Mine Overseer

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Mine Overseer. A Mine Overseer manages production operations for a section of a mine and takes charge of, supervises, monitors, coordinates, inspects, communicates with, engages with, and consults personnel, and records the activities of production operations; including physical and human resources, safely and effectively; performs tasks involving a high level of autonomy and requiring the application of significant judgement in planning and determining the selection of equipment, roles, and techniques; demonstrates the application of a broad range of technical, managerial, coordination and planning skills and implements mine management plans; oversees all aspects, functions, measures and activities of the section; is responsible and accountable for ensuring safety and realising optimum infrastructure, plant, machine and equipment performance, availability and production; monitors, controls and ensures safety, health and environmental measures, processes and procedures, mining production and business requirements; in accordance with organisational, statutory and regulatory requirements; a qualifying learner will know and be able to facilitate the planning processes; troubleshoot and address problems critically; work ergonomically; react to events in time-critical environments; and complete administrative functions and duties. A qualified learner will be able to: • Oversee, apply and ensure safety, health and environmental statutory, regulatory and organisational compliance. • Contribute to mine and ventilation layouts, as applicable; and develop plans and schedules. • Oversee, organise, direct, monitor, control, and coordinate production operations. • Communicate effectively. • Comprehend and apply ethical principles by exercising professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of mining practice. • Demonstrate the ability to maintain independent learning and continuous improvement.

Who should enrol? Individuals with some work experience or prior learning who wish to formalise their skills and advance their careers. The Mine Overseer welcomes learners from diverse backgrounds, including those with limited formal education but relevant practical experience. The flexible learning approach ensures that everyone can progress at their own pace while achieving the same high standard of competence.

The Mine Overseer's appointment is required and 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 Overseers 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 those experienced in Mine Shift Overseer operations. Learners registering for this qualification will typically be working within the mining industry in a particular context. This qualification has three options 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 training, application and specialised and technical skills. 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 growth of the country's economy. With mining as 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.

• Ensure the availability of approved mining layouts and production plans.
• Manage production operations.
• Manage operational risk.
• 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.
• The ability to maintain independent learning and continuous improvement is demonstrated.