Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Survey Observer

Purpose

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

Mine Survey Observers use basic survey techniques, methods and tools; and complete administrative functions and duties; in accordance with organisational, statutory, and regulatory requirements.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Use basic survey techniques, methods and tools.
• Apply a selection of surveying procedures.
• Perform map reading and measuring functions within a mining environment.
• Communicate effectively.

The qualifying learner will be able to effectively and competently use survey techniques and tools to measure, record mining features; and calculate monthly mine production.

The qualification provides learners with opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader fields of mine surveying, mine sampling, mine planning and 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

Mine Surveying fulfils an essential function since the information that is provided is indispensable to all the other mining disciplines. Mine Surveying is an essential component of Mineral Resource Management that provides technical support in terms of measurement, reporting, positional accuracy and direction to the mining process. The role of Mine Surveying has changed in recent times, with changes in legislation, changes in technologies, and work structures.

The role of Mine Survey Observers is to provide technical support in terms of accurate measurement and recording of mine workings. This specialised task is critical to the design, planning, and safety of surface and underground mining activities, which must be accurately represented on mine plans.

Recent advancements in information technology within the mining industry, coupled with escalating statutory requirements for surveying work, highlight the urgent need to enhance the skills of mine surveyors. This qualification aims to equip potential learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving technological, statutory, and mandatory demands effectively. This qualification offers opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader domains of mine sampling, mine planning, and occupational health, safety, and environmental management. The curriculum associated with this qualification comprehensively covers the knowledge and practical skills essential for operations in underground hardrock mines, underground coal mines, and surface excavations.

Geospatial data forms the foundation of mining. Mining surveyors are responsible for the accurate measurement of areas and volumes mined, plus the precise representation of the surface and underground situation on mining plans. improve the safety of any surface and underground mining operations.

The qualification will enhance the mining sector and benefit society by equipping learners with the skills and technical competencies needed to elevate work standards and improve the safety of any surface and underground mining operations. 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 registering for this qualification will typically be working within the mining industry or Survey Assistants who would like to advance their skills in mine surveying. Mine workers with appropriate experience seeking to advance their careers will also benefit from this qualification.

The typical learning pathway in mining operations would be Mine Technical Support Services Assistant: Survey/Planning skills programme at NQF Level 2, Mine Survey Observer at NQF Level 3, then National Occupational Certificate: Mine Survey Officer at NQF Level 4, with specialisations in Surveying, Sampling, Geology or Mine Planning then a Mine Survey Supervisor/Chief Surveyor at NQF Level 7.

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

Related occupations and professions include

• 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 Survey Observer.

Collaboration with relevant stakeholders during 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).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for Access

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

Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. 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 programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme 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 to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme 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.

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 programme. 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 Certificate 2 with Communication and Mathematics.
• An NQF Level 2 Skills Programme: Mine Technical Support Services Assistant: Survey/Planning.

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

Knowledge Modules

• 311701-009-01-KM-01, Mining Surveying Practice, NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.
• 311701-009-01-KM-02, Mineral Resource Management NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
• 311701-009-01-KM-03, Mining and Mineral Engineering Practice, NQF Level 3, 6 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.
• 311701 009-01-KM-06, Basic Relevant Regulation Pertaining to Surveying, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 40.

Practical Skill Modules

• 311701-009-01-PM-01, Carry Out a Selection of Surveying Procedures and Processes, NQF Level 3, 24 Credits.
• 311701-009-01-PM-02, Carry Out Basic Sampling and Geological Procedures and Processes, NQF Level 3, 24 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 48.

Work Experience Modules

• 311701-009-01-WM-01, Mine Survey Operations, NQF Level 3, 32 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 32.

1. Apply knowledge and skills to use basic survey techniques, methods and tools to perform survey functions.
2. Measure and record mining features and calculate monthly mine production.
3. Apply procedures and techniques to perform map reading and measuring functions within a mining environment.
4. Apply communication strategies to convey messages effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Apply knowledge and skills to use basic survey techniques, methods and tools to perform survey functions.

• Apply basic knowledge and understanding of mine surveying, occupational health, safety, environmental, organisational, statutory, and regulatory requirements.
• Carry out basic survey processes and procedures.
• Obtain permissions to conduct the surveys, in terms of the legal procedures and complete documents according to organisational, statutory, and regulatory requirements and ensure compliance to all occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Complete risk assessments before work starts and deal with hazards according to organisational risk assessment practices.
• Use survey tools and equipment according to specifications and survey standards and practices.
• Complete calculations and capture measurements on the required forms, logs, and systems in accordance with organisational, statutory, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform survey drafting in accordance with work requirements.
• Demonstrate the ability to locate oneself on surface and underground in accordance with specified work-related requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Measure and record mining features and calculate monthly mine production.

• Perform hand-held Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) measurements in accordance with specified requirements and equipment parameters.
• Produce a survey note in accordance with legal and work-related requirements and standards.
• Set up and operate the Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver in accordance with specified requirements and manufacturer guidelines.
• Interpret basic coordinate systems in accordance with specified requirements.
• Quantify plotted measured data in accordance with work-related standards and requirements.
• Calculate and manufacture grade chains in accordance with work-related requirements and standards.
• Set up a survey instrument to take observations in accordance with work related standards and manufacturer's guidelines.
• Plot cartesian coordinates in accordance with requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Apply procedures and techniques to perform 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 4

ELO 4: Apply communication strategies to convey messages effectively.

• Demonstrate oral and written communication effectively while performing the tasks related to performing the elementary mine survey.
• Access information related to work tasks and interpret it 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 mine survey activities.
• Solve mathematical problems in relation with the operational context.
• Record and monitor problems and solutions for reoccurrence.

Integrated Assessment

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.