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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 Survey Officer |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 124406 | National Occupational Certificate: Mine Survey Officer | |||
| 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 | 129 | 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 |
| 50082 | Further Education and Training Certificate: Minerals Surveying | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 148 | Complete |
| 94876 | Occupational Certificate: Mining Technician: (Mining Surveyor) | Not Applicable | NQF Level 04 | 218 | Complete |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Mine Survey Officer. Mine Survey Officers use survey techniques and tools to establish measuring equipment, measure and record mining features, and calculate monthly mine production, in accordance with organisational, statutory, and regulatory requirements. A qualified learner will be able to: The qualifying learner will be able to use survey techniques and tools to establish measuring equipment, measure and record mining features, and calculate monthly mine production. A qualified learner will be able to gain recognition for his/her abilities and achievements. The qualification aims to provide learners with opportunities to perform a wide range of tasks in the minerals surveying discipline. This will allow learners to develop professionally and advance their careers within the broader constituencies of mine survey, sampling, mine planning, occupational health, safety, and environmental. The learner will also be able to use this qualification to advance their learning by enrolling against higher-level qualifications. This allows for access, progression, portability, and mobility within and between the different mining operations areas in the mining and minerals industry. Graduate attributes: Rationale: Surveying is indispensable in mining as geospatial and subsurface data constitute the foundation of any mining project. Miners rely on surveys and mapping throughout the mine lifecycle, from scoping out potential locations and ore deposit modelling to mine design, planning, safety, and monitoring. Mine surveyors are responsible for maintaining accurate plans of the mine as a whole and updating maps of the surface layout to account for new buildings and other structures, as well as surveying the underground mine workings to keep a record of the mining operation. The role of the Mine Survey Officer is to compile and analyse data and other information necessary for the preparation of research reports and other technical documents related to population-based survey topics, including the collection and analysis of statistical data and other information; guide and support qualitative research and draft summary results critical in mineral resource management. With the advancement of digital technologies in the mining industry, and increasing statutory requirements for survey work, advanced survey skills are in demand. This qualification aims to equip potential learners with the required knowledge and skills to adapt to the evolving technological, statutory, and mandatory requirements. The qualification also aims to provide learners with opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader constituencies of mine surveying and mineral resource management. Mine Surveyors are legally appointed in terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act, and this qualification is intended to be used as the basis for the issuing of a license to practice in the mining industry. This qualification is intended to replace the learning programmes and Chamber of Mines certificates that are currently being issued by the Minerals Council of South Africa. The curriculum associated with this qualification covers the required knowledge and practical skills needed in underground hardrock mines, underground coal mines, and surface excavations. Qualified learners may work on surface sites - quarries and open-cast, and underground systems - mines and tunnels, and storage facilities. They may also work at sea in diamond and other mineral exploration as well as oil and gas exploration. The required work experience will be limited to the specific context where the learner finds him/herself. Surveying is one of the key contributors to the welfare of the mining industry. Survey designs and the planning of the operation help to improve the safety, productivity, and security goals of any surface and underground mining operations. This qualification will elevate the safety and productivity levels within the mining and minerals industry while also enhancing quality, increasing resource volumes, and overall growth which will contribute to the nation's economy. Their accurate work is crucial for efficient mining activities. A strengthened economy attracts both local and international investors, thereby further stimulating economic growth and development. Typical learners for this qualification will be personnel who are working within mineral resource management and would like to advance their skills or careers in mine surveying. A typical learning pathway would be Skills Programme: Mine Technical Support Services Assistant: Planning/ Surveying Operations at NQF Level 2, Mine Survey Observer at NQF Level 3, Mine Survey Officer at NQF Level 4, then Mine Surveyor/Supervisor at NQF Level 7. There are currently no other similar qualifications registered under the OQSF. Occupation(s) and professions related to this qualification Stakeholders from various sectors including: Typical occupations: |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for Access to Training: Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. 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. For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme 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 to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA): Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme 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. Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme 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. 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 programme. 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: 33. Practical Skill Modules: Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 36 Work Experience Modules: Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 60. |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Use survey techniques and tools to measure and record mining features.
2. Determine and record monthly mine production according to mine practice. 3. Apply knowledge of mine surveying legislation. 4. Communicate and facilitate communication processes effectively. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Use survey techniques and tools to measure and record mining features. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Determine and record monthly mine production according to mine practice. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Apply knowledge of mine surveying legislation. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO 4: Communicate and facilitate communication processes 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 programme, 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 programme. 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 international comparability exercise was undertaken to compare the National Occupational Certificate: Mine Survey Officer with related qualifications from specific countries in terms of their scope, levels, and curriculum content. This qualification was compared to related qualifications from Zimbabwe and Australia.
Zimbabwe Zimbabwe School of Mines offers a Diploma in Mine Survey. This qualification is offered over three years. Entry into the qualification is 5 O- levels with English, Mathematics, and Physical Science. The qualification develops learners' ability to mark off, measure, and maintain direction for all sub-surface and underground mine workings, and prepare and update mine survey plans for open-pit and underground operations. Topics covered in the qualification are listed below: Similarities: Similarities have been noted with learners' profiles and content covered. The topics covered in the Zimbabwean Diploma in Mine Surveying are also covered in the South African National Occupational Certificate: Mine Survey Officer qualification. Differences: Differences have been noted with the duration, entry level requirements and the type (nomenclature) of each qualification. The South African National Occupational Certificate: Mine Survey Officer qualification is offered over a year, while the Zimbabwean Diploma in Mine Surveying qualification is offered over a period of 3 years. Entry into the Zimbabwean Diploma in Mine Surveying qualification requires 5 O-levels with English, Mathematics, and Physical Science. To enter the South African occupational qualification, learners must have completed any South African mining-related NQF Level 3 qualification. The Zimbabwean qualification is a Diploma, whilst the South African qualification is a National Occupational Certificate and the NQF Level is not clearly defined in the Zimbabwean qualification. Australia Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services is offered by North Metropolitan TAFE and TAFE South Australia (SA). To enter the qualification that is offered by North Metropolitan TAFE, learners must have completed an IELTS score (academic) of 5.5 with no band score less than 5.0 or equivalent and Certificate III in Surveying and Spatial Information Services. Whereas there is an open access into the same qualification that is offered by TAFE SA. The Northern Metropolitan TAFE offers this qualification over 6 months with 20 contact sessions every week, whilst TAFE SA offers the same qualification over 12 months. This qualification prepares learners to operate either as Survey Technicians or Spatial Information Services Technicians. Survey Technicians perform a range of duties using surveying tools and equipment, including total stations and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), supported by data management skills, whilst Spatial Information Services Technicians perform a range of duties using geospatial technologies and specialised software, supported by data management skills. During the learning process, learners will learn how to use surveying technologies and software to capture, process, and present electronic data using surveying equipment to produce computer-aided drawings (CAD) and survey plans that will enable them to prepare and present geographic information system (GIS) data. In addition to the technical skills offered, soft skills such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, maintenance of workplace safety and development of environmentally sustainable methods are offered. The qualification offers a foundation for advance learning into a Diploma of Surveying. Qualification structure. To obtain this qualification, learners must complete 15 units comprising 3 core units and 12 elective units. The elective units to be chosen will depend on the training provider's course packaging. As a result, the packaging illustrated below reflects the composition of the qualification offered by the Northern Metropolitan TAFE. Core Units: Elective units: Similarities: All the above 15 units are covered in the National Occupational Certificate: Mine Survey Officer. This implies that learners who qualify against the South African qualification, will have gained similar competencies as those who underwent the Australian qualification. Other similarities have also been noted with entry requirements. In both instances, to enter the qualification, learners must have completed a qualification at a lower level. Differences: Differences have been noted with composition and duration. The South African qualification comprises compulsory modules, while the Australian qualification has both core units and elective units. The South African qualification is offered over a year, while the duration of the Australian qualification ranges between 6 and 12 months. Conclusion The South African National Certificate: Mine Survey Officer compares favourably with the two qualifications used in this comparison study in terms of content covered and learner's profile. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: Higher Certificate in Quantitative Techniques, NQF Level 5. |
| NOTES |
| Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
Legal requirements Meet legislated. and regulatory requirements to enter the training programme. Physical requirements Meets organisational 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 Survey Officer: 311701-001-01-00. 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. |