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 (Underground Mining Geological Technician) 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99260  Occupational Certificate: Geological Technician (Underground 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  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  540  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 an Underground Mining Geological Technician.

An Underground Mining Geological Technician observes records and interprets geological data from underground deposits to provide geological information, mapping and evaluation of the deposit to assist Geologists 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 an Underground Mining Geological Technician.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Perform geological activities in support of Geological Technicians or Geologists for underground mining operations.
  • Perform Geological Technician functions for underground 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 has been recognised 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, providing employment both in the mining industry and in the numerous support industries.

    This qualification contains the necessary skills for competent Underground Mining Geological Technicians, but also provides learning in the necessary health and safety components, 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 Underground 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:
  • 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 Workplace Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 311704001-KM-01, Workplace fundamentals, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 311704001-KM-02, Safety, health and the environment, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 311704001-KM-03, Mines and mining operations, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 311704001-KM-04, Geology, Level 2, 40 Credits.
  • 311704001-KM-05, Work team supervision, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 311704001-KM-06, Geology, NQF Level 4, 84 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 146.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 311704001-PM-01, Work safely and respond to underground mining emergencies, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 311704001-PM-02, Perform underground mining sampling activities, Level 2, 20 Credits.
  • 311704001-PM-03, Collect underground mining geological data, Level 2, 20 Credits.
  • 311704001-PM-04, Supervise the work team, Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 311704001-PM-05, Collect underground mining geological data, Level 4, 48 Credits.
  • 311704001-PM-06, Process geological data, Level 4, 72 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 176.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 311704001-WM-01, Underground mining geological operations, Level 2, 98 Credits.
  • 311704001-WM-02, Underground mining geological operations, Level 4, 120 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 218. 
    		•

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

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Samples, including the appropriate recording, associated documentation, housekeeping, reporting and communication, are taken and prepared as required in underground geological sampling activities.
  • Underground mining operations and sampling activities are explained according to underground geological sampling activities.
  • Policies, standards, codes of practice and operating procedures and practices on underground geological sampling are identified and implemented.
  • Operational and performance requirements in underground geological sampling activities are adhered to.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Start-of-shift, inspection, emergency and end-of-shift underground mining procedures for data collection activities are correctly conducted.
  • Underground mining data collection is conducted using appropriate recording and analysis, associated documentation, housekeeping, reporting and communication as required.
  • Underground mining operations and data collection activities are explained.
  • Policies, standards, codes of practice and operating procedures and practices of underground mining data collection are identified and implemented.
  • Operational and performance requirements of underground geological data collection are met.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Underground mining geological data processing and administrative activities are performed as required.
  • Underground mining operations and Geological Technician functions in data processing are explained.
  • Knowledge and understanding of policies, standards, codes of practice and operating procedures and practices pertaining to data processing is demonstrated.
  • Operational and performance requirements in data processing and administrative activities are met.

    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 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 will cover the following focus areas: - Carry out geological sampling activities - Carry out geological data collection activities - Perform data collection and processing activities. The external assessment will be conducted through an on-the-job evaluation by a registered assessor. The assessor will not have been directly involved in the training or internal assessment of the candidate. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Two qualifications from Australia and New Zealand were identified for the international comparability study.

    In Australia the Certificate III in Mining Exploration is offered. Upon completion learners 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 strands in Surface Extraction and Underground Extraction is being offered. Learners 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:
    This qualification compares favourably with the international qualifications in terms of the competencies that the learners will develop. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification can articulate horizontally with the following qualification currently being developed:
  • Occupational Certificate: Geological Technician (Surface Mining Geological Technician).

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

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    In order to qualify for the external summative assessment learners must have a copy of a completed and signed Statement of Work Experience as well as proof of successful completion of all the knowledge and practical skills modules including the Foundational Learning Competence.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
    Physical requirements: Meet legal, health and medical requirements Legal requirements: Meet all organisation and legal requirements to enter the training programme.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Underground Mining Geological Technician and 311704001.

    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the National Learners Record Database (NLRD):
  • This is not a trade.

    Part Qualifications:
  • None. 
    		•

    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.