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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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: |
| National Certificate: Mining Technical Support |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 65549 | National Certificate: Mining Technical Support | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| SGB Mining and Minerals | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| MQA - Mining Qualifications Authority | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| National Certificate | Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology | Fabrication and Extraction | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 138 | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | Regular-Unit Stds Based |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
|
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered" |
SAQA 9999/99 | 2018-07-01 | 2023-06-30 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2026-06-30 | 2029-06-30 | |||
| 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 |
| This qualification will provide qualifying learners with the necessary skills, knowledge, understanding and competence, to competently and confidently undertake tasks pertinent to a Surveyor, Geologist and Sampler in their specific fields related to surface and underground mining; as well as provide an opportunity for learners to apply appropriate skills in relation to the workplace.
The Surveying, Geology and Sampling technician is vital to the smooth running of these disciplines of the mining industry which covers a wide variety of fields such as Geological Exploration sampling, GPS surveying as well as structural mapping and hazard identification. Learners achieving this qualification will be able to understand their role of applying required competencies consistently and effectively in the execution of their duties. They will also contribute to the mining technical services discipline by effectively adhering to quality and occupational safety requirements. This qualification will have a positive impact on society through assisting in the identification and delineation of potential mineral deposits; as well as improve the health and safety of people in and outside the mining environment through input to hazard identification programmes and helping protect the environment during mine closure procedures. People credited with this qualification are able to: Rationale: Surveying, Geology and Sampling are recognised as generic key competencies in the development of basic skills in the South African mining industry. In particular they impact on the identification and delineation of potential mineral deposits, development of mines and the safe, profitable and optimal exploitation of mining reserves. Further, the need for improved quality standards with maximization of efficiencies within the mining industry coupled with the increasing complexity of many SA mining operations have resulted in greater need for skills in the fields of Survey, Geology and Sampling. Maintenance of such standards has been recognised and emphasis has been placed on providing such technical support training at all levels within these mining disciplines. This is a key component in Technical Support Operations training and serves to extend the life of mines providing employment both within the mining industry and the numerous support industries. Learners entering this qualification will typically come from mining, survey, geology or sampling operations, working as Technical Support assistants or stope face operators. In some cases learners will come from other industries such as soil science or civil engineering. Learners from other industries would, however, have to become familiar with the mining environment, equipment and processes before they can proceed with this qualification. Qualifying learners will be competent support technicians on NQF Level 3 in the Surveying, Geological and Sampling disciplines in all mining operations; and in particular underground or surface surveying and mapping, geological mapping; and mineral sampling procedures. Learners will obtain the basic theoretical knowledge pertinent to these mining related environments. This qualification has 3 specialisation streams for learners to follow. A typical learning pathway in this field would start with the NC: Mining Technical Support NQF Level 2 and proceed to the Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC): Minerals Surveying, Minerals Sampling or Mining/Exploration Geology (NQF Level 4). Learners could then progress onto a NQF Level 5 qualification in one of the specialisation areas namely Surveying, Geology or Sampling. The qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible so that learners are able to demonstrate the competencies in Surveying, Geology and Sampling Technical Support across the mining and minerals sectors. This qualification will be a suitable and justified recognition for the skills and competencies of technical assistants who, to date, have been trained and developed on an informal basis only, with little chance of advancement. The associated status of a nationally recognised qualification will serve as a motivation for learners to further their skills by entering the fields of Surveying, Geology and Sampling. Current Surveying, Geology and Sampling Technical Assistants in particular will benefit from the opportunities of assessment and subsequent recognition presented by RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.
Recognition of Prior Learning: This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning in terms of the criteria laid out. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records. Access to the Qualification: Access is open; however it is preferable that learners have completed the National Certificate: Mining Technical Support: NQF Level 2. |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| There are 3 specialisation areas possible:
A minimum of 138 credits is required to complete the qualification. In this Qualification, credits are allocated as follows: Fundamental: Core: Electives: Note: The elective credits should be chosen in accordance with the requirements of the selected context and the interests of the learner. For Specialisation Area A: Sampling. The following unit standards (28 credits) must be achieved: Title; NQF Level; Credits: Total = 28 Credits. A further 23 credits are to be chosen from the rest of the electives to make up a minimum of 138 credits for the qualification. For Specialisation Area B: Surveying. The following unit standards (28 credits) must be achieved: Title; NQF Level; Credits: Total = 28 Credits. A further 23 credits are to be chosen from the rest of the electives to make up a minimum of 138 credits for the qualification. For Specialisation Area C: Geology. The following unit standards (28 credits) must be achieved: Title; NQF Level; Credits: Total = 28 Credits. A further 23 credits are to be chosen from the rest of the electives to make up a minimum of 138 credits for the qualification. |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Communicate and solve problems in a variety of ways.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental standards in the workplace. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of stratigraphic and geological features pertinent to the mining environment. 4. Perform map reading and measuring functions within a mining environment. 5. Perform basic survey sampling and geological functions pertinent to the mining environment. The following Elective Exit Level Outcomes are specific in terms of Specialisation in Geology, Sampling or Survey: 6. Apply a selection of Surveying procedures. Or 7. Apply a selection of Sampling procedures. Or 8. Demonstrate an understanding of Geological principles. Critical Cross Field Outcomes: Critical Cross-field Outcomes have been addressed by the exit level outcomes as follows: While providing technical support in mining operations, qualifying learners are able to: Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical thinking have been made, by: Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by: Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by: Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by: Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by: Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by: Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation by: |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Or Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: Or Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8: Integrated Assessment: Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show they are able to integrate concepts, actions and ideas achieved across a range of unit standards and contexts. Integrated assessment must evaluate the quality of observable performance as well as the thinking behind the performance, and must be based on a summative assessment guide. The guide will spell out how the assessor will assess different aspects of the performance and will include: In some cases inference will be necessary to determine competence depending on the nature and context within which performance takes place. It is necessary to ensure that the fundamental part of the qualification is also targeted to ensure that while the competence may have been achieved in a particular context, learners are able to apply it in a range of other contexts and for further learning. The assessment should also ensure that all the critical cross-field outcomes have been achieved. The learner may choose in which language s/he wants to be assessed. This should be established as part of a process of preparing the learner for assessment and familiarising the learner with the approach being taken. While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the exit-level outcomes. The assessment process should cover both the explicit tasks required for the qualification as well as the understanding of the concepts and principles that underpin the activities associated with the plating process. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| International qualifications were compared to ensure that the qualification structure and unit standards are comparable in terms of level, scope of qualification and competencies covered.
The following were considered: Qualifications Frameworks: Frameworks consulted were those of Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom (Britain) and Scotland. While conducting the research in this regard, no evidence could be found of a "technical support" qualification, i.e. a qualification combining geological, surveying and sampling services. Evidence was however found of qualifications at a higher level, comparable to Diploma or Degree Level (Levels 5 and 6 respectively) for the individual disciplines. These are at a higher level than envisaged by the NC Technical Support Level 3. Leading Countries: The fields of geology, surveying and sampling are common across the world, particularly in the mining context. There was no evidence suggesting that any particular country could be considered a leader in this regard. Courses at undergraduate level were found in various countries, but in the respective disciplines and not as a combination as envisaged with the NC Technical Support Level 3. Countries included in the search were Canada (British Columbia), United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. SADC Countries: No evidence of a relevant qualification was found for any of the SADEC countries. Consultation with experienced mining engineers who have worked in Africa (SADEC 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. People rendering geological or surveying support (i.e. at a professional level) typically have a relevant degree or diploma from a recognised institution (university, technical college). Qualifications and unit standards (competencies) found: The following relevant qualifications and/or standards were found: Canada (British Columbia). Similar elements of competence were found and the outcomes of the courses match closely with the outcomes of the unit standards incorporated in this National Certificate Geology for the training of geological assistants, aides and operators. The structures of the courses are similar, however, no judgement could be made on the level and depth of the courses as they are delivered on-line according to the pace of the learner. United Kingdom: GCE and GCSE Courses are offered in Geology, The various courses are organised into units, which correspond to clusters of individual unit standards of the proposed NC Technical Support: Australia: Relevant competencies are packaged into various qualifications e.g.: New Zealand: A number of Geology unit standards were found, although not a specific qualification per se: Level 2: Level 3: Level 4: Level 5: Level 6: Surveying: A National Certificate in Surveying (Level 3) with the following relevant standards exists: Conclusions: International comparison in this instance has not revealed comparable qualifications for one or more of the following reasons: The competencies covered by the NC: Mining Technical Support (Level 3) are required by workers in the mining industry and it is highly motivated that learners should learn towards and be assessed against the relevant standards. Despite the lack of directly comparable qualifications internationally, the NC Technical Support (Level 3) is nevertheless deemed a valuable and relevant qualification. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification is the ideal platform for horizontal articulation in the Survey, Geology and Sampling disciplines, and other mining industry related sub-fields.
Vertical articulation exists with: |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| Assessors should be in possession of:
|
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
| As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. |
| NOTES |
| N/A |
| UNIT STANDARDS: |
| ID | UNIT STANDARD TITLE | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | CREDITS | |
| Core | 11131 | Measure the stratigraphic widths of a mineral exposure | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 6 |
| Core | 116669 | Conduct an issue-based risk assessment within an underground workplace | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 2 |
| Core | 262181 | Construct a geological cross-section of an un-deformed area | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
| Core | 11118 | Determine the mineral content of a mining unit applying elementary evaluation techniques | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 2 |
| Core | 11686 | Identify and verify the selected mining horizon | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
| Core | 262217 | Identify, record and report on geological features that could result in potentially hazardous conditions in the workplace | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Core | 262264 | Locate a surface geographical position by employing map-reading techniques | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
| Core | 261817 | Locate an underground geographical position by employing plan reading techniques | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
| Core | 9530 | Manage work time effectively | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
| Core | 14442 | Plot tape and offset measurements on a plan | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
| Core | 253016 | Read and understand a mine plan and transfer recorded information onto mine plans | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 4 |
| Core | 261818 | Demonstrate a basic understanding of mineral resource types, utilisation and exploitation | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 5 |
| Core | 262259 | Demonstrate a basic understanding of the stratigraphy of the relevant economic deposit | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 3 |
| Core | 14461 | Determine quantities from plotted data | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 6 |
| Fundamental | 119472 | Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Fundamental | 9010 | Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 2 |
| Fundamental | 9013 | Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 4 |
| Fundamental | 119457 | Interpret and use information from texts | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Fundamental | 9012 | Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Fundamental | 119467 | Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Fundamental | 7456 | Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Fundamental | 119465 | Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Elective | 244432 | Measure, plot and interpret area measurements within an underground workplace | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
| Elective | 261777 | Operate a geophysical measuring instrument to record data for a geophysical survey | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 4 |
| Elective | 116937 | Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based spreadsheet application to create and edit spreadsheets | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 4 |
| Elective | 252554 | Apply calculations of areas, volumes, masses and weights to simple shapes in strata control | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
| Elective | 13912 | Apply knowledge of self and team in order to develop a plan to enhance team performance | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Elective | 11111 | Calculate and manufacture grade chains | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
| Elective | 11116 | Calculate and plot the position of an underground survey point from traverse measurements by employing first principles | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 7 |
| Elective | 257095 | Carry out basic surveying and calculations in surface excavations | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 8 |
| Elective | 113909 | Coach a team member in order to enhance individual performance in work environment | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Elective | 262237 | Collate data for grade control and geological interpretation purposes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Elective | 262184 | Compile a grade distribution plan | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
| Elective | 11114 | Compile a sample sheet and manually calculate the results for mineral evaluation purposes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 4 |
| Elective | 230013 | Conduct face profiling and blast hole surveys | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
| Elective | 11596 | Construct a Cartesian co-ordinate grid and plot points | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 4 |
| Elective | 261778 | Demonstrate a basic understanding of global tectonic systems | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
| Elective | 262303 | Demonstrate a basic understanding of South African stratigraphy and associated major economic deposits | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
| Elective | 261797 | Demonstrate an understanding of igneous rocks | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
| Elective | 262179 | Demonstrate an understanding of metamorphic rocks | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
| Elective | 262198 | Demonstrate an understanding of mineralization processes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 4 |
| Elective | 262160 | Demonstrate an understanding of sedimentary rocks | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
| Elective | 262277 | Identify geographical and geological features from aerial photographs | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Elective | 261801 | Manually construct an outcrop plan of a geologically simple area from given data | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
| Elective | 261758 | Manually construct an underground geological plan of a geologically simple area from given data | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
| Elective | 262306 | Measure and record basic geological information for grade control purposes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Elective | 262239 | Measure and record water levels in boreholes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 2 |
| Elective | 11112 | Produce a survey note | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 4 |
| Elective | 11043 | Sample a mining face with a scanning device for mineral evaluation purposes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
| Elective | 11637 | Set up a survey instrument to take observations | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 4 |
| Elective | 114978 | Use a word processing package to produce business documents | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
| Elective | 9533 | Use communication skills to handle and resolve conflict in the workplace | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
| Elective | 262257 | Electronic data capturing for geological interpretation and modelling purposes | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 6 |
| Elective | 261757 | Identify structural and stratigraphic features on a surface geological map | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
| Elective | 261286 | Identify structural and stratigraphic features on an underground geological plan | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
| Elective | 9754 | Mark off and map face sampling sections for mineral evaluation purposes | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 11 |
| Elective | 14271 | Perform distance measurements using a tape and Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) equipment | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 2 |
| Elective | 11713 | Reduce basic distance measurements (Tape or EDM) for use in surveying | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 2 |
| Elective | 261800 | Supervise the rehabilitation of a geological site | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 7 |
| 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. |