Surface Blaster

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to be a Surface Blaster. A Surface Blaster conducts mining blasting operations effectively and safely to realise optimum blast performance in accordance with statutory, regulatory and organisational requirements. A qualifying learner will know and be able to oversee, apply and exercise safety, health and environmental measures, processes and procedures, including the waiting-place/ assembly point procedures, entry examination, making the workplace safe and completing the safe declaration; troubleshoot problems; communicate effectively; and conduct blasting operations. A qualified learner will be able to: • Oversee, apply, exercise, and ensure safety, health and environmental measures and procedures for surface operations. • Conduct blasting operations • Troubleshoot • Communicate effectively

The Surface Blaster's 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, Surface Blasters 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, so there is a need in the sector for this qualification. Learners registering for this qualification will typically be working within the mining industry in surface mining operations. The typical learning pathway in mining production operations would be to begin with an occupational qualification at NQF Level 1 or 2, proceed to Blasting Assistant at NQF Level 2, then Surface Blaster at NQF Level 3, Shift Supervisor, at NQF Level 4, Mine Overseer at NQF Level 5 and Mine Manager at NQF Level 7. There is currently no similar qualification registered on the NQF. 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 technical skills. Mining will remain 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 occupational competence as set out in this qualification is essential to capitalise on these technological advances. Development of the qualification was in consultation with sector practitioners and providers and through the Minerals Council South Africa, Trade Unions and the DMRE. 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. This qualification does not require registration with a professional body.

• Carry out and conduct safety, health and environmental operations, interpreting, applying, and exercising policies, procedures, performance parameters, controls, and operating standards.
• Conduct blasting operations, interpreting, applying and exercising policies, procedures, performance parameters, controls, and operating standards.
• Demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot, identify and address mining-related problems.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and professionally in respect of technical and practical mine operations.