Mine Survey Officer

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Mine Survey Officer. Mine Survey Officers use survey techniques and tools to establish measuring equipment, measure and record mining features, and calculate monthly mine production, in accordance with organisational, statutory, and regulatory requirements. A qualified learner will be able to: • Establish measuring equipment, measure, and record mining features. • Calculate monthly mine production. • Communicate effectively. The qualifying learner will be able to use survey techniques and tools to establish measuring equipment, measure and record mining features, and calculate monthly mine production. A qualified learner will be able to gain recognition for his/her abilities and achievements. The qualification aims to provide learners with opportunities to perform a wide range of tasks in the minerals surveying discipline. This will allow learners to develop professionally and advance their careers within the broader constituencies of mine survey, sampling, mine planning, occupational health, safety, and environmental. The learner will also be able to use this qualification to advance their learning by enrolling against higher-level qualifications. This allows for access, progression, portability, and mobility within and between the different mining operations areas in the mining and minerals industry. Graduate attributes: • Honesty • Integrity • Punctuality • Time management • Self-motivated • Responsibility • Accountability • Interpersonal relations • Ethical behaviour • Well organised • Self-confidence • Confidentiality

Surveying is indispensable in mining as geospatial and subsurface data constitute the foundation of any mining project. Miners rely on surveys and mapping throughout the mine lifecycle, from scoping out potential locations and ore deposit modelling to mine design, planning, safety, and monitoring. Mine surveyors are responsible for maintaining accurate plans of the mine as a whole and updating maps of the surface layout to account for new buildings and other structures, as well as surveying the underground mine workings to keep a record of the mining operation. The role of the Mine Survey Officer is to compile and analyse data and other information necessary for the preparation of research reports and other technical documents related to population-based survey topics, including the collection and analysis of statistical data and other information; guide and support qualitative research and draft summary results critical in mineral resource management. With the advancement of digital technologies in the mining industry, and increasing statutory requirements for survey work, advanced survey skills are in demand. This qualification aims to equip potential learners with the required knowledge and skills to adapt to the evolving technological, statutory, and mandatory requirements. The qualification also aims to provide learners with opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader constituencies of mine surveying and mineral resource management. Mine Surveyors are legally appointed in terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act, and this qualification is intended to be used as the basis for the issuing of a license to practice in the mining industry. This qualification is intended to replace the learning programmes and Chamber of Mines certificates that are currently being issued by the Minerals Council of South Africa. The curriculum associated with this qualification covers the required knowledge and practical skills needed in underground hardrock mines, underground coal mines, and surface excavations. Qualified learners may work on surface sites - quarries and open-cast, and underground systems - mines and tunnels, and storage facilities. They may also work at sea in diamond and other mineral exploration as well as oil and gas exploration. The required work experience will be limited to the specific context where the learner finds him/herself. Surveying is one of the key contributors to the welfare of the mining industry. Survey designs and the planning of the operation help to improve the safety, productivity, and security goals of any surface and underground mining operations. This qualification will elevate the safety and productivity levels within the mining and minerals industry while also enhancing quality, increasing resource volumes, and overall growth which will contribute to the nation's economy. Their accurate work is crucial for efficient mining activities. A strengthened economy attracts both local and international investors, thereby further stimulating economic growth and development. Typical learners for this qualification will be personnel who are working within mineral resource management and would like to advance their skills or careers in mine surveying. A typical learning pathway would be Skills Programme: Mine Technical Support Services Assistant: Planning/ Surveying Operations at NQF Level 2, Mine Survey Observer at NQF Level 3, Mine Survey Officer at NQF Level 4, then Mine Surveyor/Supervisor at NQF Level 7. There are currently no other similar qualifications registered under the OQSF. Occupation(s) and professions related to this qualification Stakeholders from various sectors including: • Workplace Practitioners • Assessors and moderators • Private Training Providers • Teaching and learning specialist • Curriculum Development Specialist • Other (The Minerals Council of South Africa). Typical occupations: • Mine Survey Officer

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to Training: Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA): Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: Any mining-related qualification at NQF Level 3.

• Use survey techniques and tools to measure and record mining features.
• Determine and record monthly mine production according to mine practice.
• Apply knowledge of mine surveying legislation.
• Communicate and facilitate communication processes effectively.