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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: |
| National Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampler |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 124405 | National Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampler | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Development Quality Partner - MQA | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| National Occupational Cert | Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology | Fabrication and Extraction | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 138 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 04 | Regular-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0632/25 | 2025-06-03 | 2030-06-03 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2031-06-03 | 2034-06-03 | |||
| 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 replaces: |
| Qual ID | Qualification Title | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Min Credits | Replacement Status |
| 94870 | Occupational Certificate: Mining Technician (Mining Sampler: Hardrock) | Not Applicable | NQF Level 04 | 168 | Complete |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as Mine Sampler.
Mine Samplers oversee the collection of rock samples, process and capture sample analysis data for evaluating mineral resources; and complete administrative functions and duties; in accordance with organisational, statutory and regulatory requirements. A qualified learner will be able to: The qualifying learner will be able to proficiently use sampling techniques to conduct sampling functions, including the collection, processing, and capturing of accurate sample data. The qualification is aimed at providing learners with opporEtunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader constituencies of the mine sampling, occupational health, safety and environmental community. Graduate attributes: Rationale: In the mining industry, it is very important to obtain information on the ore that is mined. Samplers are responsible for taking samples for analysis on a regular basis. This qualification replaces the Occupational Certificate Mining Technician (Mining Sampler Hardrock), which expired on 2023 -03-30. The role of the Mine Sampler is to produce information on the ore that is mined. It is their responsibility to collect and examine samples of the ore regularly to determine its nature, quality, and quantity. The data from sampling is necessary to understand how mining activities and mine waste change the environment. Sampling is designed, carried out, and assembled into structured information by skilled professionals. Sampling results are interpreted into information that can be shared with all stakeholders at a mine site. The complexity of the work is increasing with the development of new technologies along with the increasing statutory requirements for sampling work, which have highlighted the need to enhance the dwindling skills of mine samplers. This qualification aims to equip potential learners with the required knowledge and skills to adapt to the evolving technological, statutory, and mandatory requirements. This qualification offers opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader domains of mine sampling, occupational health, safety, and environmental management. There are currently no other similar qualifications registered under the OQSF. The samples that the Mine sampler collets assist with decision making for further exploration, resource estimation, grade control or plant design. By obtaining the right samples and making sure they are properly prepared and accurately analysed are critical steps in determining whether an investment or project goes ahead. This qualification will enhance the mining sector and benefit society by minimising uncertainty in the data by equipping learners with the skills and technical competencies needed to conduct appropriate sampling, preparation and handling protocols to elevate work standards, comply with occupational health, safety, and environmental regulations and work safely and efficiently. This proficiency will not only boost productivity but also contribute to the nation's economy. A strengthened economy attracts both local and international investors, thereby further stimulating economic growth and development. Learners for this qualification will typically be Mine Sampling Observers. Mine Workers with appropriate experience seeking to advance their careers will also benefit from this qualification. The typical learning pathway would be Mine Technical Services Support Assistant: Sampling Operations at NQF Level 2, Mine Sampling Observer at NQF Level 3, Mine Sampling Officer at NQF Level 4, then Mine Section Valuator at NQF Level 6. This qualification will assist in the formalising of the requirements for this very important occupation. There will be opportunity for RPL for mine employees and this will allow new industry entrants to be fast tracked to a productive career. Diagonal articulation could not be established as there were no qualifications to articulate with, across Sub-Frameworks, at the time of this review. Occupation(s) and professions to related to this qualifications are: Stakeholders from various sectors including: Typical occupation: Mine Sampler |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for Access: Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills qualification. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. RPL for Exemption: For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Awarding Credits: Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for access into the External Integrated Summative Assessment. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification or skills qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: Any mining related qualification at NQF Level 3. |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:
Knowledge Modules: Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 40 Practical Skill Modules: Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 48 Work Experience Modules: Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 50 |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Apply procedure and processes to coordinate activities related to the collection of samples in a mine.
2. Apply knowledge and techniques to process and capture all collected sample data on the mine evaluation system. 3. Apply knowledge and skills to take and record required measurements of geological features and workplace dimensions in a mine. 4. Coordinate troubleshooting activities. 5. Facilitate communication process. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Apply procedure and processes to coordinate activities related to the collection of samples in a mine. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Apply knowledge and techniques to process and capture all collected sample data on the mine evaluation system. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Apply knowledge and skills to take and record required measurements of geological features and workplace dimensions in a mine. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO 4: Coordinate troubleshooting activities. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: ELO 5: Facilitate communication process Integrated Assessment: Formative Assessments conducted internally Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment. Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weakness, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained. Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided. Integrated Summative Assessments conducted Internally Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification or occupational skills qualification, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed. An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification, part-qualification or skills qualification. Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g. applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc. The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA. External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA): The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner. For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating: The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules OR The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge and Application Components. The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules OR The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge and Application Components. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| An extensive search was conducted, and no evidence of specific sampling qualifications offered in other countries was found.
The search was conducted in countries with a formal Qualifications Framework, such as the United Kingdom (NVQ and SVQ), Australia and New Zealand and SADC countries, which are in geographical proximity to South Africa. In SADC countries, no sampling related qualifications were found. Consultation with experienced mining engineers who have worked in Africa (SADC countries) have confirmed that competencies relating to Technical Support (at the level of the proposed qualification) would be acquired informally in the workplace. This would typically occur when workers assist technical or professional people performing these tasks. In other countries, it was found that sampling competencies were covered at a limited scale as elective units of learning in technical mining related qualifications. Australia Certificate III in Underground Metalliferous Mining offered by the Australian Institute of Mining Pty Ltd and MyneSight Pty Ltd, among others. This qualification is aimed at learners who carry out a variety of tasks involving a broad range of skilled applications in a different mining context. Qualified learners use their own discretion and judgement in selecting equipment, services, or contingency measures. Entry into the qualification is open. The qualification has core and elective units for 5 areas of specialisation which are: To be awarded the qualification, the learner must satisfy the packaging rules for a specific area of specialisation. Core units: Sampling competencies were found to be covered in the general stream F. However, to be awarded the qualification, learners must choose 4 elective units from general stream E and not more than 4 from general stream F. Elective units Group E (General 1) Group F (General 2) Similarities: All core units reflected in this qualification are covered in the National Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampler. Elective units such as coordinate business operational plans, from general stream E and work in accordance with an issued permit, conduct hazard analysis and take environmental samples and measurements, from general stream F are covered in the South African qualification. Differences: Differences are found to be with the composition, focus, and entry into the qualification. The South African qualification comprises knowledge modules, practical skills modules and work experience modules which are all compulsory. On the other hand, the Australian qualification has core units as well as elective units which allow learners to pursue a career towards a specific area of specialisation. The focus on the South African occupational qualification is on producing an all-rounded qualified Sampler, i.e. occupational based, whilst the Australian qualification is generic in nature. Entry into the National Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampler qualification is an NQF Level 3 mining related qualification, whilst with the Australian qualification, there is an open access into the qualification. Comparison with credits was not possible as information relating to credits assigned to units of learning comprising the Australian qualification was not available. Slovenia The search in other countries revealed that sampling competencies were rather implied. For the purpose of this comparison, an Environmental Technician qualification, offered by `kofja Loka School Centre, Slovenia was found to have covered competencies that are somewhat covered in the National Occupational Certificate: Mine Sample. Upon completion of this qualification, learners will be able to: Entry into the qualification could not be established. Similarities Although limited, competencies listed below, are covered in the South African National Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampler qualification, within the mining context. Differences Differences are with area of practice, scope of work, and composition. Learners who qualify against the National Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampler will operate within the mining industry as Mine Samplers whilst learners who qualify against the European Environmental Technician qualification will operate as Environmental Technicians. The National Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampler comprises knowledge modules, practical skills modules and work experience modules whilst the Environmental Technician qualification has core and electives units of learning. Conclusion The international comparability assessment has revealed that the National Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampler is designed specifically for the South African context. As a result, it does not closely align with qualifications offered in other countries. Despite the lack of directly comparable qualifications internationally, the qualification is directly occupationally based and will meet a specific need in the industry and is therefore deemed a valuable and relevant qualification. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Higher Occupational Certificate Mine Overseer, NQF Level 5. Diagonal Articulation: National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 3. |
| NOTES |
| Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
Physical and medical requirements for working in an underground mine must be met. Criteria for the accreditation of providers Accreditation requirements, against which Skills Development Providers (SDP) and Assessment Centres, will be accredited, is found in the Curriculum Document, as listed below. The curriculum title and code are: Mine Sampler: 311702-002-01-00. Encompassed Trade: Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) |
| LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: |
| When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. |