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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: |
| Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampling Observer |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 124465 | Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampling Observer | |||
| 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 | ||
| Intermediate Occupational Cert | Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology | Fabrication and Extraction | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 120 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 03 | 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 |
| 65549 | National Certificate: Mining Technical Support | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 138 | Complete |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Mine Sampling Observer. Mine Sampling Observers perform basic survey and sampling functions, collect, process, and capture sampling data, and complete administrative functions and duties in accordance with organizational, statutory, and regulatory requirements. A qualified learner will be able to: This qualification offers learners avenues for professional growth and career advancement within the broader fields of mine surveying, occupational health, safety, and environmental management. 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. The role of Mine Sampling Observers is critical in Mineral Resource Management, where skills in this area are scarce. Samplers take of samples on-site, either in an open-cast or underground mine. They visit different sections of the mine on a daily basis to take ore samples. This is a specialised task since the information obtained from the ore is vital for planning. The complexity of the work is increasing with the development of new technologies, along with the increasing statutory requirements for sampling work, 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. This qualification covers the required knowledge and practical skills needed for mine sampling. The required work experience will be limited to the specific context where the learners find themselves. Sampling is among the most fundamental activities in a mining operation. The simple act of taking a sample and the information contained in the result enables a mine to decide a course of action. This may involve the opening or closing a mine, or deciding if a truckload of mineralised rock should be sent to the mill for processing or the waste dump. The qualification will enhance the mining sector and benefit society by equipping learners with the skills and technical competencies needed 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 new entrants to the mining sector or Mine Sampling Assistants. 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 formalising of the requirements for this very important occupation. There will be an opportunity for RPL for mine employees, and this will allow new industry entrants to be fast tracked to a productive career. There are currently no other similar qualifications registered under the OQSF. The following stakeholders from various sectors were involved in the development of this qualification: Typical occupations: |
| 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 qualification 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: |
| 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 311701-012-01-PM-01, Carry Out Elementary Mine Sampling Data Procedures and Processes, Functions; Collect, Process, and Capture Samples, NQF Level 3, 48 Credits. Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 48 Work Experience Modules: 311701-012-01-WM-01, Mine Sample Operations, NQF Level 3, 32 Credits. Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 32. |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Apply mine sampling procedures and processes to carry out elementary mine sampling functions, including collection, processing, and capturing sample data.
2. Apply knowledge and techniques to perform basic survey, map reading and measuring functions within a mining environment. 3. Demonstrate the ability to perform basic geological functions pertinent to the mining environment. 4. Observe and apply knowledge and understanding of Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental standards applicable to workplaces. 5. Communicate effectively. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Apply mine sampling procedures and processes to carry out elementary mine sampling functions, including collection, processing, and capturing sample data. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Apply knowledge and techniques to perform basic survey, map reading and measuring functions within a mining environment. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Demonstrate the ability to perform basic geological functions pertinent to the mining environment. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO 4: Observe and apply knowledge and understanding of Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental standards applicable to workplaces. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: ELO 5: Communicate effectively. Integrated Assessment: Integrated 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 is offered by the Australian Institute of Mining Pty Ltd and MyneSight Pty Ltd, amongst 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: Communicate workplace information. Identify and assess environmental and heritage concerns. Assess ground conditions. Maintain and monitor site quality standards. Apply risk management processes. Work safely and follow WHS policies and procedures. 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 F (General 2) Similarities: All core units reflected in this qualification are covered in the Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampling Observer. Elective units such as coordinating business operational plans, from general stream E and working in accordance with an issued permit, conducting hazard analysis, and taking environmental samples and measurements from general stream F are covered in the South African Occupational 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 toward a specific area of specialisation. The focus of the Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampling Observer qualification is on producing an all-rounded qualified Sampler, whilst the Australian qualification is generic in nature. Entry into the South African 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 inferred. 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 covered in the Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampling Observer. Upon completion of this qualification, learners will be able to: Entry into the qualification could not be established. Similarities: Although limited, the competencies listed below are covered in the Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampling Observer, within the mining context. Differences: Differences are with area of practice, scope of work, and composition. Learners who qualify against the South African Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampler Observer qualification will operate within the mining industry as Mine Sampling Observers while learners who qualify against the Environmental Technician qualification will operate as Environmental Technicians. The Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampling Observer comprises knowledge modules, practical skills modules and work experience modules while the Environmental Technician qualification has core and electives units of learning. Conclusion: The international comparability analysis has revealed that the South African Occupational Certificate is tailored 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 that can be used for comparison by other countries in the future. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options:
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: |
| NOTES |
| Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
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 is: Mine Sampling Observer: 311701-012-01-00. 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. |