Bachelor of Earth Sciences in Mining and Environmental Geology

Purpose

The Bachelor of Earth Sciences in Mining and Environmental Geology will provide professionals with

• An integrated perspective of System of Earth and its evolution; with the ability to design;
• Execute or collaborate in projects of prospection, evaluation, exploration and exploitation of geological resources;
• Ability to plan and execute a small mine programme;
• To collaborate on work in the area of geotechnical engineering;
• To collaborate on geoenvironmental projects, and to cooperate effectively with multidisciplinary teams;
• Acquire comprehensive knowledge that allows them to redirect their training and work without significant loss of acquired skills;
• Acquire an integrated knowledge about the environment, mineral resources and an ethical attitude that respects the principles of health and safety at work.

Rationale

Mining, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Mine Surveying and Rock Mechanics, are recognised as generic key skill competencies in the South African (SA) Mining Industry. In particular, they impact on the identification and delineation of potential mineral deposits, development of mines and the safe, profitable and optimal exploitation of the mineral resources. Furthermore, the need for improved methods of mineral exploration and mining methods, while adhering to national and international recommended safety standards and mining sustainably with maximisation of efficiencies while taking into account the environmental issues at stake within the mining industry coupled with the increasing complexity of many SA mining operations have resulted in greater need for skills in the fields of Mining, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Mine Surveying, and Rock Mechanics. The need to address these issues has been recognised and emphasis is now being placed on development of skills in mining, geology, rock mechanics, surveying or environmental sciences within these mining disciplines to tackle these problems. These skills are seen as key components to safe and profitable mining. The skills imparted and research in these disciplines serves to improve the efficiency in the way we mine and while providing suggestions on how to extend the life span of mines, to providing employment both within the mining industry and the numerous support industries.

Qualifying learners will be competent professional on NQF Level 8 in the Mining, Geology, Rock Mechanics, Surveying, and Environmental Scientists in all mining operations; and in particular underground or surface mining or surveying and geological mapping; Rock Engineers; mineral processors (beneficiation) and Geotechnical Engineers. Learners will be exposed to the basic theoretical and practical knowledge pertinent to these mining related environments. The qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible so that learners are able to demonstrate the competencies in Mining, Geology, Rock Mechanics, Environmental Sciences and Surveying in the mining and minerals sectors.

This qualification will be justified recognition for the skills and competencies of Bachelor of Earth Sciences in Mining and Environmental Geology in the fields of mining, geology, rock mechanics, surveying or environmental sciences. The associated status of a nationally recognised qualification will serve as a motivation for learners to further their skills by entering the fields of Mining, Geology, Rock Mechanics and Surveying. Current holders of first Degree in Mining, Geology, Rock Mechanics, Surveying or Environmental Sciences will benefit from the opportunity. Those also, with a National Diploma or Junior Degree in the above-mentioned fields of study will benefit from recognition presented by RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning).

Mining activities contributes to over 30% of the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in South Africa. This being one of the pillars of national economy there is need to exploit the mineral resources efficiently and cost effectively in a sustainable manner. South Africa is currently concluding a National Sustainable Development Strategy and debating the sustainable future it wishes to achieve. One of the legal mechanisms available to enable sustainable development-based decision-making is improved mining and beneficiation methods while adhering to national and international health and safety standards. One of the key challenges is to improve the quality and ethics of sustainable mining practices. This qualification will address these pertinent issues.

The range of professionals-geologists, geoscientists, mine planners, rock engineers, mining legal practitioners and mining surveyors-who undertake mining practices, or have the intention of gaining certification with a registration authority would need to have academic qualifications that comply with the SAQA registration and accreditation requirements. This qualification represents a component of the learning pathway that allows individuals to gain access to a variety of disciplines in this profession and to build their career base as highly qualified and competent professionals. It will also promote mining and environment geology as a profession and a major contributor in South African mining sector at the same time bringing international competitiveness in terms of competence.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. This qualification may therefore be achieved in part through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The learner who has a demonstrated work experience in a mining sector or a research organisation involved in research work in the fields of Geoscience and related fields may access entry to Bachelor of Earth Sciences in Mining and Environmental Geology. The learner with this qualification will be briefed on the mechanism and support and guidance that will be provided.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 496 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 108 Credits

• Introduction to Geology, 10 Credits.
• Introduction to Mining and Mineral Economics, 8 Credits.
• Introduction to Hydrology and Meteorology, 10 Credits.
• The Natural Environment as System, 8 Credits.
• English Communication Skills, 10 Credits.
• Maths for Life and Earth Sciences, 8 Credits.
• Introduction to Hydrogeology and Soil Science, 8 Credits.
• Introduction to the Strength of Materials and Rock Mechanics, 8 Credits.
• Southern African Weather and Water Resources, 10 Credits.
• Ecological Principles for Environmental Management, 10 Credits.
• English Com Skills, 10 Credits.
• Math for Biology and Earth Sciences, 8 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 120 Credits

• Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Basin Analysis, 10 Credits.
• Mineralogy, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, 10 Credits.
• Geochemistry and Mineral Processing, 10 Credits.
• Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, 12 Credits.
• Principles of Resource Management, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Photogeology and Remote Sensing, 10 Credits.
• Introduction to GIS, 8 Credits.
• Introduction to Geomadicene, 8 Credits.
• Introduction to Surveying, 10 Credits.
• Mine Water Generation and South African Policies and Guidelines, 8 Credits.
• Water Law and Institutions, 12 Credits.
• Pollution and Environmental Quality, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7,122 Credits

• Economic Geology and Mineral Resources of Southern Africa, 10 Credits.
• Environmental Geology and Mine Rehabilitation, 8 Credits.
• Introduction to Geophysics, 10 Credits.
• Mine Development and Mining Operations, 8 Credits.
• Integrated Mine Water Management, 8 Credits.
• Resources Evaluation and Information Systems, 8 Credits.
• Exploration and mining geology, 10 Credits.
• Geological Field Mapping, 6 Credits.
• Surface Mining and Mine Management, 8 Credits.
• Surface Surveying, 8 Credits.
• Geotechnical Engineering, 8 Credits.
• Industrial Attachment, 6 Credits.
• Geographic Information System (GIS) and Map Production, 8 Credits.
• Geo-environment and Health, 8 Credits.
• Environmental Impact Assessment and Modelling, 8 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 128 Credits

• Mineral Exploration and Advance Mineral Economics, 10 Credits.
• Exploration Geophysics, 10 Credits.
• Underground Mining, 10 Credits.
• Mine Safety and Health, 10 Credits.
• Engineering and Transport System, 10 Credits.
• Non-Entry Mining, 10 Credits.
• Hydrogeology, 10 Credits.
• Advanced Mine and Environmental Management, 10 Credits.
• Small-Scale Mining, 8 Credits.
• Underground Mine Surveying, 10 Credits.
• Research Project and Dissertation, 30 Credits.

Electives Modules, NQF Level 5, 18 Credits (Select three modules)

• Physics for Environmental and Agricultural Sciences I, 6 Credits.
• General Chemistry for Applied Sciences, 6 Credits.
• Physics for Environmental and Agricultural Sciences II, 6 Credits.
• Inorganic Chemistry for Applied Sciences, 6 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the discipline's body of knowledge, with specialist knowledge in the areas of geology, mining, surveying and related aspects of environmental sciences'.
2. Communicate effectively with peers, in a variety of modes, in the subject of Chemical Science.
3. Identify, assess, formulate and solve complex problems in geology, mining and closely related aspects in environmental sciences creatively, from the imparted their knowledge of the different domains of geology and mining.
4. Demonstrate applied competence in the knowledge and skills, at geological, mining and environmental sciences knowledge and skills acquired can be applied to solve real problems of a chemical nature, either individually or as part of a team.
5. Use of safe working practice in geological and mining fields.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify common geological resources and discuss how people use them.
• An understanding of common processes of geologic formation of rock and mineral resources.
• Describe some of the extraction methods and identify different types of mining.
• Describe geologic materials as current or potential energy resources and categorize sources as renewable or non-renewable.
• Plan and execute both large and a small mine programme.
• Implement mining and rehabilitation of mined land.
• Understand the economic contribution of the mineral resources to national economy
• Understand the law of supply and demand.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical aspects of geological exploration and location of deposits, theoretical aspects of mining, and surveying.
• Understand the techniques used in groundwater resources exploration and management of groundwater during its abstraction
• Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical aspects of mining equipments and criteria for correct selection for type of mining in place.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical aspects environmental assessment and integrated environmental management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Communicate effectively using appropriate language and media.
• Prepare illustrative and interpretive scientific reports.
• Write and present mini-seminars.
• Participate effectively in oral presentations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
• Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economical development of society.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate an understanding of the material world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
• Ability to solve problems individually and as part of a project team.
• Demonstrate ability to analyses, synthesize, present and critically evaluate data and information, using a variety of analytical methods and techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Use the process skills to explore and extract economically and sustainably mineral resources with minimal impact to the environment for the economic development of the nation and the world at large.
• Ability to use scientific knowledge and skills to support responsible decision making of geological, mining and environmental nature.
• Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues related to the geological sciences.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification takes into account that assessment is a paramount activity inseparable from the teaching process, aimed at establishing the learners' competencies and knowledge, their critical sense, ability to recognise and resolve problems, as well as their written and oral presentation skills. Learners will be examined for this qualification under the terms of the institution's Policy by presentation of a thesis that will be internally and externally examined.

Formative assessment is done through individual or small group exercises, usually in the form of short assignments, or by means of impromptu class tests (which are not scored). This informs the lecturer of any shortcomings in the teaching and/or misconceptions among students. It also informs the learners of lack of knowledge and understanding of the aspects tested.

Summative assessment is done by means of

• Short class tests of limited scope (10% of semester mark).
• One major test covering at least half of the theory work.
• An exam on all the work covered in the module is conducted at the end of each semester.
• The semester mark contributes 60% to the final mark, and the exam mark 40%. An aggregate of 50% is required for a pass.
• The written field report (fourth year) tests the practical application of a wide range of skills, i.e. the application of theoretical knowledge in a practical, real-life situation.