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: Geological Technician (Surface Mining Geological Technician) 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99257  Occupational Certificate: Geological Technician (Surface Mining Geological Technician) 
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  Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  568  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

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 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Surface Mining Geological Technician.

A Surface Mining Geological Technician performs, observes, records and interprets geological data from surface mining geological deposits to provide geological information. His role is also to map and evaluate the deposits to assist Geologists to obtain, analyse and report geological data and to assist in ensuring mining and sampling production requirements are met.

The qualifying learner will know and be able to perform the functions of a Surface Mining Geological Technician.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Perform geological activities in support of Geologists or Geological Technicians for surface mining operations.
  • Perform Geological Technician functions for surface mining operations.

    Rationale:
    Mineral resource exploitation, beneficiation and export are key components of the Southern African economy. Mining operations are supported by Mining Geologists, who in turn rely on Geological Technicians. The need for improved quality standards to maximise efficiencies within the Mining Industry coupled with the increasing complexity and declining grades of many Southern African mining operations has resulted in a greater need for geological skills. Maintaining standards have been established and emphasis has been placed on providing appropriate geological training, which will contribute to the development of new mines and extending the life of existing mines. This will provide employment opportunities both within the Mining Industry and in the numerous support industries.

    This qualification contains the necessary skills for competent Surface Mining Geological Technicians, but also provides learning related to the relevant health and safety regulations, in accordance with the relevant legislation.

    Learners entering this qualification will typically be new entrants to the mining sector, or existing employees in geology, survey or sampling operations, working as Technical Support Assistants. Qualifying learners will be competent Surface Mining Geological Technicians. This qualification will serve to improve the current training model, the standard of training and assessment and the opportunity for learners to progress further in the geology field, or into the fields of sampling, strata control or surveying. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

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

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entrance requirement is:
  • NQF Level 1 in Communication and Mathematical Literacy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules, 156 Credits:
  • 311704002-KM-01, Workplace fundamentals, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 311704002-KM-02, Safety, health and the environment, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 311704002-KM-03, Mines and mining operations, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 311704002-KM-04, Geology, Level 2, 40 Credits.
  • 311704002-KM-05, Work team supervision, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 311704002-KM-06, Geology, Level 4, 94 Credits.

    Practical Skill Modules, 196 Credits:
  • 311704002-PM-01 Work safely and respond to surface mining emergencies, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 311704002-PM-02, Perform surface mining sampling activities, Level 2, 20 Credits.
  • 311704002-PM-03, Collect surface mining geological data, Level 2, 20 Credits.
  • 311704002-PM-04, Supervise the work team, Level 3, 24 Credits.
  • 311704002-PM-05, Collect surface mining geological data, Level 4, 52 Credits.
  • 311704002-PM-06, Process geological data, Level 4, 76 Credits.

    Work Experience Modules, 216 Credits:
  • 311704002-WM-01, Surface mining geological operations, Level 2, 96 Credits.
  • 311704002-WM-02, Surface mining geological operations, Level 4, 120 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Implement surface geological sampling activities, using the knowledge and understanding of surface mining operations, geology and geological principles, methods, procedures, processes and practices.
    2. Execute surface geological data collection activities, using the knowledge and understanding of mining operations, geology and geological principles, methods, procedures, processes and practices.
    3. Perform processing activities on collected data using the knowledge and understanding of mining operations, geology and geological principles, methods, procedures, processes and practices. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Start-of-shift, inspection, emergency and end-of-shift surface mining procedures are carried out correctly and appropriately when carrying out sampling activities.
  • Surface mining samples are taken and prepared for sample analysis, including the appropriate recording and analysis, associated documentation, housekeeping, reporting and communication, as required.
  • An understanding of surface mining operations and sampling activities is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge and understanding of surface mining policies, standards, codes of practice and operating procedures and practices are applied.
  • Operational and performance requirements of geological sampling activities are met.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Start-of-shift, inspection, emergency and end-of-shift surface mining procedures are carried out correctly and appropriately for the period of collecting data.
  • Surface mining data is collected correctly, including the appropriate recording and analysis, associated documentation, housekeeping, reporting and communication, as required.
  • An understanding of surface mining operations and data collection activities is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge and understanding of policies, standards, codes of practice and operating procedures and practices of surface geological data collection activities is demonstrated.
  • Operational and performance requirements in terms of surface geological data collection activities are met.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Start-of-shift, inspection, emergency and end-of-shift procedures are carried out correctly and appropriately when processing activities are carried out.
  • Surface mining operations and Geological Technician functions when processing collected data are explained.
  • Policies, standards, codes of practice and operating procedures and practices are applied as applicable to surface mining.
  • Operational and performance requirements on processing data are met.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Skills Development Provider (SDP) uses the curriculum to guide stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. The SDP also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the Assessment Quality Partner, is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external assessment covers the following focus areas:
  • Carry out geological sampling activities.
  • Carry out geological data collection activities.
  • Perform data collection and processing activities.

    The external assessment is conducted through an on-the-job evaluation by a registered assessor. The assessor is no directly involved in the training or internal assessment of the learner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A search was carried out for international occupational training and development qualifications and qualifications from Australia and New Zealand were identified.

    In Australia the Certificate III in Mining Exploration is being offered. The learners upon qualifying will be able to:
  • Provide geological field assistance.
  • Recognise common geological landforms and samples.

    Whilst in New Zealand the National Certificate in Extractive Industries (Operations) with specialisations in Surface Extraction and Underground Extraction is offered.
    The learners upon qualifying will be able to:
  • Investigate, interpret and report on geological features, landforms and active processes of a site.
  • Read geological maps and interpret geological history.
  • Collect geological data and rock samples.
  • Model subsurface geological features from geophysical and geological data.
  • Describe aspects of geology.

    Conclusion:
    It can be seen from the above that this qualification compares favourably with the areas of focus and level of cognitive complexity as the international qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification can articulate horizontally with the following qualification:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Mining/Exploration Geology, Level 4 (ID 77963).

    This qualification can articulate vertically with:
  • Diploma: Geology, Level 6 (ID 72592). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.