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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

National Occupational Certificate: Mine Shift Overseer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119223  National Occupational Certificate: Mine Shift Overseer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MQA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  196  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0522/24  2022-06-21  2025-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-31   2029-12-31  

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 prepare a learner to function as a Mine Shift Overseer.

A qualifying learner will know and be able to facilitate the planning processes; troubleshoot and address problems critically; work ergonomically; react to events in time-critical environments; and complete administrative functions and duties; to realise optimum machine, plant and equipment performance and availability and mining production requirements; in accordance with organisational, statutory and regulatory requirements. The curriculum will be contextualised to mining underground hard-rock, underground coal, or surface operations, as applicable.

A qualified learner will be able to
  • Oversee, apply, and ensure organisational, statutory, and regulatory safety, health and environmental measures, processes, and procedures.
  • Monitor, supervise, coordinate, inspect, consult, and record production operations.
  • Troubleshoot; identify and address mining-related problems.
  • Solve problems in respect of mining operations, ventilation, mining health and safety.
  • Demonstrate the ability to maintain independent learning and continuous improvement.
  • Communicate effectively and professionally in respect of technical and practical mine operations.

    Rationale:
    Shift Overseers who are appointed must be qualified, by virtue of their knowledge, training, skills, and experience, to perform the activities contemplated; and must be trained, assessed, and found competent, in accordance with recognised training and development programmes, so there is the need for this qualification. Presently, there is no such qualification in existence in the country and thus, this qualification has been developed.
    Typical learners for this qualification will be miners who would like to advance their skills in the mining environment. Learners registering for this qualification will typically be working within the mining industry in a particular context. This qualification has three contexts for learners to follow. It will be possible for learners to articulate between the respective contexts.
    A typical learning pathway in mining production operations would be to begin with an occupational qualification at NQF Level 1 or 2, proceed to Miner at NQF Level 3, then Shift Supervisor, at NQF Level 4, Mine Overseer at NQF Level 5 and Mine Manager at NQF Level 7.
    The work is done in excavations that do not exist naturally but are created through rock breaking and blasting activities. This unique environment holds many hazards and risks for all personnel. The skills required to master the work in this occupation are complex and require dedicated learning, application, and specialised and technical skills.

    Mining will remain the backbone of the South African economy for many years to come, and with the advance of technology there will, in the coming decades, be opportunities to return to and access the minerals left behind in the older mines. The mining and minerals sector will also be able to access resources that are currently too deep to mine. The development of the occupational competence as set out in this qualification is essential to capitalise on these technological advances.

    Development of the qualification was in consultation with sector practitioners and providers, and through the Minerals Council South Africa, Trade Unions and the DMRE.

    This qualification will benefit society in terms of skills and technical competencies since qualifying learners will improve work standards, health and safety, effectiveness, and contribute significantly to the growth of the country's economy. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Gain Access Through RPL
  • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.

    Exemption from Modules Through RPL
  • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL.

    RPL for access to the external summative assessment:
  • Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result.

    Entry Requirements:
  • NQF Level 3 qluaification in Mining Operations. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules
  • 312101-001-00-KM-01, Health, Safety, and the Environment, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 312101-001-00-KM-02, Mining Operations, Level 4, 46 Credits.
  • 312101-001-00-KM-03, Supervision, Level 4, 12 Credits.
  • 312101-001-00-KM-04, Production Operations, Level 4, 12 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 78

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 312101-001-00-PM-01, Oversee, Apply, Exercise, and Ensure Safety, Health, and Environmental Measures, Processes, and Procedures, Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 312101-001-00-PM-02, Facilitate, Apply, Revise, where required, Reconcile, and Supervise the Planning Processes to Achieve the Required Mining Cycle/Target, Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 312101-001-00-PM-03, Monitor, Supervise, Coordinate, Inspect, Consult, and Record Production Operations, Level 4, 46 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 78

    Work Experience Modules (Electives)
    The learner chooses one elective module in from the following modules.

    Elective Module 1: Underground Hardrock.
  • 312101-001-00-WM-01, Underground Hard Rock Production Operations, Level 4, 40 Credits.

    Elective Module 2: Underground Coal Mining.
  • 312101-001-00-WM-02, Underground Coal Production Operations, Level 4, 40 Credits.

    Elective Module 3: Surface Mining
  • 312101-001-00-WM-03, Surface Production Operations, Level 4, 40 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 40 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Oversee, apply, and ensure organisational, statutory, and regulatory safety, health and environmental measures, processes, and procedures.
    2. Monitor, supervise, coordinate, inspect, consult, and record production operations.
    3. Troubleshoot.
    4. Communicate effectively.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to maintain independent learning and continuous improvement. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply informed knowledge and understanding of problem solving, occupational health, safety and the environmental requirements, geology, ground and strata control, support, hazard identification and risk assessment, examining and making safe, and statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
  • Complete pre-, start-, and end-of-shift process and procedure, and associated reporting in accordance with requirements.
  • Apply, exercise, ensure safety, health and environmental measures and responsibilities in accordance with requirements.
  • Apply, exercise, assure legal duties in accordance with statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
  • Identify, monitor, and control unsafe practices and conditions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply informed knowledge and understanding of problem solving, occupational health, safety and the environmental requirements, geology, ground and strata control, support, hazard identification and risk assessment, mining operations, environmental control/ ventilation, rock/ geotechnical engineering, explosives and blasting, production management, and statutory, regulatory, and organisational compliance.
  • Complete pre-, start-, and end-of-shift process and procedure, and associated reporting, in accordance with statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
  • Apply, exercise, and ensure safety, health and environmental measures and responsibilities, in accordance with statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
  • Facilitate, apply, revise the planning processes, where required, reconciled, and supervised, to achieve the required mining cycle/ targets.
  • Supervise, monitor, and coordinate production operations, in accordance with statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
  • Conduct regular quality controls, in respect of planned inspections and planned task observations, (PTOs), in accordance with statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
  • Perform liaison with logistics/ service departments and the systems available, to coordinate resources for material and ore, log the requirements on the system, and communicate deficits/ oversupply for remedial action, in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • Complete crew engagement and consultation, and administration functions in accordance with organisational requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Analyse and solve problems in accordance with requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Communicate fluently and understandable, in accordance with requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate the ability to maintain independent learning and continuous improvement.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

    The assessment will be conducted through written assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites by a panel of assessors evaluated by assessor(s) registered with the AQP within a period of 1 day. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    An international comparability exercise was undertaken to compare the Occupational Certificate: Mine Shift Overseer Cleaner with related qualifications from specific countries in terms of their scope, levels and curriculum content. The purpose of this exercise is to compare the qualification against existing and comparable practice internationally. The exercise was conducted with two countries which are United Kingdom (UK) and New Zealand.

    Australia
    The Australian RII40311 - Certificate IV in Metalliferous Mining Operations (Underground) is offered by nationally registered Training Providers: Mine Resilience Australia Pty Ltd, Ocurrio Pty Ltd and Port Macquarie Community College Inc.

    This qualification includes units of competency such as implement workplace information system; promote innovation in a team environment; develop teams and individuals; show leadership in the workplace; implement operational plan; implement continuous improvement; monitor a safe workplace; implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices; apply first aid; conduct underground development shot-firing; manage blasting operations; monitor and control the effects of blasting on the environment; apply and monitor underground metalliferous mine emergency preparedness; monitor and report on compliance systems; apply and monitor systems for stable mining; apply and monitor mine transport system and production equipment; conduct safety and health investigations; supervise work in confined spaces; maintain and monitor site quality standards; apply and monitor mine services and infrastructure systems.

    The other comparable Australian qualification is RII40411 - Certificate IV in Underground Coal Operations it is offered by the same institutions mentioned above.

    Its content includes such competencies as coordinating implementation of customer service strategies; promoting innovation in a team environment; leadership in a workplace; implementing operational plan; monitoring a safe workplace; supporting underground shot-firing operations; conducting shot-firing operations in underground coal mines; applying and monitoring underground coal mine emergency preparedness and response systems; conducting shuttle car operations; conducting outburst mining operations; conducting long-wall face equipment operations; conducting special roadway operations; applying and monitoring gas management plans; applying and monitoring the gas drainage management plan; applying and monitor the inrush management plan; applying and monitoring the strata management plans; applying the spontaneous combustion management plans; conducting safety and health investigations; carrying out the risk management processes; equipment recovery; and applying and monitoring ventilation management plans.

    New Zealand
    The New Zealand Certificate in Mining and Quarrying (First-line Supervision) (Level 4) has qualifications in Surface and Underground Operations; its credits range from 160 to 205. This qualification is offered by the registered Training Providers which are Mine Resilience Australia Pty Ltd, Ocurrio Pty Ltd and Port Macquarie Community College Incorporated.

    Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
  • Provide leadership and guidance for and during activities at mining and quarrying sites.
  • Interpret and implement mining and quarrying operational plans in compliance with legislation and workplace policies and procedures.
  • Co-ordinate and apply risk assessment procedures and workplace health and safety and environmental procedures at a mining and quarrying site.
  • Conduct workplace inspections and incident investigations to maintain safety at a mining and quarrying site.
  • Apply broad operational and theoretical knowledge of surface mining, quarrying and/or processing to ensure team members can complete a wide range of tasks as required by the operational plan at a surface mining, quarrying and/or processing site.
  • Apply broad operational and theoretical knowledge of underground mining or tunnelling to ensure team members can complete a wide range of tasks as required by the operational plan at an underground mining or tunnelling site.

    Similarities
    The similarities between these Australia's and New Zealand qualifications; and South Africa's occupation certificate are the contents and the exit-level competencies, especially with regards to mining operations; ventilation; health and safety; and environmental conservation.

    Differences
    The differences are in terms of the terminologies in respect of the qualifications and the occupations they lead to. The other noticeable difference is that this South Africa's qualification offers one certificate with three specialisation options while in the two countries offer different qualifications for these specialisations.

    Conclusion:
    Based on the comparisons above of the programmes available and competencies required in Australia and New Zealand; the conclusion is that the Mining Shift Overseer occupational certificate can be considered comparable and potentially equivalent to these two countries' certificates. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate Mine Planning Practitioner, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Mine Overseer, NQF Level 5.
  • National Diploma: Occupational Safety: Mining and Minerals, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and statement of work experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules or alternative programme where applicable.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
    Physical requirements: Meet legal, health and medical requirements.
    Legal requirements: Meet all organisation and legal requirements to enter the training programme.
    Context-based requirements: The qualification held must be in line with the context being studied.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code are: Mine Shift Overseer 312101-001-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • This is not a trade qualification

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA). 
    		•

    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.