geological mapping of an underground workplace | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 4 |
Elective | 9760 | Attend to a survey point in an underground environment | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 5 |
Elective | 246464 | Conduct sampling for water and wastewater treatment processes | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 4 |
Elective | 254497 | Demonstrate an understanding of the Earth's Internal Structure and Age | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 6 |
Elective | 254505 | Establish a survey point | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 6 |
Elective | 254504 | Install an underground survey point | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 6 |
Elective | 254536 | Prepare borehole cuttings for logging and sampling purposes recovered from containers | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 5 |
Elective | 9758 | Quarter broken material to obtain a representative sample | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 4 |
Elective | 9757 | Screen broken material to determine the particle size distribution | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 6 |
Elective | 254514 | Chip face sample sections for the purpose of determining the content or quality of a mineral | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 7 |
Elective | 254534 | Cut borehole core with a mounted circular saw for logging and sampling purposes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 2 |
Elective | 9753 | Cut face sample sections with a rock cutting saw for the purposes of determining the content and quality of a mineral | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 7 |
Elective | 254500 | Demonstrate an understanding of surface processes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Elective | 254506 | Demonstrate knowledge and attainment of the principal soil types and their characteristics | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Elective | 14442 | Plot tape and offset measurements on a plan | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Elective | 254535 | Prepare borehole core for logging and sampling purposes from core containers | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
Elective | 9752 | Prepare samples for assaying purposes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Elective | 254498 | Take a biological sample for economic exploration purposes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Elective | 254515 | Take a stream sediment or soil sample for economic and environmental purposes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
Elective | 254508 | Take a surface rock sample to obtain geological info on the outcrop material | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
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. | CADDIS TRADING CC |
2. | MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD |
3. | PALABORA COPPER (PTY) 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. |