Doctor of Philosophy in Mining and Environmental Geology

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide training for an academic career in mining and environmental geology. It requires a learner to undertake research at the most academic levels culminating in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis in mining and environmental geology. The learner is required to demonstrate high level research capability and to make a significant and original academic contribution to mining and environmental geology.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Mining and Environmental Geology, aims to provide professionals with the ability to

• design an integrated perspective of System of Earth and its evolution; � execute or collaborate in projects of prospection, evaluation, exploration and exploitation of geological resources;
• collaborate on work in the area of geotechnical engineering;
• collaborate on geo-environmental 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 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. Further, the need for improved methods of mineral exploration and mining methods, while adhering to national and international recommended safety standards and mining sustainably with maximization 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 and research in these disciplines serves to improve the efficiency in the way we mine and providing suggestions on how to extend the life span of mines providing employment both within the mining industry and the numerous support industries.

Qualifying learners will be competent professional on NQF Level 10 in the Mining, Geology, Rock Mechanics, Surveying, and Environmental Scientists in all mining operations; and in particular underground or surface mining or surveying and mapping, 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 Doctor of Philosophy in 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 master's holders in mining, geology, rock mechanics, surveying or environmental sciences and surveying will benefit from the opportunity, while those with work experience but from related fields of study will benefit from recognition presented by RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning).

Mining activities contributes to over 30% of the National 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 from a variety of disciplines to access the profession and to build their career base as highly qualified and competent professionals. It will also promote mining and environment geology as a profession.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The structure of this research based 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 Master's Degree in Mining and Geology or in related fields and 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 Doctor of Philosophy in Mining and Environmental Geology. The learner with this qualifications will be briefed on the mechanism and support and guidance that will be provided. The learner with Master's Degree in Geosciences or related fields with a minimum of 5 years industrial experience with an article publications and/ or work related reports and/ or attendances of professional courses in related fields will be accredited credits at the time of admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for this qualification is

• Master of Science in Mining and Environmental Geology, NQF Level 9.

Or

• Master of Science in Geotechnical Engineering, NQF Level 9.

Or

• Master of Sustainable Mining, NQF Level 9.

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 10, 360 Credits

• Research and Thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Conduct independent research.
2. Produce a dissertation that places research within the broader context of Mining and Environmental Geology and which withstands international intellectual scrutiny.
3. Contribute to original knowledge in Mining and Environmental Geology; undertake further research at an advanced level.
4. Deal with complexity, and/or contradictions in the knowledge base; select appropriate tools and research methods with confidence.
5. Synthesise and evaluate information autonomously.
6. Make sound evaluations on the basis of independently generated criteria.
7. Communicate fully and professionally with other colleagues working in the field.
8. Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of geological prospecting, location, evaluation, exploration and beneficiation of geological resources, fundamental in the mining industry environment, sustainable development, environmental assessment, and integrated environmental management.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Develop a proposal to be submitted for assessment by the school higher Degrees' committee.
• Collect data with the aim of meeting the set objectives of the study.
• Give an oral presentation in defence of the proposal.
• Submit for internal and external examination and the learner also gives oral presentation in defence of the Thesis.

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 recognize and resolve problems, as well as their written and oral presentation skills. Learners will be examined for this course under the terms of the institution policy by presentation of a thesis that will be internally and externally examined.