Geotechnical Practitioner

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare the learner to operate as a Geotechnical Practitioner. A Geotechnical Practitioner identifies, defines, describes, assesses, quantifies and compiles data for the geotechnical environment; specifies and designs geotechnical systems and processes; designs mine excavation layouts; and carries out administrative, supervisory and management functions, processes and procedures for tabular hard rock, tabular soft rock, massive or surface mining operations, as applicable. A qualified learner will be able to: • Perform geotechnical processes. • Carry out geotechnical operations.

Mineral resource exploitation, beneficiation and export are key components of the Southern African economy. On a national level, safe and productive mines operate at optimal efficiency with maximum mineral body extraction, the lowest possible safety risk and best operating cost. The benefits of sustained production of minerals, increased generation of revenue for the economy, greater investment in South African mines, by particularly overseas investors, and sustainable employment opportunities impact on the mining and minerals sector and the wider economy. Learners entering this qualification will typically be strata control practitioners. The Occupational Certificate: Geotechnical Practitioner will equip the learner with the necessary theoretical knowledge, technical skills and practical ability and work experience to be a Geotechnical Practitioner in the mining and minerals sector, a position regulated by the Mine Health and Safety Act. Attaining this qualification will progress the career of the learner in geotechnical engineering thus increasing potential employability.

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 results 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: • Occupational Certificate: Mining Technician: Strata Control Practitioner (Coal), Level 4. Or • Occupational Certificate: Mining Technician (Strata Control Practitioner: Underground Hardrock), Level 4.

1. Identify, diagnose, analyse and quantify exactly, by research or calculation, the geological and geotechnical environment for the mining operation, independently validating the sources of information and data, and accessing, processing and managing the information and data for defined geological and geotechnical procedures, processes, systems and methodologies, produce and communicate results, conclusions and recommendations. 2. Oversee and apply rock testing, investigation, evaluation and monitoring techniques and processes, including numeric modelling, to analyse and determine the rock behaviour, for current or proposed mining operations, independently validating the sources of information and data, accessing, processing and managing information and data; and produce and communicate results, conclusions and recommendations. 3. Specify, develop and design safe, effective and optimised geotechnical solutions for the geotechnical environment, independently validating the sources of information and data, accessing, processing and managing information and data; and produce and communicate results, conclusions and recommendations. 4. Develop geotechnical layouts and designs, including recommending remedies and/ or alternative strategies, independently validating the sources of information and data; accessing, processing and manage information and data; and produce and communicate results, conclusions and recommendations. E5. Manage geotechnical procedures, processes and functions.