Occupational Qualification Document
Occupational Code
Qualification Title
311701
NQF Level
Mining Technician:
Sampler Mining
(Hardrock)
Name
Email
4
Phone
Development
Quality Partner
Mine Qualifications
Authority
011 547 2600
Assessment
Quality Partner
Mine Qualifications
Authority
011 547 2600
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Date
311701002 - Mining Technician: Sampler Mining (Hardrock)
Page 1 of 9
Table of content
1. QUALIFICATION DETAILS ............................................................................................................ 3
2. RATIONALE ...................................................................................................................................... 3
3. PURPOSE ......................................................................................................................................... 4
4. RULES OF COMBINATION ........................................................................................................... 4
5. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................................. 4
6. EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES AND ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA .......................... 4
7. INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY ........................................................................................... 6
8. INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT....................................................................................................... 9
9. RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING....................................................................................... 9
10. ARTICULATION ............................................................................................................................. 9
11. CRITERIA FOR THE ACCREDITATION OF PROVIDERS .................................................... 9
12. NOTES............................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
311701002 - Mining Technician: Sampler Mining (Hardrock)
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1. QUALIFICATION DETAILS
Qualification Title: Mining Technician: Sampler Mining (Hardrock)
Level: 4
Credits: 168
Occupational Code: 311701
Curriculum Code: 311701002
Originator: Quality Assurance Body: Mine Qualifications Authority
Qualification Type: Occupational Certificate
Field:
Subfield:
Sub Framework: Qualifications Sub Framework for Trades and Occupations
Assessment Quality Partner: Mine Qualifications Authority
Registered qualifications and or learning programmes to be replaced:

Assessors must be registered against requirements set by the AQP for assessment practice;

Assessors must be in possession of a Mine Survey, Sampling or Geology qualification at an NQF
level 5 or above;

Assessors must have a proven track record of working as a Surveyor, Sampler or Geologist on a
hardrock mine for at least five years.
Recorded trades to be replaced:

none
2. RATIONALE

This curriculum is targeted at occupations at the entry level of the career pathway for Sampling;

The focus of the curriculum is on the specialisation area Hardrock Mining;

The curriculum development was initiated by the Mine Qualifications Authority upon request from the
industry. Successful completion of this curriculum should lead to a NQF level 4 qualification and thus
open up entry into further studies in a related field;

The curriculum covers the required knowledge and practical skills needed in Hardrock Mines. The
required work experience will be limited to the specific context where the learner finds him/herself;

The role of the Sampler (Mining) is critical in Mineral Resource Management. Skills in this area are
scarce and the complexity level of the work is growing with the development of new technologies
and increasing legal and environmental requirements.
311701002 - Mining Technician: Sampler Mining (Hardrock)
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3. PURPOSE
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a - Mining Technician: Sampler
Mining (Hardrock). This will enable them to supervise the collection of rock samples, process and capture
sample analysis data (manually and electronic) for evaluating mineral resources in hardrock mines.
A qualified learner will be able to:

Oversee the collection of hardrock samples in mines;

Capture sample and related mining workplace data onto mine evaluation systems.
4. RULES OF COMBINATION
This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:
Knowledge Modules:

311701002-KM-01, Mine Sampling Practices (1), L4, Cr28

311701002-KM-02, Mining Engineering Practice for Samplers (1), L4, Cr12
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 40
Practical Skill Modules:

311701002-PM-01, Safely access workings to execute sampling tasks, L4, Cr6

311701002-PM-02, Oversee the taking of samples, L4, Cr16

311701002-PM-03, Capture, plot and transfer rock sample data and measurements on relevant
media and compile communication reports. , L4, Cr16
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 38
This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:

311701002-WM-01, Exposure to the Rock Sampling processes, L4, Cr90
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 90
5. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Successful completion of the National Foundational Learning Competence

Mathematics OR Mathematical literacy at Grade 12 or equivalent qualification at (NQF4) or relevant
NQF 3 unit standard based qualification and/or the Basic Certificate Sampling issued by the
Chamber of Mines.

Physically capable of executing the work in mines.
6. EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES AND ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Exit Level Outcome 1
The ability to oversee the collection of hardrock samples in a mine.
Associated Assessment Criteria
311701002 - Mining Technician: Sampler Mining (Hardrock)
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
o
Correctly describe the fundamentals of sampling. The description will cover: a. Defining the
sampling problem; b. Relevance of what is being sampled; c. Type of method that is
appropriate to the sample to be taken; d. Causality of the sampling; e. The effect of space
and time on the sampling; f. Underlying fundamentals of bias; g. Underlying fundamentals of
representivity; h. Difference between accuracy, precision and measurement resolution; i.
Types of sampling required;
o
Given a range of maps and plans learners will be able to identify various places and
positions on the plans and maps using the coordinates and coordinate systems;
o
Identify and describe the primary geological structures/features associated with mining. The
descriptions will be accurate in terms of: a. Faults (normal, reverse, thrust and lateral); b.
Folds (synclines and anticlines) c. Dykes and sills; d. Potholes and sinkholes; e. Joints,
fissures, fractures; f. Bedding planes; g. Ground water; h. Entrapped gasses and fluids;
o
Accurately capture all required data in the field book. (Pre- and post- sampling)
o
In an actual work environment follow all the required safety procedures and correctly
determine and mark the areas to be sampled;
o
Apply the correct procedures to observe the sample chipping process and take immediate
corrective actions when required;
o
Correctly bag and label the samples and accurately record the sample data in the field
book.
Exit Level Outcome 2
The ability to take and record required measurements of geological features and workplace dimensions
in a mine.
Associated Assessment Criteria

o
The location of the areas to be measured is accurately determined and all relevant
information regarding the area to be measured is collected and prepared in the field book for
the measuring exercise;
o
Strike and dip tapes are installed making use of at least two fixed survey points/stations;
o
The shape (polygon) is accurately created according to the field data;
o
The appropriate areas are correctly determined and the actual volumes of rock in the areas
are correctly calculated;
o
Tape measurements, offsets and features are correctly plotted on the working plan/media;
o
The true heights of workings are determined at regular intervals;
o
Right angled ties (offsets) at regular intervals (operational standard) are read off and
recorded to capture the working face position and other relevant features in the working
area. (The features will include: Face on reef, RIH/RIF, sweepings, support, ventilation,
geological features and pillars)
Exit Level Outcome 3
The ability to process all the data and capture it manually and electronically on a mine evaluation
system.
Associated Assessment Criteria
311701002 - Mining Technician: Sampler Mining (Hardrock)
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o
All data relevant for compiling a sample record sheet is consolidated and collated for manual
and electronically capturing into the evaluation system;
o
Sample record sheet are compiled and average values and widths are accurately
calculated. (Manually and electronically)
o
Results are accurately plotted and transferred onto the relevant media
o
A communication report is compiled using a generic template, all information is correctly
captured and appropriate notes are recorded.
7. INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY
International qualifications were compared to ensure that the qualification structure and are comparable in
terms of level, scope of qualification and competencies covered.
The following were considered:

Countries with a formal Qualifications Framework, such as the United Kingdom (NVQ and SVQ),
Australia and New Zealand.

Countries who are reputed to be leaders in this particular field.

SADEC countries, which are in geographical proximity to South Africa.
Qualifications Frameworks:

Frameworks consulted were those of Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom (Britain) and
Scotland.

While conducting the research in this regard, no evidence could be found of a technical support
qualification, i.e. a qualification combining geological, surveying and sampling services or of
separate qualifications in these areas at this level.

Evidence was however found of qualifications at a higher level, comparable to Diploma or Degree
Level (Levels 5 and 6 respectively) for the individual disciplines. These are at a higher level than
envisaged by this Level 4.
Leading Countries:
The fields of geology, surveying and sampling are common across the world, particularly in the mining
context. There was no evidence suggesting that any particular country could be considered a leader in this
regard.
Courses at undergraduate level were found in various countries.
Countries included in the search were Canada (British Columbia), United Kingdom, Australia and New
Zealand.
SADC Countries:
No evidence of a relevant qualification was found for any of the SADEC countries.
Consultations with experienced mining engineers who have worked in Africa (SADEC countries) have
confirmed that competencies relating to Technical Support (at the level of the proposed qualification) would
be acquired informally in the workplace. This would typically occur when workers assist technical or
professional people performing these tasks.
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People rendering geological or surveying support (i.e. at a professional level) typically have a relevant
degree or diploma from a recognised institution (university, technical college).
Qualifications and unit standards (competencies) found:
The following relevant qualifications and/or standards were found:
Canada (British Columbia).
Online courses are being offered at the University of British Columbia.
Similar elements of competence were found and the outcomes of the courses match closely with the
outcomes of the unit standards incorporated in this National Certificate Geology for the training of geological
assistants, aides and operators.
The structures of the courses are similar; however, no judgement could be made on the level and depth of
the courses as they are delivered on-line according to the pace of the learner.
United Kingdom:
WJEC (Originally Welsh Joint Education Committee) run certificate courses and shorter professional
development courses. GCE and GCSE Courses are offered in Geology, The various courses are organised
into units, which correspond to clusters of individual unit standards of the proposed NC Technical Support:
UNIT GL1: Foundation Geology.
UNIT GL2: Investigative Geology.
UNIT GL3: Geology and the Human Environment.
Unit GL4: Interpreting the Geological Record.
Unit GL5: Geological Themes.
Unit GL6: Geological Investigations.
Australia:
Relevant competencies are packaged into various qualifications e.g.:
Certificate II in Surface Coal Operations.
MNCG1000 Conduct Mine Surveying Operations.
New Zealand:
A number of Geology unit standards were found, although not a specific qualification per se:
Level 2:
6360: Identify geological features from recorded visual information.
6361: Investigate and report on the geology in an area.
6362: Demonstrate an understanding of fossils.
Level 3:
21614: Describe the geological history of an area in the Southwest Pacific.
6364: Use plate tectonics to explain distribution of major NZ and Southwest Pacific geological features.
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6365: Demonstrate knowledge of geological hazards.
8153: Explain factors affecting a water resource and its management, and plot and interpret hydrographs.
Level 4:
8140: Investigate, interpret and report on geological features, landforms and active processes of a site.
8145: Read geological maps and interpret geological history.
8147: Demonstrate knowledge of the interior of the Earth.
8152: Collect water samples for analysis.
Level 5:
8137: Collect geophysical data and samples.
8138: Collect geotechnical data and samples.
8139: Collect geological data and rock samples.
8141: Describe and classify soils using soil maps.
8142: Identify and classify rock and soil materials.
8144: Model subsurface geological features.
8146: Read and interpret geophysical maps.
8148: Describe biogeochemical cycling of elements.
8150: Analyse wastewaters and demonstrate an understanding of wastewater treatment and discharge.
Level 6:
12364: Demonstrate knowledge of soil formation and structure.
12365: Demonstrate knowledge of soil fertility.
14398: Describe, assess and report on a degraded landform.
8143: Describe, assess and report on a contaminated site.
8149: Perform sedimentological and paleontological analyses.
8151: Perform soil chemical analysis.
Surveying: A National Certificate in Surveying (Level 3) with the following relevant standards exists:
8762: Confirm reliability of existing survey marks.
8774: Set up survey instruments and targets.
8775: Undertake and record linear field measurements for survey purposes.
8776: Undertake and record angular field measurements for survey purposes.
8777: Determine vertical height for survey purposes.
8778: Construct control survey marks, bench marks and trigonometrical beacons.
311701002 - Mining Technician: Sampler Mining (Hardrock)
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8798: Work safely during survey operations.
Conclusions:
International comparison in this instance has not revealed comparable qualifications for one or more of the
following reasons:



Formal qualifications in geology, surveying and sampling (laboratory assistants) are at a higher level
than the proposed NC: Technical Support Level 3 (Level 4, 5 or higher).
The reasons for South African unit standards and qualification representing a learning path starting
at lower levels is mainly due to the relatively low educational base of the majority of workers in the
mining industry. This qualification seeks to address the education gap.
The courses found e.g. in the UK and Canada, are not necessarily set in a mining context and are
therefore not as practically oriented as the NC: Technical Support, which focuses entirely on the
mining context.
The competencies covered by this qualification are required by workers in the mining industry and it is highly
motivated that learners should learn towards and be assessed against the relevant standards.
Despite the lack of directly comparable qualifications internationally, the qualification is directly
occupationally based and will meet a specific need in the industry and is therefore deemed a
valuable and relevant qualification.
8. INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
Candidates for this qualification will complete a one hour theoretical examination paper before they are
observed by registered assessors executing the sampling and measuring tasks in an actual working place.
9. RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
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.
10. CRITERIA FOR THE ACCREDITATION OF PROVIDERS
Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the
QCTO website.
The curriculum title and code is: Occupational Certificate: Mining Technician: Sampler Mining (Hardrock):
311701002
311701002 - Mining Technician: Sampler Mining (Hardrock)
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