SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Mining Operations: Underground Coal 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
21812  National Certificate: Mining Operations: Underground Coal 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
MQA - Mining Qualifications Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  127  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
This qualification is aimed at people who work or intend to work within a coal-mining context and seek recognition for essential skills in coal mining operations.

Recipients of this qualification have the knowledge and skills to conduct the essential operations associated with safe mining in any one of the following specialisation areas in underground coalmines:
  • Underground coal - Blasting operations,
  • Underground coal - Continuous miner operation, or
  • Underground coal - Long Wall mining operations.

    The qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible so that people are able to demonstrate the competencies required to work safely in an underground coalmine in general and effectively and safely in one of the Blasting, Continuous Mining or Long Wall specialisation areas.

    Rationale

    The majority of the candidates for this qualification are likely to be working in the mining and minerals sector. The qualification will give them the opportunity to balance their practical skills with the essential knowledge needed to earn a formal qualification in coal mining operations.

    There is also a critical need in the industry to identify and recognise people who are able to conduct the essential operations associated with efficient and safe coal mining extraction in at least one of Blasting operations, Continuous Mining operations or Long Wall operations.

    Range statements

    The unit standards provide the details of the ranges within which candidates are required to perform. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that candidates embarking on learning programmes towards this qualification are already competent in the following areas:
  • Knowledge and ability to work underground.
  • Knowledge of specific ventilation.
  • Knowledge of mine standards and procedures.
  • ABET level 3 in language, literacy and communication.

    Recognition of prior learning

    This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning in terms of the criteria laid out in the exit level outcome and rules of combination as per "Exit level outcomes and rules of combinations".

    Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

    All such evidence should be judged according to the general principles of assessment described in the note to the assessors in "Qualification Notes". 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Credits:
  • Underground coal - Blasting operations - minimum of 150
  • Underground coal - Continuous miner operation - minimum of 130
  • Underground coal - Long Wall mining operations - minimum of 127

    Fundamental Component:
    All unit standards totalling 36 credits are compulsory.

    Core Component:

    The unit standards in the core component totalling 66 credits are compulsory for all learners.

    Elective Component:

    Learners are to choose one of the following specialisation areas and complete the unit standards as indicated in each specialisation. Additional unit standards should be chosen from other elective areas if there are insufficient credits in the chosen specialisation to give the minimum credits allocated to it.

    Blasting operations Specialisation Area:

    The following unit standards are core to blasting operations, in terms of the exit level outcome 'Conduct blasting operations in an underground coal mine':
  • Control operations in a blasting section in an underground coal mine
  • Treat misfires and sockets in an underground coal mine
  • Conduct blasting operations in an underground coal mine
  • Charge up a face for blasting in an underground coal mine

    Long Wall Operations Specialisation Area

    The following unit standards are core to long wall operations, in terms of the exit level outcome 'Mine Coal in a Long Wall section':
  • Support roof using hydraulic chock shields in a Long Wall mining section in an underground coal mine
  • Control operations in a long wall section in an underground coal mine

    Continuous Miner Operations

    The following unit standards are core to continuous miner operations, in terms of the exit level outcome 'Mine Coal in a continuous miner section':
  • Control operations in a continuous miner section in an underground coal mine

    At least 5 credits from the following unit standards must be selected in terms of exit level outcome 'Carry out mining activities in an underground coal mine':
  • Load coal using a gathering arm loader in an underground coal mine.
  • Transport coal using shuttle-mining equipment in an underground coal mine.
  • Operate a mobile compressor to deliver compressed air in an underground coal mine.
  • Drill holes by means of a hand held rock drill machine.
  • Drill coal face using mobile drilling equipment in an underground coal mine.
  • Drill coal face using hand held drilling equipment in an underground coal mine.
  • Cut coal face using universal type coal cutter in an underground coal mine.
  • Cut coal face using arc wall type coal cutter in an underground coal mine.
  • Cut coal face using a continuous mining equipment in an underground coal mine

    At least 15 credits from the following unit standards must be selected in terms of exit level outcome 'Mine coal in a continuous miner section':
  • Cut coal face using continuous mining equipment in an underground coal mine
  • Transport coal using shuttle mining equipment in an underground coal mine

    The rest of the Elective unit standards are elective to individuals. The candidate must choose a total of at least 5 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    This qualification has the following exit level outcomes:

    Fundamental exit level outcomes
  • Communicate in a variety of ways,
  • Use mathematics in a real life situation.

    Core exit level outcomes
  • Sustain health and safety in the workplace,
  • Conduct blasting operations in an underground coal mine,
  • Carry out mining activities in an underground coal mine.

    Elective exit level outcomes
  • Load and transport coal from underground,
  • Conduct drilling operations in an underground coal mine.

    Critical cross-field outcomes

    This qualification addresses the following critical cross-field outcomes. The way in which the critical cross-field outcomes are addressed is presented in detail in the unit standards outlined in the Annexures.

    1. Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
    2. Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, or community.
    3. Organizing and managing oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.
    4. Collecting, analysing, organizing and critically evaluating information.
    5. Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.
    6. Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
    7. Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Learning programmes directed towards this qualification will also contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making individuals aware of the importance of:
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities; and developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment

    For award of the National Certificate in Mining Operations - Underground Coal, the candidate must achieve each unit standard as per the exit level outcomes and rules of combination as per "Exit level outcomes and rules of combinations". The assessment criteria will allow the candidate to reflect achievement through the use of integrative assessment methods and criteria which ensure both that the purpose and the achievement of the qualification are able to be met across a range of contexts and circumstances, reflectively and repetitively.

    Principles of assessment:
  • Appropriate: The method of assessment is suited to the performance being assessed.
  • Fair: The method of assessment does not present any barriers to achievements, which are not related to the evidence. In particular, the method of assessment is sensitive to language diversity.
  • Manageable: The methods used make for easily arranged cost-effective assessments that do not unduly interfere with learning.
  • Integration into work or learning: Evidence collection is integrated into the work or learning process where this is appropriate and feasible.
  • Valid: The assessment focuses on the requirements laid down in the standard; i.e. the assessment is fit for purpose.
  • Direct: The activities in the assessment mirror the conditions of actual performance as closely as possible.
  • Authentic: The assessor is satisfied the work being assessed is attributable to the person being assessed.
  • Sufficient: The evidence collected establishes that all criteria have been met and that performance to the required standard can be repeated consistently.
  • Systematic: Planning and recording is sufficiently rigorous to ensure that assessment is fair.
  • Open: Learners can contribute to the planning and accumulation of evidence. Assessment candidates understand the assessment process and the criteria that apply.
  • Consistent: The same assessor would make the same judgement again in similar circumstances. The judgement made is similar to the judgement that would be made by other assessors. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification and the component unit standards have been compared with similar qualifications from the following countries:
  • New Zealand
  • Australia.

    In addition, the abilities described in the unit standards have also been compared with the findings of related experiences and practical exercises carried out in the sub-field of Mining and Minerals.

    In general this qualification and its component unit standards compare well with their international counterparts. The only differences are in formatting and scope of coverage or focus. The qualification found to be the most comparable to this one is the Australian qualification entitled Certificate in Mining Operations. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification can act as a springboard from which people may progress to other qualifications in mining, mining - related sub-fields and mining supervision. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal moderation of assessment must take place at the point of assessment with external moderation provided by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. Particular moderation requirements related to this qualification are:
  • The moderator to be competent in moderation and assessment
  • Moderator to comply with the requirements of the ETQA of moderation 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting the assessment:
  • Focus the initial assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcomes expressed in the titles of the unit standards to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the qualification purpose. Where assessment at across titles or at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes. Take special note of the need for integrated assessment.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent as defined below:

    1. Providers offering learning towards achievement of any of the unit standards that make up this qualification must be accredited through the relevant ETQA by SAQA. Particular accreditation requirements related to these qualifications are:
  • Underground training environment.
  • Have all the relevant training material and aids.

    2. Assessors registered with the relevant ETQA must carry out the assessment of candidates for any of the unit standards that make up this qualification. The following criteria are specified for assessors concerning the technical aspects of the qualification:
  • Must be qualified to conduct an assessment.
  • Must have the technical background in mining, in either Blasting Operations, Long Wall Mining or Continuous Mining Operations. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  9615  Conduct visual inspection of flameproof equipment in an underground coal mine  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Core  110217  Demonstrate knowledge and ability to work in an underground coal mine  Level 1  NQF Level 01  8 
    Core  15269  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic strata control principles  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Core  116520  Apply safety, health and environmental principles and procedures in a workplace  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  9622  Demonstrate an understanding of the prevention of flammable gas ignition through the use of flame proofing in an underground coal mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  110205  Demonstrate knowledge of the Mine Health and Safety Act, regulations and definitions  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  9610  Sound and bar down roof and side walls using sounding and barring equipment in an underground coal mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  9613  Ventilate a production section to control gases and dust in an underground coal mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  13912  Apply knowledge of self and team in order to develop a plan to enhance team performance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  9611  Conduct statutory examinations in a production section in an underground coal mine  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  9619  Control dust in a production section in an underground coal mine  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  13915  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS in a workplace, and its effects on a business sub-sector, own organisation and a specific workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  9612  Test, monitor and control the eight common mine gases in an underground coal mine  Level 3  NQF Level 03  17 
    Fundamental  9010  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  8972  Interpret a variety of literary texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8973  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  15277  Deliver compressed air using a mobile compressor in an underground coal mine  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Elective  9614  Feed and break coal using a feeder breaker in an underground coal mine  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Elective  15276  Install a ventilation curtain in an underground coal mine  Level 1  NQF Level 01  1 
    Elective  15262  Operate a belt conveyor unit to convey coal in an underground coal mine  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Elective  15303  Pump water using pumping equipment in an underground coal mine  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Elective  15255  Support roof using hydraulic chock shield in a wall mining section in underground coal mine  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Elective  15282  Support roof using mine pole support in an underground coal mine  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Elective  15291  Apply stone dust using stone dusting equipment in an underground coal mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  9623  Cut coal face using a universal type coal cutter in an underground coal mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  13 
    Elective  9618  Cut coal face using an arc wall type coal cutter in an underground coal mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  9694  Drill holes by means of a hand-held rock drill machine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  9617  Drill work face using hand held drilling equipment in an underground coal mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  9616  Drill work face using self propelled drilling equipment in an underground coal mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  15289  Load coal using a gathering arm loader in an underground coal mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  7 
    Elective  15339  Place and operate an auxiliary fan in an underground coal mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  13 
    Elective  15334  Supervise the installation and operation of a belt conveyor in an underground coal mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  15 
    Elective  9609  Support roof using a roofbolter in an underground coal mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  13 
    Elective  15259  Transport coal using shuttle-mining equipment in an underground coal mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  15332  Transport personnel, material or equipment using approved self-propelled mobile machines in an underground coal mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
    Elective  15335  Charge up a work face for blasting in an underground coal mine  Level 3  NQF Level 03  11 
    Elective  110210  Conduct blasting operations in an underground coal mine  Level 3  NQF Level 03  11 
    Elective  110125  Control operations in a blasting section in an underground coal mine  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  9621  Control operations in a continuous miner section in an underground coal mine  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  15331  Control operations in a wall section in an underground coal mine  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  9607  Cut and load a coal face using continous mining equipment in an underground coal mine  Level 3  NQF Level 03  28 
    Elective  110130  Treat misfires and sockets in an underground coal mine  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. GLENCORE OPERATIONS SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD 
    2. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    3. SASOL GLOBAL LEARNING 
    4. ZULEK TRAINING SPECIALISTS 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.