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:

Occupational Certificate: Mining Engineering Manager

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
119266	Occupational Certificate: Mining Engineering Manager
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	480	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	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 Mining Engineering Manager.

A Mining Engineering Manager plans, leads, organises, directs, monitors, controls, and coordinates broad, specialised, complex, diverse and technical engineering activities of mining operations, in familiar or unfamiliar contexts; for a designated section of a mine or works; demonstrates self-directed application of theoretical and technical knowledge and initiates solutions to technical problems or management requirements; addresses problems critically; deals with pressure from unexpected circumstances; is responsible and accountable for the safe and effective design, installation, operation, maintenance, optimum resource performance and engineering availability of all machines, equipment, plant, facilities and infrastructure; supports achieving mining production operational requirements; and applies, exercises and ensures statutory, regulatory and organisational compliance; work may differ according to the class and type of mine; the mineral being extracted; the type of mineral deposit; the mining methods employed; and the system used to extract and transport minerals.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Plan, develop, implement and maintain the engineering service strategy, in support of the production plan.

Maintain the planned maintenance system for optimum asset integrity, resource performance, engineering availability and safe operations, in support of the production plan.

Manage engineering operations.

Manage operational risk.

Apply, exercise and ensure statutory, regulatory and organisational compliance.

Communicate effectively.

Comprehend and apply ethical principles by exercising professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of mining and engineering practice.

Demonstrate the ability to maintain independent learning.

Rationale:
The mining engineering managers' appointment is prescribed by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), whereby appointees must be in possession of the appropriate certificate of competency issued by the DMRE. In terms of mining legislation, mining engineering managers who are appointed must be qualified, by virtue of their knowledge, training, skills, and experience, to perform such activities contemplated; and must be trained, assessed, and found competent, in accordance with recognised training and development programmes. However, an occupational qualification has not been developed before, so there is a need in the sector for this qualification.

Typical learners for this qualification will be those experienced in mining engineering maintenance, and qualified artisans, in possession of the appropriate trade test certificate.

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.

The benefits which will be derived from this qualification are threefold - the mining industry will have a workforce with requisite technical skills and competent managers as per the DMRE or statutory requirements and as the mining environment demands. The economy will benefit by increased generation of revenue, greater investment in South African mines by investors, and improved employability of the country's people.

This qualification will also 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):
RPL for access:
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.

RPL for exemption:
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 4 with Electrician; or Fitter; or Fitter and Turner; or Millwright.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills, and Work Experience Modules.

Knowledge Modules:

132104-001-00-KM-01, Engineering, Level 6, 20 Credits.

132104-001-00-KM-02, Statutory and Regulatory, Level 6, 36 Credits.

132104-001-00-KM-03, Operations Management, Level 7, 40 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 96

Practical Skill Modules:

132104-001-00-PM-01, Winding Operations, Level 7, 48 Credits.

132104-001-00-PM-02, Electrical Operations, Level 7, 32 Credits.

132104-001-00-PM-03 Environmental Engineering operations, Level 7, 20 Credits.

132104-001-00-PM-04, Horizontal Transport Operations, Level 7, 44 Credits.

132104-001-00-PM-05, Mining Methods and Equipment Operations, Level 7, 24 Credits.

132104-001-00-PM-06, Process Plant Operations, Level 7, 16 Credits.

132104-001-00-PM-07, Fluid, Steam and Compressed Air Plant Operations, Level 7, 32 Credits.

132104-001-00-PM-08, Repair and Maintenance Operations, Level 7, 16 Credits.

132104-001-00-PM-09, Engineering Operations, Level 7, 20 Credits.

132104-001-00-PM-10, Operations Management, Level 7, 36 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 288

Work Experience Modules

132104-001-00-WM-01, Engineering Foreman Operations, Level 6, 48 Credits.

132104-001-00-WM-02, Mine Engineering Operations, Level 7, 48 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 96.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Plan optimum, safe resource performance and engineering availability of all machines, equipment, plant, facilities and infrastructure; in support of achieving mining production operational requirements.
2. Maintain the planned maintenance system for optimum asset integrity, resource performance, engineering availability and safe operations, in support of the production plan.
3. Manage engineering operations.
4. Manage operational risk.
5. Apply, exercise, and ensure statutory, regulatory and organisational compliance.
6. Communicate effectively.
7. Comprehend and apply ethical principles by exercising professional ethics, responsibilities, and norms of mining practice.
8. Demonstrate the ability to maintain independent learning.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Apply an integrated knowledge and understanding of the principles and techniques of problem solving, electrical and mechanical engineering, design and planning, planned maintenance, project and change management.

Demonstrate active participation in integrated planning with mining operations, by providing specialist guidance and advice.

Critically analyse and assess current capabilities.

Plan resource and engineering availability.

Approve budget requirements are compiled.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Apply principles and techniques of problem solving, electrical and mechanical engineering, design and planning, and change management.

Review, critically analyse and define the planned maintenance system.

Identify and select the appropriate planned maintenance system criteria.

Develop and update the engineering planned maintenance system.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Apply principles and techniques of problem solving, project, change, production, and business management.

Apply the production strategy and asset utilisation programmes.

Translate the production strategy and asset utilisation programmes into a financial budget.

Critically analyse costs are critically and develop cost control measures.

Review and update the budgets.

Apply resource management.

Apply project management.

Critically analyse engineering processes and identify constraints that impact on quality, time and cost.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Apply principles and techniques of problem solving, risk, project and change management, and hazard identification and risk assessment.

Critically analyse risk assessments and develop a risk profile.

Update risk assessments.

Update risk management measures.

Review and update policies, procedures, codes of practice and standards.

Recognise the foreseeable effects of mining and engineering activities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Apply principles and techniques of problem solving, risk, project and change management, and hazard identification and risk assessment.

Ensure compliance with designs and plans.

Ensure statutory and regulatory compliance with occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements.

Ensure organisational statutory and legal compliance.

Ensure compliance with organisational requirements.

Ensure compliance with legal appointments.

Exercise inspections and over-inspections.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Use appropriate structure, style and language.

Use appropriate and effective visual aids.

Communication is fluent and understandable.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Describe ethical issues.

Apply ethical reasoning, to evaluate engineering, mining, production, and business solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Follow up learning, individually and in small groups.

Develop learning requirements.

Comprehend and practice learning acquired.

Maintain continued competence, by keeping up to date with new and emerging technologies and practices.

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

Australia:
Registered training organisations in Australia such as the TAFE NSW and the Engineering Institute of Technology offer the MEM60112 Advanced Diploma of Engineering which has units of competency similar to this qualification. Some of the important commonalties between this and Australia's Advanced Diploma of Engineering are:

Supervise occupational health and safety in an industrial work environment.

Apply engineering analysis techniques; apply maintenance engineering techniques.

Maintain/ supervise the application of quality procedures.

Organise and communicate information.

Analyse plant and equipment condition monitoring results.

Manage self in the engineering environment.

Manage environmental effects of engineering activities.

Coordinate continuous improvement and technical development.

Ensure process improvements are sustained; facilitate change in an organisation implementing competitive systems and practices.

Develop competitive systems and practices for an organisation.

Develop business plans in an organisation implementing competitive systems and practices.

Manage competitive systems and practices responding to individual and unique customer orders; manage relationships with non-customer external organisations.

Manage people relationships.

Determine and establish information collection requirements and processes.

The main difference between the Australian qualification and this one, is that it is an 18-month programme, whereas this qualification is a 3-year programme.

The similarity is that the legal requirement in Australia is that the electrical engineering manager and mechanical engineering manager must be holders of the appropriate certificate of competency; this is the same requirements statutory for appointments of competent engineers in South Africa.

New Zealand:
The A Tai Poutini Polytechnic in New Zealand offers a Diploma in Mining and Quarrying (Supervision). Graduates from this diploma are equipped with skills to:

Supervise, lead, and mentor staff and work teams at a mining and quarrying site.

Apply mining and quarrying regulations and procedures, and employment policies and procedures to supervise a mining and quarrying site.

Plan and lead risk assessment procedures and workplace health and safety and environmental procedures at a mining and quarrying site.

Develop standard operating procedures and other workplace documentation for a mining and quarrying operation.

Plan and lead workplace inspections and incident investigations at a mining and quarrying site.

Communicate with mining and quarrying operation clients, internal staff and the general public to meet relevant workplace policies and procedures.

Apply in-depth knowledge of surface mining, quarrying and/or processing to plan and implement safe and productive operations at a surface mining, quarrying and/or processing site.

The main difference between the New Zealand qualification and this one, is that it is focused on surface mining, whereas this qualification includes underground mining. The similarity being the competencies that both countries' qualifications equip the qualifying learner with.

Conclusion:
Based on the comparison above of the programmes available and competencies required, the conclusion is that the Occupational Certificate: Mining Engineering Manager compares favourably with qualifications from Australia and New Zealand.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Geotechnical Practitioner, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Management, NQF Level 8.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

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 programmes.

Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:

Legal requirements: Meet all organisational and legal requirements to enter the training programme.

Work-experience requirements:

At least two years' experience as electrician, fitter, or millwright on a mine.

To be appointed as a Mine Engineering Manager in a mine, the holder of this qualification would have to meet requirements of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.

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: Occupational Certificate: Mining Engineering Manager, 132104-001-00-00.

Encompassed Trades:

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.

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