[Registered Qual & Unit Std Home page] [Search Qualifications] [Search Unit Standards]
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: 

Master of Mineral Resource Governance 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111395  Master of Mineral Resource Governance 
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  Engineering and Related Design 
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  2019-08-23  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 Mineral Resource Governance by research is to provide all persons involved within the mining value chain, from exploration to rehabilitation, to develop research and innovative practices to develop mining policies, standards and practices within the African continent that will ensure the sustainable development of Africa's mineral wealth. It is aimed at developing a learner with the abilities to apply fundamental engineering technologies or related inter-disciplinary principles to develop mineral resource policy and strategies in Africa and to acquire capabilities to conduct fundamental research of an inter-disciplinary nature independently. The qualification will enable the learners to acquire knowledge of the logic behind research and to master the different stages. The focus is on independent research activities in industry, preferably in an active mining environment, addressing essential productivity and sustainability activities that will have a direct impact on a mining company and the surrounding community aimed at improving processes that will ensure sustainability within the mining sector in a broader context.

Rationale:
The Master of Mineral Resource Governance is developed with the conviction that African countries need effective mineral resource policies to stand a meaningful chance of overcoming underdevelopment and poverty. There is an urgency to develop the capacity and expertise in mineral resource policy of government officials and to move beyond the jointly offered short courses in Mineral Resource Policy and Extraction Policy and to scale-up training to a Master's level.

Apart from scaling-up the training in Mineral Resource Policy at the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP), it is also envisaged to upgrade qualifications, which trainees can expect to gain and significantly increase the number of officials who will be trained in Africa at a Master's level in the field of Mineral Resource Policy.

The qualification is offered through the Faculty of Engineering for two reasons:
  • Engineering (and its related fields) holds a key position in the Industrial and Mineral Resource Development of the continent.
  • It has been identified as critical, a need to grow an interdisciplinary set of offerings in order to more aptly respond to the needs of the country, region, and continent and to be in line with global developments in Engineering.
  • The Master in Mineral Resource Policy thus enriches the faculty's offerings and enhances its strategic growth and development. Such addition will also promote international cross-disciplinary collaboration firstly with Universities in Africa, but also international universities with the same philosophy.

    With the increased focus on research and innovation, an increase in demand for Master's Degree qualification in mining has been noticeable. The current demand in the School of Mining Engineering, Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering has been accommodated in a Master Technology: Metallurgy qualification. The development of the Master of Mineral Resource Governance is seen as only partially addressing the volume of demand currently experienced.

    The development of this specific qualification is focussed on developing sustainable mineral practices and policies will ensure that the mineral wealth of Africa is developed for the benefit of all its people. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The university 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.

    RPL is managed according to the University's RPL policy, which will be applied as follows for purposes of this qualification as set out:
  • Through RPL a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status.
  • Recognition will take place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the university:
  • RPL in the case of a learner not complying with the formal entry requirements:
    > Is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
    > Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF Level.
    > Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification.
    > Is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee of the Faculty and is finally decided upon by the Faculty Dean's Committee.
  • A qualification that does not satisfy the formal entrance requirements for a Master's Degree, but the holder of a qualification, may apply for admission to the Master's Degree through RPL, for which the application may be granted subject.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum admission requirement is a:
  • Relevant Bachelor Honours Degree at NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • A relevant Postgraduate Diploma at NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • A relevant Bachelor's Degree with appropriate work experience in policy development and policy research (Honours level).
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Mineral Processing and Ore Beneficiation at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    For the dissertation route:
  • Master of Mineral Resource Governance, 180 Credits.

    Or

    For the coursework route.
    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Mineral Economics, 20 Credits.
  • Mineral Policy, 20 Credits.
  • Minerals Governance, 20 Credits.
  • Mini Dissertation, 60 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 60 Credits (Choose three modules):
  • Global Mining Industry Structure, 20 Credits.
  • Appropriate Mine Design for Economic Development, 20 Credits.
  • Minerals Exploration and Valuation, 20 Credits.
  • Mineral Information Systems and Geographic Information Systems for Minerals Governance, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The following Exit Level Outcomes are applicable for those learners following a dissertation route:
    1. Conduct independent and original research pertaining to the field of Mineral Resource Governance.
    2. Apply knowledge that is highly specialised, authoritative and competent to address solution to the challenges of mineral resource governance.
    3. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with specifically research audiences and the community at large, as far as they are affected by the research, using appropriate data analysis and interpretation.
    4. Participate as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities by acting ethically in the chosen field of research.
    5. Work effectively independently or with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community or in multidisciplinary environments as they relate to the research conducted within the field of mineral resource governance.

    The following Exit Level Outcomes are applicable for those learners following a coursework route:
    1. Plan and manage policy development research projects, demonstrating underlying fundamental knowledge, understanding and insight into the principles, methodologies and concepts that constitute socially responsible (vis-à-vis all local and other communities) policy development.
    2. Evaluate the impact of economic policy on the environment and social development of a region.
    3. Communicate effectively with policy and strategy development professionals regarding the development of strategies.
    4. Negotiate effectively within the parameters of a given mineral policy and the governance structures of the mining industry.
    5. Evaluate and create an effective contract for the exploitation of minerals within different environments and commodities.
    6. Use and assess appropriate policy development and research methods, skills, tools, technology and information technology effectively and critically in policy development practice, to show an understanding of and a willingness to accept responsibility for the impact that mineral resource governance and practice has on society and the environment.
    7. Participate as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national, and global communities by acting professionally and ethically in the chosen field of research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria are applicable for those learners following a dissertation route:
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Complete a dissertation by identifying and formulating a research problem related to mineral resource 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 of mineral resource governance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Produce a dissertation in an acceptable structure, style and language.
  • Coherently describe the research findings and clearly emphasise its importance to the field of mineral resource governance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the social implications of the research conducted.
  • Illustrate ethical considerations in the gathering of research data.
  • Acknowledge the impact that mineral resource governance and practice has on society and the environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and awareness of the multidisciplinary environments that impact on the governance of mineral resources.
  • Engage and consider various stakeholders that may impact or influence the mineral resource sector.

    The following Associated Assessment Criteria are applicable for those learners following a coursework route:
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Critically justify a design within the economic context of the mining industry.
  • Formulate an effective mine design within the context of the economical requirements and industry specific environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify the fundamental requirements of effective strategy to stimulate investment in mineral resources.
  • Develop a strategy within pre-defined parameters in order to ensure sustainable and economically sound exploitation of mineral resources.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Formulate and communicate effective mining strategies within the context of the environment in which the strategy needs to be implemented.
  • Interpret a public report based on a mineral resource based on one of the abovementioned codes and appraise the validity thereof.
  • Demonstrate an ability to design, implement and communicate an ethical mining - or organisational design to maximise the capacity of a resource.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Discuss different methods of negotiation within mining governance structures.
  • Identify the fundamental requirements of effective negotiations.
  • Develop a negotiation strategy within pre-defined parameters.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Describe the fundamental elements contained in a contract.
  • Critically analyse mining contracts.
  • Discuss the difference in environments and commodities with relation to mining contracts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Interpret information retrieved from a GIS or MIS system to support a specific decision.
  • Appraise current reporting codes including the SAMREC, SAMVAL, JORC, Canadian and European reporting codes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Analyse various proposals relating to the implementation of a specific design strategy within the context of a mineral industry problem.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The following integrated assessment is applicable for those learners following a dissertation route.

    Formative Assessment: Seminar presentations and learner/supervisor consultations.
    Summative Assessment: Research Dissertation.

    The following integrated assessment is applicable for those learners following a coursework route.
    Formative Assessment:
  • Includes tests, assignments or presentations.
    Summative Assessment:
  • Includes a summative examination or portfolio of evidence. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    It is noted that this qualification is scarce and hence remains globally competitive. However, the qualification is compared against the following international qualifications:
  • University of Curtin: Master of Science (Mineral and Energy Economics)
    Duration: 1.5 Years.
    The Master's qualification (Coursework) prepares learners to apply knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF Level 9 qualifications. The Master of Science (Mineral and Energy Economics) builds on the foundation studies of business and mining disciplines preparing graduates for more senior roles in the mining and energy sectors. Learners are provided with a thorough foundation in resource sector management and general business theory. The curriculum has an applied practical focus. Graduates will be equipped with a range of analytical and managerial skills relevant to middle and senior managers in decision making roles in resources, mining and energy companies.
  • University of Western Australia: Master of Mining and Energy Law.
    This qualification includes subject areas such as exploration and production of minerals and petroleum in Australia, native title, concepts of sustainability and social license to operate as well as other broad policy objectives. This qualification consists of eight modules. The compulsory modules consist of units focusing on petroleum law, mining law, and corporate governance for resources companies and the agreements used in the petroleum industry. Optional modules include international oil and gas law, environmental law, international environmental law, climate change and emissions trading, oil and gas project development law (new), one unit chosen from the options available for the Master of Commercial and Resources Law and one unit chosen from the options available for the Master of Laws.

    Whilst these Master's by coursework qualifications are similar in that they contain research pertain to the field of mining and mineral governance, this institutions' qualification is unique in this emerging field. By offering a full research qualification that strategically focuses on the governance of mineral resources, the body of knowledge in the sector grows significantly and adds further value to the mining industry and the way minerals are governed, especially within Africa. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Engineering Technology in Engineering Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Engineering Technology in Industrial Engineering, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Engineering Technology in Mining Engineering, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctoral Degrees of Engineering Management, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Industrial Engineering, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Mining Engineering, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.