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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Sustainable Mining 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
108954  Master of Sustainable Mining 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-02-13  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 the Master of Sustainable Mining by research is to develop individuals involved within the mining value chain, from exploration to rehabilitation in research and innovative practices towards sustainable mining practices within the African continent. Advanced abilities in applying engineering technologies or related inter-disciplinary principles such as methods, strategies and designs within all mining related sectors in Africa as well as advanced capability to conduct fundamental research of an inter-disciplinary nature independently, will be developed.

Rationale:
The qualification is developed with the conviction that African countries need effective sustainable mining to stand a meaningful chance of overcoming underdevelopment and poverty. With the increased focus on research and innovation, a demand for Master's Degree in mining has emerged where other offerings have only partially met the demand of the industry and sector. This proposal is to therefore offer a Master of Sustainable Mining by research which seeks to meet the needs of Postgraduate cohorts. The qualification provides a research opportunity for Master level students to acquire the much needed research knowledge and skills in an area of such importance to the region, country and continent.

This qualification is intended to focus research on the specific yet varied areas of sustainable mining practices within Africa and abroad. This body of knowledge seeks to add value to key areas of the entire mining value chain, that being from exploration right up to rehabilitation It is hoped that research into mining sustainability will assist in developing alternative uses for waste products and by-products, benefiting communities and the environment. The qualification also seeks to include studies into water use, treatment in order to improve the utilisation of scarce resources. A qualification of this nature, will contribute towards the national objectives, geared towards the development of scarce skills, energy infrastructure planning and management in order to support local and national socio-economic growth.

This qualification will provide an opportunity for graduates and professionals in related fields (engineers, project developers, financiers and public officials) to advance their knowledge and grow their careers in field of sustainable mining, as it relates to the various domains. Stakeholders also include participants in the energy sector, government, research institutes, the Chamber of Mines and Professional Institutes.

It is anticipated that this qualification will produce well-versed, academically robust, adept and mature professionals with analytical and astute leadership capabilities, who would be expediently responsive to the needs of the industry and of modern society. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Faculty accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the will endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant.

The Faculty manages RPL according to the RPL policy, which will be applied as follows for purposes of this qualification as set out in the Faculty policy:
  • Through RPL a student may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies.
  • Recognition takes place in terms of applied requirements and procedures.
  • RPL in the case of a student not complying with the formal entry requirements.
    > Is conducted after payment of the prescribed fees in accordance with the policy and guidelines.
    > Is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
    > Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework (NQF)-level.
    > Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification.
    > Is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel.
    > A qualification that does not satisfy the formal entrance requirements for a Master's Degree qualification, but the holder of a such a qualification, may apply for admission to the Master's Degree through RPL, which application may be granted subject to such conditions as may be considered to be appropriate.

    Entry Requirements:
    The following minimum admission requirements will apply to this qualification:
  • Bachelor Honours Degree or a relevant Postgraduate Diploma at Level 8.
    Or
  • A relevant Bachelor's qualification with appropriate industry experience and subsequent recognised industry qualifications such as the Government Certificate of Competency may also be recognised as meeting the minimum entry requirement to the proposed Master's Degree qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of a compulsory module at Level 9 with 180 Credits.
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct independent and original research pertaining to the field of Sustainable Mining.
    2. Apply knowledge that is highly specialised, authoritative competent to address solution to the challenges of sustainable mining.
    3. Critically evaluate and consider internal and external stakeholder influence and impact in the field of sustainable mining.
    4. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with specifically research audiences and the community at large, in so far as they are affected by the research, using appropriate data analysis and interpretation.
    5. Participate as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities by acting ethically in the chosen field of research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Complete a dissertation by identifying and formulating a research problem related to sustainable mining challenges or problems.
  • Independently plan, co-ordinate and review research work, usually under supervision.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Perform a critical and relevant literature survey.
  • Assess the significance of the research findings, as they relate to challenges in the mining industry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate knowledge that the inter-disciplinary and integrated aspects that affect sustainable mining, have been considered.
  • Identify external stakeholders and their impact on the mining sector.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Produce a dissertation in an acceptable structure, style and language.
  • Describe the research findings and clearly emphasize its importance to the field of sustainable mining.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the social implications of the research conducted.
  • Illustrate ethical considerations in the gathering of research data.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Assessment is guided by the institution's policy.

    Formative Assessment:
  • Seminar presentations and student/supervisor consultations.

    Summative Assessment:
  • Research Dissertation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    It is noted that this qualification is scarce and hence remains globally competitive. However, the qualification is benchmarked against the following international offering:
  • The University of New South Wales (Australia), School of Mining Engineering, Master of Engineering (Research) in Mining Engineering.

    This qualification requires completion of an original piece of research, more limited in scope and nature to that required for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Candidates develop mastery of appropriate methodology, and present their findings in the wider context of their discipline. The Mining Engineering school offers the Master of Engineering Degree by research. The research Degrees may also be undertaken externally by staff employed full time in the industry over a longer duration.

    Duration: 1.5-2 years of advanced study (minimum duration for completion is 1.5 years).

    Entry requirements: an appropriate four-year Bachelor Degree with Honours that includes a substantial research component.

    Research Degree opportunities are centred around the following specialisations which make up the Research Priorities of the School:
  • Mining Geomechanics.
  • Sustainable Mining Practices.
  • Mining Systems and Processing.
  • Innovative Learning and Teaching.
  • Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (Germany).

    Master of Sustainable Mining and Remediation Management.

    The Degree qualification imparts knowledge and skills to the students for self-reliant scientific work in the fields of environmentally friendly mining, mining remediation and vitalisation of industries.

    Duration: 2 years of advanced study (minimum duration for completion is 1.5 years).

    Entry requirements: Bachelor's Degree (at least seven semesters) in geo-engineering, geo-science, or a related field.

    Focus areas:
  • Mine Water: Chemistry and Treatment.
  • Mine Water: Hydrogeology and Modelling.
  • Brownfield Revitalisation.
  • Reclamation.
  • Licensing, Stakeholder Involvement, and Expectation Management.
  • Radioactivity.
  • Biotechnology in Mining.

    The qualifications are fairly similar as they focus on the same fields-The qualification is by course work and differs in that context, however the outcomes and the body of knowledge are the same. They differ slightly in that the qualification offered by the institution intends to focus particularly on research that pertains to Sustainable Mining challenges and approaches. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The Master of Sustainable Mining provides vertical and horizontal articulation possibilities with public and private higher education institutions that offer comparable studies at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Levels 9 and 10.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mining Engineering, Level 10 (to be developed).

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Masters of Sustainable Mining (Coursework), Level 9.
  • Masters of Mineral Resource Governance (by Research), Level 9.
  • Masters of Mineral Resource Governance (Coursework), Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    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.