Mining Technician (Strata Control Observer Underground Hardrock)

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Strata Control Observer: Underground Hardrock. A Strata Control Observer: Underground Hardrock inspects working places, evaluates rock mass conditions, measures compliance to support standards and creates awareness of sub-standard conditions in order to advance a safe working environment in an Underground Hardrock Mine A qualified learner will be able to: • Conduct workplace inspections in order to generate a workplace strata control inspection report.

Strata Control forms part of the discipline of Rock Engineering, one of the specialist disciplines within the mining environment. Rock engineering may be defined as technical mine engineering that bridges the gap between mining geology and production engineering. Its application turns geological and geotechnical information into rational mine plans, that facilitate maximum orebody extraction at least safety risk and lowest operating cost for the prevailing rock mass conditions. Rock engineering is concerned with the design of mining strategies, excavation layouts and support systems that ensure safe, stable and productive mining operations. There is a need for this qualification as there is a shortage of skilled Rock Engineers as identified in the Sector Skills Plan. This qualification is also necessary as the skills level amongst mining personnel has declined to such an extent that they can no longer conduct Strata Control operations as part of their day-to-day operations. Strata Control may be defined as a risk management tool, which in part ensures the proper control of the mining environment to minimise the risk of local instability. Effective strata control ensures that on a local scale, appropriate mining strategies and/or support actions are employed to overcome local and unforeseen or unpredictable changes to the prevailing geotechnical environment. This requires on-site training in the mechanics of, and reasons for, excavation failure and the roles and mechanisms of excavation support. The role of strata control also extends to ensuring adherence to mining layout and support standards, as well as the maintenance of quality control in support type selection and support installation. This is emphasised because the value of even the best available rock engineering advice is diminished if recommended standards and systems are not properly understood or implemented underground. The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with the theoretical knowledge, technical skills and practical ability to function as a Junior Strata Control Officer/Observer within the mining environment. Junior Strata Control Officers assist personnel engaged in mining operations to ensure: • The safety and efficiency of mining operations. • The development of mining personnel skill levels. • Pro-active reduction in levels of rock related risk in mining operations. Seen on a national level, safe and productive mines operate at optimal level; with maximum orebody extraction, the lowest possible safety risk and best operating cost. This has spin-off benefits in terms of the sustained production of minerals, with increased generation of revenue for the economy, greater investment in South African mines by particularly overseas investors and sustainable employment opportunities within the mining industry for society in general. This qualification will equip the learner with necessary knowledge, skills and ability for promotion to the post of Junior Strata Control Officer. It is also intended to provide the building blocks upon which to build a further career in rock engineering. Attaining this qualification will improve the learner's skills, thus increasing his potential employability. The concept of the four different streams, with appropriate elective unit standards, means that the learner can move between the different mining operations areas by completing the necessary elective unit standards. This Qualification contains NQF 2 and 3 components and builds on the basic foundation of theoretical knowledge, technical skills and practical ability applicable to the discipline of strata control and rock engineering.

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 result 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: • NQF Level 2 with Mathematical literacy.

• Measure and record the dimensions of mining excavations.
• Record the type, spacing and installation quality of installed support.