Mining Engineering Manager

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Mining Engineering Manager. A Mining Engineering Manager plans, leads, organises, directs, monitors, controls, and coordinates broad, specialised, complex, diverse and technical engineering activities of mining operations, in familiar or unfamiliar contexts; for a designated section of a mine or works; 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; is responsible and accountable for the safe and effective design, installation, operation, maintenance, optimum resource performance and engineering availability of all machines, equipment, plant, facilities and infrastructure; supports achieving mining production operational requirements; and applies, exercises and ensures statutory, regulatory and organisational compliance; work may differ according 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 minerals. A qualified learner will be able to: • Plan, develop, implement and maintain the engineering service strategy, in support of the production plan. • Maintain the planned maintenance system for optimum asset integrity, resource performance, engineering availability and safe operations, in support of the production plan. • Manage engineering 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 and engineering practice. • Demonstrate the ability to maintain independent learning.

The mining engineering managers' 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, mining engineering managers who are appointed must be qualified, by virtue of their knowledge, training, skills, and experience, to perform such 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 mining engineering maintenance, and qualified artisans, in possession of the appropriate trade test certificate. 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. The benefits which will be derived from this qualification are threefold - the mining industry will have a workforce with requisite technical skills and competent managers as per the DMRE or statutory requirements and as the mining environment demands. The economy will benefit by increased generation of revenue, greater investment in South African mines by investors, and improved employability of the country's people. This qualification will also 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.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access: 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. RPL for exemption: 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: • NQF Level 4 with Electrician; or Fitter; or Fitter and Turner; or Millwright.

• Plan optimum, safe resource performance and engineering availability of all machines, equipment, plant, facilities and infrastructure; in support of achieving mining production operational requirements.
• Maintain the planned maintenance system for optimum asset integrity, resource performance, engineering availability and safe operations, in support of the production plan.
• Manage engineering 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.
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain independent learning.