Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampling Observer

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Mine Sampling Observer.

Mine Sampling Observers perform basic survey and sampling functions, collect, process, and capture sampling data, and complete administrative functions and duties in accordance with organizational, statutory, and regulatory requirements.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Perform elementary mine sampling, functions; collect, process, and capture sample data.
• Perform basic surveys, map reading, and measuring functions within a mining environment.
• Perform basic geological functions pertinent to the mining environment.
• Observe and apply Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental standards in the workplace.
• Communicate effectively.

This qualification offers learners avenues for professional growth and career advancement within the broader fields of mine surveying, occupational health, safety, and environmental management.

Graduate attributes

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Punctuality
• Time management
• Self-motivated
• Responsibility
• Accountability
• Interpersonal relations
• Ethical behaviour
• Well organised
• Self-confidence
• Confidentiality

Rationale

In the mining industry, it is very important to obtain information on the ore that is mined. Samplers are responsible for taking samples for analysis on a regular basis. The role of Mine Sampling Observers is critical in Mineral Resource Management, where skills in this area are scarce. Samplers take of samples on-site, either in an open-cast or underground mine. They visit different sections of the mine on a daily basis to take ore samples. This is a specialised task since the information obtained from the ore is vital for planning.

The complexity of the work is increasing with the development of new technologies, along with the increasing statutory requirements for sampling work, have highlighted the need to enhance the dwindling skills of mine samplers. This qualification aims to equip potential learners with the required knowledge and skills to adapt to the evolving technological, statutory, and mandatory requirements.

This qualification offers opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader domains of mine sampling, occupational health, safety, and environmental management. This qualification covers the required knowledge and practical skills needed for mine sampling. The required work experience will be limited to the specific context where the learners find themselves.

Sampling is among the most fundamental activities in a mining operation. The simple act of taking a sample and the information contained in the result enables a mine to decide a course of action. This may involve the opening or closing a mine, or deciding if a truckload of mineralised rock should be sent to the mill for processing or the waste dump.

The qualification will enhance the mining sector and benefit society by equipping learners with the skills and technical competencies needed to elevate work standards, comply with occupational health, safety, and environmental regulations, and work safely and efficiently. This proficiency will not only boost productivity but also contribute to the nation's economy.

A strengthened economy attracts both local and international investors, thereby further stimulating economic growth and development.

Learners for this qualification will typically be new entrants to the mining sector or Mine Sampling Assistants. Mine workers with appropriate experience seeking to advance their careers will also benefit from this qualification. The typical learning pathway would be Mine Technical Services Support Assistant: Sampling Operations at NQF Level 2, Mine Sampling Observer at NQF Level 3, Mine Sampling Officer at NQF Level 4, then Mine Section Valuator at NQF Level 6.

This qualification will assist in formalising of the requirements for this very important occupation. There will be an opportunity for RPL for mine employees, and this will allow new industry entrants to be fast tracked to a productive career.

There are currently no other similar qualifications registered under the OQSF.

The following stakeholders from various sectors were involved in the development of this qualification

• Workplace Practitioners.
• Assessors and moderators.
• Private Training Providers.
• Teaching and learning specialist.
• Curriculum Development Specialist.
• Other (The Minerals Council of South Africa).

Typical occupations

• Mine Sampling Observer

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for Access

Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a qualification of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills qualification.

Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.

RPL for Exemption

For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

RPL for awarding credits

Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

RPL for access into the External Integrated Summative Assessment.

A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.

Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification or skills qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO.

Entry Requirements

• An NQF Level 2 qualification with Communication and Mathematics.
• An NQF Level 2 Skills Programme Mine Technical Support Services Assistant: Sampling Operations.

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules

Knowledge Modules

• 311701-012-01-KM-01, Elementary Mine Sampling Practice, NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.
• 311701-012-01-KM-02, Mineral Resource Management, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
• 311701-012-01-KM-03, Mining and Mineral Engineering Practice, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
• 311701-009-01-KM-04, Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
• 311701-009-01-KM-05, Teamwork and Supervision, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 40.

Practical Skill Modules

311701-012-01-PM-01, Carry Out Elementary Mine Sampling Data Procedures and Processes, Functions; Collect, Process, and Capture Samples, NQF Level 3, 48 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 48

Work Experience Modules

311701-012-01-WM-01, Mine Sample Operations, NQF Level 3, 32 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 32.

1. Apply mine sampling procedures and processes to carry out elementary mine sampling functions, including collection, processing, and capturing sample data.
2. Apply knowledge and techniques to perform basic survey, map reading and measuring functions within a mining environment.
3. Demonstrate the ability to perform basic geological functions pertinent to the mining environment.
4. Observe and apply knowledge and understanding of Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental standards applicable to workplaces.
5. Communicate effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Apply mine sampling procedures and processes to carry out elementary mine sampling functions, including collection, processing, and capturing sample data.

• Ensure compliance with occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements, in accordance with statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
• Complete risk assessments before work starts and deal with hazards according to organisational risk assessment practices.
• Use tools and equipment, according to specifications and standards and practices, to determine the survey base.
• Sample mining face with a scanning device for mineral evaluation purposes in accordance with work requirements and manufacturer guidelines.
• Compile a sample sheet and calculate the results manually for mineral evaluation purposes in accordance with mine-related standards and requirements.
• Mark off a face for sampling and map for mineral evaluation purposes in accordance with work-related standards and requirements.
• Determine the particle size distribution of a sample by means of a sieving technique in accordance with work requirements and manufacturer guidelines.
• Complete calculations, and capture measurements on the required forms, logs, and systems in accordance with organisational, statutory, and regulatory requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Apply knowledge and techniques to perform basic survey, map reading and measuring functions within a mining environment.

• Plot tape measurements in accordance with work-related requirements.
• Calculate quantities from plotted data in accordance with specified work requirements.
• Interpret plans in accordance with work and legal standards and requirements.
• Measure directions and distances on a map in accordance with work-related standards.
• Calculate quantities using tape measurements in accordance with work-related and legal requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Demonstrate the ability to perform basic geological functions pertinent to the mining environment.

• Explain the basic knowledge and show the understanding of mineral resource management, mining engineering, technical services practice, occupational health, safety, environmental, organisational, statutory, and regulatory requirements.
• Compile grade distribution plan in accordance with mine-related standards and requirements.
• Collate data for grade control and geological interpretative purposes in accordance with work requirements and standards.
• Measure and record basic geological data for grade control purposes in accordance with mine-related standards and requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

ELO 4: Observe and apply knowledge and understanding of Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental standards applicable to workplaces.

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of requirements for Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental policies, procedures and requirements.
• Adhere to Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental policies, procedures and requirements, at all times as per workplace requirements.
• Conduct elementary mine sampling operations in a mineral technical support environment according to the Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

ELO 5: Communicate effectively.

• Effectively use oral and written communication while performing the tasks related to performing elementary mine sampling in mining operations.
• Access and interpret information related to work tasks from a range of written and oral sources to ensure that work requirements are understood.
• Communicate accurate information and convey it in accordance with acceptable timeframes.
• Apply principles and techniques of mathematics while performing the tasks related to sampling activities.
• Solve mathematical problems in relation with the operational context.
• Record and monitor problems and solutions for reoccurrence.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Formative Assessments conducted internally

Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment.

Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weakness, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained.

Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided.

Integrated Summative Assessments conducted Internally

Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification or occupational skills qualification, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed.

An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification, part-qualification or skills qualification.

Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g. applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc.

The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA.

External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner.

For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating: The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules OR The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge and Application Components.

The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules

OR

The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge and Application Components.