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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Raise Bore Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
116112  Occupational Certificate: Raise Bore Operator 
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  64  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0522/24  2021-03-25  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 operate as a Raise Bore Operator. A Raise Bore Operator operates a raise bore drilling machine. The purpose of the qualification is to equip learners with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills and workplace experience required to operate a raise bore or blind bore drilling machine in the mining or construction sectors. In the mining sector drilling machines may be for both surface and underground use.

The qualifying learner will be equipped with know-how in respect of the functioning and operating requirements for the raise bore drilling system and ancillary equipment. The qualification also addresses health, safety and environmental requirements for productive and safe raise bore operations in accordance with organisational requirements.

A qualified learner will be able to operate a raise bore drilling machine for raise boring operations.

Rationale:
Raise bore drilling operations are an essential part of the mining and minerals sector. South African legislation requires persons to be properly trained and assessed as competent before operating any industrial equipment or machines.

Mining legislation requires workers to be qualified in terms of knowledge, training, skills and experience to perform the activities for which they are appointed. They are to be trained, assessed and found competent in accordance with a recognised training and development programme.

This qualification will equip and develop the qualifying learner with the knowledge, skills and experience to operate a raise bore drilling machine productively and safely. The qualification will also improve the standard and consistency of training and assessment across the spectrum of organisations in the sector which in turn will lead to improved productivity and safety. The qualification will, furthermore, enhance the status and employability of learners which will create a platform for access, career progression, portability and mobility. The qualification will create employment opportunities for new entrants, but most learners would already be in the employment of the mining and minerals sector and will continue in their careers. The career progression for raise bore operators will be to other machine operator specialisations and other occupations in operations, engineering or training.

The benefits of sustained production of minerals, generation of revenue and economic growth will invite investment in South African mines by investors which in turn will contribute to sustainable employment opportunities in the mining and minerals sector as well as in communities and the wider economy.

This qualification will benefit the sector and the economy as the skills and understanding gained by qualifying learners will improve work standards and effectiveness. Economic growth will in turn contribute to social upliftment in the mining and minerals sector which will impact the wider community. Employees will gain recognition for their skills and knowledge through the recognition of prior learning. This in turn will provide a basis for further learning and career development in the sector. The emphasis on safety in the qualification will enhance the safety and well-being of everyone in the sector. Qualifying learners will also develop an awareness of their role in conserving resources, responsibility towards the environment in general, and in observing safety and legal requirements. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for Access to the External Integrated 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 results or by certifying a work experience record.

RPL for Access to the Qualification:
Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

Entry Requirements:
  • Occupational Certificate: Driller's Assistant. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill Modules and Working Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 711301003-KM-01, Components, Controls and Consumables, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 711301003-KM-02, Work Team Supervision, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 711301003-KM-03, Raise Bore Drilling Concepts, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 16.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 711301003-PM-01, Carry out Pre-operational Activities, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 711301003-PM-02, Operate the Machine, Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 24.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 711301003-WM-01, Workplace Operational Raise Bore Drilling, 3, 24 Credits.
  • Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 24. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Carry-out pre-start, start-of, end-of and post-shift procedures and checks, using the knowledge of the workplace and the drilling system, associated equipment specifications and operational standards.
    2. Establish and operate the raise bore drilling system and associated equipment, using knowledge of procedures, performance parameters, controls and operating standards. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Complete the pre-start, start-of, end-of and post-shift procedures in accordance with operating requirements.
  • Carry out operational checks according to procedures.
  • Meet all health, safety and environmental requirements.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of all the checks.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Follow the correct procedures and sequence of operations.
  • Operate the machine, associated equipment and accessories within specified limits.
  • Identify and report any defects, damage or deviations; shut down or isolate the machine in accordance with operating requirements; and complete maintenance and repairs as applicable.
  • Identify and report changes in the environment or conditions - continuous risk assessment.
  • Control man-machine interfaces in accordance with operating requirements.
  • Meet production targets.
  • Compile and complete reports in accordance with operating requirements.

    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development providers 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 leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and associated assessment criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Drilling machines are used widely in the mining and construction sectors. The countries selected for comparison were Australia and New Zealand.

    Reference to drilling machine operators were found in the following qualifications:

    Australia:
    RII 31813 - Certificate III in Drilling Operations: The certificates contain similar modules, namely maintain workplace safety, identify and minimise environmental hazards and conduct drilling. The qualification extends to the South African equivalent of NQF Level 3 Operators. The Certificate contains units such as conduct reaming and conduct raise boring, which includes pilot-hole drilling and reaming. The duration of the individual modules is similar to this qualification.

    New Zealand:
    National Certificate in Extractive Industries (Operations) (Level 3), with strands in Coal Plant, Drilling Surface, Drilling Underground, Maintenance Operations, Metalliferous Processing, Mobile Plant Surface, Processing Plant, Surface Extraction, Underground Extraction, and Water Treatment. Credits 49-82; National Certificate in Drilling - Non-hydrocarbon (Driller) (Level 3), with optional strands in Environmental/Geotechnical and Water Well. Credits 90. National Certificate in Civil Construction Works (Horizontal Directional Drilling), with strands in Driller, Tracker, and Site Supervisor.

    The certificates contain similar modules, namely occupational health and safety practice and conduct conventional drilling and conduct drilling operations. As with the Australian certificates, the qualification extends to the South African equivalent of NQF 3 Operators.

    Conclusion:
    The content and complexity of the directly applicable components compare closely with this qualification and the conclusion is that the curriculum is comparable to international practice. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally and vertically with the following qualifications.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Directional Driller, NQF Level 3.
  • Occupational Certificate: Exploration Driller, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Shift Supervisor NQF Level 4 (Under development). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience records including the Foundational Learning Competence.

    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.

    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 is: Raise Bore Operator: 711301003-000-01-00.

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

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
  • 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.