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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

National Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Officer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
124914  National Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Officer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MQA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Occupational Cert  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0435/25  2025-10-02  2030-10-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2031-10-02   2034-10-02  

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
98929  Occupational Certificate: Mining Technician (Mine Planning Practitioner)  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  248  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the National Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Officer is to prepare a learner to be a Mine Planning Officer.
Mine Planning Officers develop and schedule mine plans, troubleshoot, and complete administrative functions and duties in accordance with organisational, statutory, and regulatory requirements. The curriculum will be contextualised to mining underground hard rock, underground coal, or surface operations, as applicable.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Develop basic short-term mine plans and production schedules, including resource and equipment requirements.
  • Prepare and collate information to determine the planning risks.
  • Troubleshoot; identify and address mining-related problems.
  • Communicate effectively.

    The qualifying learner will know how to develop and schedule the exploitation of a mineral body to convert the mineral resource into mineral reserves for the safe and profitable extraction of the mineral in line with organisational strategies given effectively and competently.

    The qualification provides learners with opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader constituencies of the mine survey, occupational health, safety, and environmental community.
    Successful completion of this qualification will lead to an NQF level 4 qualification, which will open up further studies to obtaining a degree/diploma through a Higher Education Institution.

    The qualification will assist in formalising the requirements for this very important occupation. There will be an opportunity for RPL for mine employees, which will allow new industry entrants to be fast-tracked to a productive career.

    A competent learner shall demonstrate, among others, the following attributes: honesty, integrity, punctuality, time management, self-motivation, responsibility, accountability, interpersonal relations, ethical behaviour, well organised, self-confidence, and confidentiality.

    Rationale:
    Mining legislation mandates that appointed persons must possess qualifications reflecting their knowledge, training, skills, and experience to effectively carry out the prescribed activities in accordance with statutory regulations, mandatory Codes of Practice, and Directives, hence the need for the qualification.

    The role of Mine Planner is an ever-changing one. A Mine Planner is responsible for determining the best way for a mining company to extract a resource from the ground. Most mines fill this position using production staff or staff from other technical services disciplines. The role, however, is becoming more specialised, and the various associations have identified the need for a national qualification that will assist with the professionalisation of this role. Given the recent advancements in information technology, particularly in the mining industry's planning domain, alongside the escalating statutory demands on reserve and resource estimation, there is an urgent need to address the diminishing skills amongst mine planners. This qualification aims to bridge this gap by offering ongoing training and development opportunities, facilitating the growth of mine planners from within the mining industry. All mines require planning officers who must ensure that the mine planning documents and processes comply with the relevant legal requirements.

    Presently, there is no registered formal qualification for this critical skill.

    This qualification replaces the Occupational Certificate: Mining Technician (Mine Planning Practitioner), which expired in 2023 03-30. The qualification is aimed at providing learners with opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader constituencies of mine survey, occupational health, safety, and environmental communities.

    The role of Mine Planners is critical in mineral resource management. Skills in this area are scarce, and the complexity level of the work is growing with the development of new technologies and increasing legal and environmental requirements.

    The required work experience will be limited to the specific context where the learner finds him/herself.
    Effective mine planning impacts on the implementation of social and labour plans, and the effective implementation of this qualification will lead to more productive use of the mine's resources. In the long term, it will contribute to the sustainability of the mining industry.

    The qualification will bring significant benefits to both the mining sector and society by enhancing skills and technical competencies. Qualified learners will be equipped to elevate work standards, adhere to occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements, and work safely and productively, thereby contributing to the country's economy.
    Additionally, the sector will benefit from a pool of efficient and effective qualified mine planners capable of executing mine planning tasks.

    This will attract both local and international investors, further contributing to building the economy of the country.
    Learners for this qualification will be new entrants to the mining sector or Mine Planning
    Observers or learners who have completed the Intermediate observer's related qualification in either geology, sampling, survey, rock engineering, or ventilation.
    Mine workers with appropriate experience seeking to advance their careers will also benefit from this qualification.

    The typical learning pathway would be Mine Technical Support Assistant at NQF Level 2, Mine Planning Observer at NQF Level 3, Mine Planning Officer at NQF Level 4, Mine Planning Technician/Junior Mine Planner at NQF Level 6, then Mine Planner at NQF Level 7, all these qualifications are under review and not yet registered.

    Diagonal articulation could not be established as no registered qualifications across Sub Frameworks were identified at the time of the review. 
    		•

    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- part-qualification, or skills programme.

    Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider that 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.

    RPL for exemption from modules
    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.

    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:
  • An NQF Level 3 qualification with communication and mathematics.
    Or
  • An NQF Level 3 Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Observer. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 311701-010-01-KM-01, Mine Planning, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 311701-010-01-KM-02, Mineral Resource Management, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 311701-010-01-KM-03, Mining Engineering and Technical Services Practice, NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.
  • 311701-010-01-KM-04, Operations Supervision, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 48

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 311701-010-01-PM-01, Assist with the Production of Short Term and Medium Mine Plans and Production Schedules Including Resource and Equipment Requirements for Mining Final Products, NQF Level 3,
    16 Credits.
  • 311701-010-01-PM-02, Update Mining Layouts/Plans and Schedule the Required Resources to Achieve the Production Rates, NQF Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 311701-010-01-PM-03, Coordinate Mine Planning Meetings, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 311701-010-01-PM-04, Make Inputs into a Process to Determine the Possible Risks in Executing Mine Plans and Schedules, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 44

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 311701-010-01-WM-01, Exposure to the Short and Medium-Term Mine Planning Processes, NQF Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 311701-010-01-WM-02, Exposure to the Risk Assessment Processes, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 28 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply fundamental knowledge, collate information, carry out calculations and perform other activities to develop basic short-term mine plans and production schedules, including resource and equipment requirements.
    2. Undertake the initial planning activities to identify mine planning risks, evaluate production volumes and performance, and collate information to determine the risks associated with the execution of the short-term mine plans.
    3. Troubleshoot; identify and address mining-related problems.
    4. Communicate effectively. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO 1: Apply fundamental knowledge, collate information, carry out calculations and perform other activities to develop basic short-term mine plans and production schedules, including resource and equipment requirements.
  • Apply fundamental knowledge and understanding of mine engineering, survey, geology, rock engineering, ventilation, and sampling, and how these relate to mine planning.
  • Calculate the value of mined minerals using sampling and related data, in accordance with requirements.
  • Plot survey information on mine plans, and complete calculations to check and verify the survey data, in accordance with requirements.
  • Identify errors on mine plans and designs and make alterations to the mine plans in accordance with statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
  • Produce mine plans, in accordance with requirements.
  • Develop production schedules to achieve production targets and timelines.
  • Ensure compliance with occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements, in accordance with statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO 2: Undertake the initial planning activities to identify mine planning risks, evaluate production volumes and performance, and collate information to determine the risks associated with the execution of the short-term mine plans.
  • Apply fundamental knowledge and understanding of mine planning, mineral resource management, mining engineering, technical services practice, and statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
  • Identify the required legal authorisation and permits are identified and evaluated and evaluate the relevant risks and mitigating actions.
  • Identify production volumes and production performance, and key hazards and risks associated with each, and make recommendations for changing the mine plans to mitigate the potential risks, in accordance with statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
  • A template-based risk report is compiled using information from various mine plans and the operating performance of the mine.
  • Ensure compliance with all occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO 3: Troubleshoot; identify and address mining-related problems.
  • Identify the risks associated with the inputs to the plan.
  • Identify the risks associated with the execution of the plans.
  • Specify that the risks are prioritised as high, medium, and low, and the significant risks.
  • Identify the possible actions to mitigate the identified significant risks.
  • Develop and present risks and contingency plans to role players.
  • Analyse and solve problems in accordance with requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    ELO 4: Communicate effectively.
  • Apply communication knowledge and skills to plan and coordinate mine planning meetings.
  • Apply communication techniques to ensure that the information that is communicated is fluent and understandable.
  • Integrate communication skills with leadership skills to facilitate mutual understanding in a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Use appropriate communication channels to ensure effective implementation of decisions taken from mine planning meetings.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment
    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 weaknesses, 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, and interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided.

    Integrated Summative Assessment
    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.

    External Integrated Summative Assessment
    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 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. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to the following international qualifications from New Zealand and Canada, respectively.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Te Pukenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
    Qualification title: Certificate in Mining and Quarrying (First-line Supervision)
    Level 4

    Pupose/Rationale:
    This qualification is aimed at individuals within the mining industry with at least 12 months' experience in either surface or underground mining. The qualification is aimed at providing the learners with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to undertake and implement short-term operational planning for their team and coordinate the implementation of work and production schedules for a team, at the first-line supervisory level.

    Qualified learners will earn between 160 - 205 credits, depending on the elective unit standard chosen.
    The qualification consists of five (5) core unit standards and two (2) elective unit standards. To be awarded the qualification, learners must complete all core unit standards to earn 105 credits and one (1) elective unit standard to earn either 55 or 100 credits, depending on the strand chosen.

    A list of the standards, together with their respective credits, is provided below.
  • Provide leadership and guidance when organising their own and others' activities at a mining and quarrying site, 20 credits.
  • Interpret and implement mining and quarrying operational plans in compliance with legislation and workplace policies and procedures, 50 credits.
  • Co-ordinate and apply risk assessment procedures and workplace health and safety and environmental procedures at a mining and quarrying site, 20 credits.
  • Conduct workplace inspections and incident investigations to maintain safety at a mining and quarrying site, 10 credits.
  • Communicate orally and in writing within the mining and/or quarrying workplace, and complete record-keeping for the mining and quarrying operation daily, 5 credits.

    Elective Strand - Surface
  • Apply broad operational and theoretical knowledge of surface mining, quarrying, and/or processing to ensure team members can complete a wide range of tasks as required by the operational plan at a surface mining, quarrying, and/or processing site, 55 credits
    Or
    Elective Strand - Underground
  • Apply broad operational and theoretical knowledge of underground mining or tunnelling to ensure team members can complete a wide range of tasks as required by the operational plan at an underground mining or tunnelling site, 100 credits.

    Similarities:
  • Similarities have been found with the learner's profile, content covered, the level at which the two qualifications are pitched, and learning progression.
  • These qualifications are both aimed at learners who wish to pursue a career in the mining industry. Upon completion of each of these qualifications, learners will have gained the knowledge and skills required to lead and supervise teams, conduct risk assessments and workplace inspections, interpret and implement operational plans, and apply communication and record-keeping skills in daily operations.
  • Both the qualifications are pitched at level 4.
  • Regarding learning progression, the South African National Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Officer qualification builds on the Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Observer qualification, pitched at NQF Level 3 and leads to Mine Planning Technician or Junior Mine Planner at NQF Level 6.
  • A similar progression has been noted with the New Zealand qualifications. The New Zealand Certificate in Mining and Quarrying (First-line Supervision) (Level 4) with strands in Surface, and Underground qualification builds on the New Zealand Certificate in Surface Mining and Quarrying (Level 3) or the New Zealand Certificate in Underground Mining (Level 3). Upon completion, learners can enroll against the New Zealand Diploma in Mining and Quarrying (Supervision) (Level 5) with strands in Surface and Underground, then, the New Zealand Diploma in Mining and Quarrying Management (Level 6).

    Differences:
  • Differences have been observed with entry requirements and composition. Entry into the South African National Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Officer qualification is a qualification at a lower level. This is open to either new entrants into the mining sector or individuals who are currently working in the mining sector. On the contrary, to enter the New Zealand qualification, learners should have gained at least 12 months of experience in either surface or underground mining.
  • Differences have also been noted with the composition of each qualification. The South African National Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Officer qualification is made up of modules that are compulsory for the attainment of the qualification. On the other hand, the New Zealand Certificate in Mining and Quarrying (First-line Supervision) (Level 4) with strands in Surface and Underground qualification comprises both core and elective unit standards, allowing individual learners to choose a strand associated with the area of practice.
  • The focus in the South African National Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Officer qualification is on core mine planning competences while the content covered in the New Zealand Certificate in Mining and Quarrying (First-line Supervision) (Level 4) with strands in Surface and Underground qualification is generic in nature.

    Country: Canada
    Institution:
    Qualification title: Mine Planning (short courses)
    Duration: 12 to 20 hours

    Qualification structure:
    Learners who enroll in these short courses should have sound knowledge of the mining industry, preferably with working experience.

    Units that make up the course are:
    Mine Planning 1: Strategy is offered over 14 hours of contact sessions, and learners have 90 days to complete the unit. The focus in this unit is on providing learners with the knowledge and skills to establish the financial feasibility of the designed mine plan. Learners will learn about mining method selection, process route selection, and scale of operation. This unit is offered over 14 hours. Learners are required to complete the module within 90 days.

    Outcomes:
  • Recognise the basic principles and practical methodologies of mine planning and mine evaluation.
  • Identify and apply key levers for creating value in the mining business. Entry is a degree or diploma in geology, mining or related discipline.

    Mine Planning 2: Operations. This course is offered over 17 hours of contact sessions, and learners have 90 days to complete the course.
    The focus in this unit is to introduce learners to key mine planning concepts such as sequencing, scheduling, and cut-off grade so that they are in a better position to aid the success of the mining operation. This unit is offered over 17 hours of contact sessions, and learners have 90 days to complete the unit.

    Objectives:
  • Recognise how the technical aspects of mining are incorporated into the development of optimal mine plans.
  • Identify the key levers for creating value as part of the strategic mine planning process.
  • Apply these key levers to evaluate avenues for creating additional value by generating alternative mine plans.
  • Identify the key differences between the mining business and other traditional industries in terms of value creation and how these relate to the mine planning process.

    Mine Planning 3: Optimisation. This course is offered over 20 hours of contact sessions, and learners have 90 days to complete the unit. Entry into this unit of learning is a degree or diploma in geology, mining, or a related discipline.
    The objective in this unit is to introduce learners to mathematical optimization concepts, which form the basis for many computerised planning tools.

    Topics covered in this unit of learning are:
  • Identify commonly used algorithms and how they are applied in mine optimisation.
  • Identify common types of linear programming problems and how they can be solved to optimize mine performance.
  • Identify alternative programming techniques and how they are applied in mine optimisation.

    Similarities:
  • Similar elements of competence were found, and the outcomes of the courses match closely with those covered in the occupational-based qualification. However, these are extensively covered in the South African National Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Officer qualification.

    Differences:
    Differences have been found with entry requirements, duration, and composition of courses offered by EDUMINE in relation to the South African occupational qualification.

    To enter the South African National Occupation Certificate: Mine Planning Officer qualification, learners should have completed either a qualification at a level lower, with communication and mathematics or an Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Observer qualification, also, pitched at a level lower. On the other hand, it has been noted that to enroll against each of the mine planning courses offered by EDUMINE, learners must have completed a degree or diploma in geology, mining or related discipline.

    Differences have also been observed with the duration of each learning programme. The South African National Occupation Certificate: Mine Planning Officer qualification has a credit-bearing of 120. By default, based on credit values, this qualification will be offered over a year. Contrary to this, learners have a maximum of 90 days to complete each mine planning course that is offered by EDUMINE. Therefore, learners have a maximum of 270 days, which translates to 9 months, to complete all three-mine planning offered by EDUMINE.

    Differences have also been identified with the composition of these qualifications. The South African National Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Officer qualification is a comprehensive program where all content is mandatory for qualification attainment. In contrast, Edumine's mine planning courses are standalone and independent from each other.

    Conclusion:
    International comparison in this instance has not revealed comparable qualifications for one or more of the following reasons:
    Formal qualifications covering planning are generic in nature than the proposed qualification.

    Courses offered in Canada may not be set in a mining context, resulting in less practical orientation compared to this qualification.
    Despite the absence of directly comparable qualifications internationally, this qualification is occupationally based and directly meets a specific industry need. Therefore, it is considered a valuable and relevant qualification that can be used by other countries for comparison in the future. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Occupational Certificate: Mine Survey Officer, NQF Level 4.
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Higher Occupational Certificate Mine Overseer, NQF Level 5.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management in Operational Management, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
    Legal requirements: Meets organisational, legislated, and regulatory requirements to enter into the training programme. Physical requirements: Meets organisational requirements.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers
    The curriculum title and code are: National Occupational Certificate: Mine Planning Officer: 311701-010-01-00.

    Encompassed Trade:
  • None.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
  • Mining Qualifications Authority. 
    		•

    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.