Mine Manager

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Mine Manager. A Mine Manager • plans, leads, organises, directs, monitors, controls, and coordinates broad, specialised, complex, diverse and technical mining operations, in familiar or unfamiliar terrain, for a designated section of an underground hard rock, underground coal or surface mine. • is responsible and accountable for optimisation, integration and alignment of the business operations, including strategic areas and initiating activities, the setting of work systems to enhance effectiveness. • demonstrates self-directed application of theoretical and technical knowledge and initiates solutions to technical problems or management requirements, addresses problems critically, deals with pressure from unexpected circumstances. • develops and maintains conducive relationships with relevant stakeholders and applies, exercises and ensures statutory, regulatory and organisational compliance, particularly occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements. The curriculum will be contextualised to the class and type of mine; the mineral being extracted; the type of mineral deposit; the mining methods employed; and the system used to extract and transport rock. The three contexts will be underground hard rock or metalliferous, underground coal or surface mining. A qualified learner will be able to: • Co-design, develop and update effective mine designs, layouts, and plans. • Manage production operations. • Manage operational risks. • Apply, exercise, and ensure statutory, regulatory, and organisational compliance, particularly occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements. • Communicate effectively. • Comprehend and apply ethical principles by exercising professional ethics, responsibilities, and norms of mining practice. • Demonstrate the ability to maintain independent learning.

The Mine Manager's appointment is prescribed by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), whereby appointees must be in possession of the appropriate certificate of competency issued by the DMRE. In terms of mining legislation, Mine Managers who are appointed must be qualified, by virtue of their knowledge, training, skills, and experience, to perform the activities contemplated; and must be trained, assessed, and found competent, in accordance with recognised training and development programmes. However, an occupational qualification has not been developed before, so there is a need in the sector for this qualification. Typical learners for this qualification will be experienced in Mine Overseer operations. Learners registering for this qualification will typically be working within the mining industry in a particular context. This qualification has three contexts for learners to follow. It will be possible for learners to articulate between the respective contexts. A typical learning pathway in mining production operations would be to begin with an occupational qualification at NQF Level 1 or 2, proceed to Miner at NQF Level 3, then Shift Supervisor, at NQF Level 4, Mine Overseer at NQF Level 5 and Mine Manager at NQF Level 7. The work is done in excavations that do not exist naturally but are created through rock breaking and blasting activities. This unique environment holds many hazards and risks for all personnel. The skills required to master the work in this occupation are complex and require dedicated learning, application and specialised and technical skills. Mining will remain the backbone of the South African economy for many years to come, and with the advance of technology there will, in the coming decades, be opportunities to return to and access the minerals left behind in the older mines. The mining and minerals sector will also be able to access resources that are currently too deep to mine. The development of the occupational competence as set out in this qualification is essential to capitalise on these technological advances. Development of the qualification was in consultation with sector practitioners and providers, and through the Minerals Council South Africa, Trade Unions and the DMRE. This qualification will benefit society in terms of skills and technical competencies since qualifying learners will improve work standards, health and safety, effectiveness, and contribute significantly to the standards, compliance and health and safety of the mining sector and general growth of the country's economy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Gain Access Through RPL Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. Exemption from Modules Through RPL Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL. RPL for access to the external 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. Entry Requirements: • Occupational Certificate: Mine Overseer, NQF Level 5.

• Co-design, develop and update effective mine layouts and plans.
• Manage production operations.
• Manage operational risks.
• Apply, exercise and ensure statutory, regulatory and organisational compliance.
• Communicate effectively.
• Comprehend and apply ethical principles by exercising professional ethics, responsibilities, and norms of mining practice.
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain independent learning.