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 (Marine Mining Geological Technician)

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
99285	Occupational Certificate: Geological Technician (Marine 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	326	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 Marine Mining Geological Technician.

A Marine Mining Geological Technician observes, records and interprets geological data from off-shore marine deposits to provide geological information, mapping and evaluation of the deposit to assist geologists to obtain, analyse and report geological data; and to assist in ensuring that marine mining sampling and mineral processing plant production requirements are met.

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

A qualified learner will be able to:

Perform Geological Technician activities in support of Geologists or Geological Technicians for Marine Mining Operations.

Perform Geological Technician functions for Marine 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 within the mining industry and in the numerous support industries.

This qualification contains the necessary skills for competent Marine Mining Geological Technicians, but also provides learning in health and safety 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 Marine Mining Geological Technicians. This qualification will serve to improve the current training model, the standard of training and assessment and provides 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:

Any NQF Level 1 qualification with Communication and Mathematical Literacy.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

Knowledge Modules:

311704003-KM-01, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 2, 6 Credits.

311704003-KM-02, Safety, Health and the Environment, Level 2, 8 Credits.

311704003-KM-03, Mines and Mining Operations, Level 2, 4 Credits.

311704003-KM-04, Geology, Level 2, 36 Credits.

311704003-KM-05, Teamwork, Level 3, 4 Credits

311704003-KM-06, Geology, Level 4, 68 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 126.

Practical Skill Modules:

311704003-PM-01, Work safely and respond to marine mining emergencies, Level 3, 24 Credits.

311704003-PM-02, Monitor marine mining plant operations and collect geological data, Level 4, 32 Credits.

311704003-PM-03, Process geological data, Level 4, 48 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 104.

This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:

311704003-WM-01, Marine mining geological operations, Level 2, 48 Credits.

311704003-WM-02, Marine mining geological operations, Level 4, 48 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 96.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Work safely and respond to emergencies, using the knowledge and understanding of marine mining and vessel operations, geology and geological principles, methods, procedures, processes and practices.
2. Perform plant monitoring and geological data collection activities, using the knowledge and understanding of marine mining operations, plant, geology and geological principles, methods, procedures, processes and practices.
3. Execute data processing and administrative activities, using the knowledge and understanding of Marine Mining Operations, Geology and geological principles, methods, procedures, processes and practices.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 1:

Voyage, shift, inspection and emergency procedures are conducted correctly and appropriately.

Handheld fire-fighting equipment is used correctly.

Marine mining emergency drills are conducted.

Operational and performance requirements in Marine Mining Geology are adhered to.

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 2:

A marine mining plant is monitored and data is collected and recorded correctly, including the appropriate recording and analysis, associated documentation, housekeeping, reporting and communication, as required.

An understanding of marine mining operations, plant monitoring and data collection activities is demonstrated through practice.

Knowledge and understanding of policies, standards, codes of practice and operating procedures and practices pertaining to data collection in Marine Mining Geology is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 3:

Geological data processing and administrative activities are performed correctly.

Knowledge and understanding of policies, standards, codes of practice and operating procedures and practices pertaining to marine mining data collection and processing is demonstrated.

Marine mining operational and performance requirements 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:

Work safely and respond to emergencies.

Perform plant monitoring and geological data collection activities.

Perform data 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 learner.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

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

In Australia:
The RII30513 - Certificate III in Mining Exploration, including: 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, including the following modules 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:
Whilst specific occupational Underground Mining Geology qualifications are not being offered elsewhere in the world, it can be seen from the above that components of this qualification follow components of international training practices and it may be concluded that this qualification meets international standards. This qualification compares favourably with the international qualifications in terms of the competencies that the learners will develop.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification may articulate horizontally with the following qualifications:

Occupational Certificate: Geological Technician (Underground Mining Geological Technician, Level 4 (ID 99260).

Occupational Certificate: Geological Technician (Surface Mining Geological Technician, Level 4 (ID 99257)).

It may articulate vertically with:

National Diploma in 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.

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