Mining Technician Strata Control Practitioner (Coal)

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Strata Control Practitioner:Coal A Strata Control Practitioner: Coal assists mine management to implement the code of practice to achieve and maintain a safe and productive working environment by identifying hazards assessing the risk and recommending appropriate and necessary measures to manage rock related risks. A qualified learner will be able to: • Conduct routine inspections in order to generate a strata control inspection report with recommendations for a designated area of a mine. • Create awareness and understanding of strata control conditions through on-going communication with production team members. • Participate in rock related accident and incident investigations. • Conduct quality control and quality assurance on support material.

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with the theoretical knowledge, technical skills and practical ability to function as a Strata Control Officer within the mining environment. Strata Control Officers assist personnel engaged in mining operations to ensure: • The safety and efficiency of mining operations. • Pro-active reduction in levels of rock related risk in mining operations. • The development of awareness regarding rock-related risk among mining personnel. • The qualifying learner should be able to assist the Rock Engineer with the design, implementation and monitoring of strategies to reduce rock-related risk, such as mining layouts and support systems. In addition to be able to conduct an assessment and be able to interpret the rock mass behaviour and response. Seen on a national Level, safe and productive mines operate at an optimal level; with maximum ore body 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 the necessary knowledge, skills and ability for career pathway to a 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.

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 3 qualification with Mathematics and Physical Science.

• The ability to inspect the rock strata conditions of workplaces in coal mines.
• Ability to collect data for accident and incident investigations.
• Ability to Check support material provided to the mine against the standards and procurement agreements.