Mining Technician: Mine Planner

Curriculum Document
Curriculum Code / Curriculum Title
311701-010 / Mining Technician: Mine Planning Practitioner
Development Quality Partner
Name / Organisation / Contact /
Mine Qualifications
Authority / Sector Education and Training Authority / PRIVATE BAG X118
MARSHALL TOWN
2107

______

DQP Representative SignatureDate

Occupational QualificationPage 1

Mining Technician: Mine Planner

Table of Contents

SECTION 1: CURRICULUM SUMMARY

1.Occupational Information

1.1.Associated Occupations

1.2.Occupation or Specialisation Addressed by this Curriculum

1.3.Alternative Titles used by Industry

2.Curriculum Information

2.1.Relation of this Curriculum to the Occupation and Qualification Progression

2.2.Curriculum Structure

2.3.International Comparability

2.4.Entry Requirements

3.Assessment Quality Partner Information

4.Modules of Employable Skills (MES) associated with this Curriculum

5.Learning Programmes

SECTION 2: OCCUPATIONAL PROFILE

1.Occupational Purpose

2.Occupational Tasks

3.Occupational Task Details

SECTION 3: CURRICULUM COMPONENT SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 3A: KNOWLEDGE SUBJECT SPECIFICATIONS

311701-010-KS-01: Mineral Resource Management (01)

311701-010-KS-02: Mining Engineering and Technical Services Practice (01)

311701-010-KS-03: Operations Management and Supervision (01)

1.Related Knowledge Subject Code and Title

2.Purpose of the Knowledge Subject

3.Topics included in this subject:

SECTION 3B: PRACTICAL SKILL MODULE SPECIFICATIONS

311701-010-PM-01- Update mining layouts and schedule the required resources to achieve the production rates. (NQF Level: 4 )

MODULE 311701-010-PM-02: Coordinate Mine Planning meetings (NQF Level: 4)

Provider Accreditation Requirements for this Module:

MODULE 311701-010-PM-03: Make inputs into a process to determine the possible risks in executing mine plans (NQF Level: 5)

Provider Accreditation Requirements:

MODULE 311701-010-PM-04: Collect and collate the actual output results. (NQF Level: 4)

Provider Accreditation Requirements:

MODULE 311701-010-PM-05: Analyse the short and medium term mine plans and determine the resource and infrastructure requirements (NQF Level: 5 )

Provider Accreditation Requirements:

SECTION 3C: WORK EXPERIENCE MODULE SPECIFICATIONS

MODULE 311701-010-WM-01: Exposure to Short and medium term mine planning processes

Criteria for Workplace Approval:

MODULE 311701-010-WM-02 : Exposure to the mining risk assessment processes

Criteria for Workplace Approval:

MODULE 311701-010-WM-03 : Exposure to the production review processes.

Criteria for Workplace Approval:

MODULE 311701-010-WM-04: Exposure to the infrastructure establishment processes

Criteria for Workplace Approval:

Occupational QualificationPage 1

Mining Technician: Mine Planner

SECTION 1: CURRICULUM SUMMARY

1.Occupational Information

1.1.Associated Occupations

311701 - Mining Technician

1.2.Occupation or Specialisation Addressed by this Curriculum

311701-002 - Mining Technician: Mine Planning Practitioner

1.3.Alternative Titles used by Industry

1. Junior Mine Planner

2. Technical Shift Supervisor

3. Shaft Planner

4. Designer and Scheduler

Mining Technician: Mine Planner

2.Curriculum Information

2.1.Relation of this Curriculum to the Occupation and QualificationProgression

Notes Regarding the Progression:

1. This qualification is focused on the underground Hardrock mines this is where the majority

of these employees work. Progression into this occupation is from other entry level occupations on the mines. A NQF level 3 qualification is being planned as a bridging programme to facilitate entry into this qualification. Different mines will have their own bridging programmes.

2.2.Curriculum Structure

Knowledge Subjects

Number / Title / NQF Level / Credits
311701-010-KS-01 / Mineral Resource Management (01) / 4 / 38
311701-010-KS-02 / Mining Engineering and Technical Services Practice (01) / 4 / 13
311701-010-KS-03 / Operations Management and Supervision (01) / 4 / 6

Total Knowledge Credits: 57

Mining Technician: Mine Planner

Practical Skills Modules

Number / Title / NQF Level / Credits
311701-010-PM-01 / RESP.01-01: Updated mining layouts and schedule the required resources to achieve the production rates. / 4 / 20
311701-010-PM-02 / RESP.01-02: Coordinate the Mine Planning meetings / 4 / 10
311701-010-PM-03 / RESP.02-01: Make inputs into a process to determine the possible risks in executing mine plans / 5 / 7
311701-010-PM-04 / RESP.03-01: Collect and collate the actual output results. / 4 / 6
311701-010-PM-05 / RESP.04-01: Analyse the short and medium term mine plans and determine the resource and infrastructure requirements / 5 / 6

Total Practical Skill Credits: 49

Work Experience Modules

Number / Title / NQF Level / Credits
311701-010-WM-01 / CONTEXT 01-01: Short and medium term mine planning processes / 4 / 64
311701-010-WM-02 / CONTEXT 02-01: Exposure to the mining risk assessment processes. / 5 / 8
311701-010-WM-03 / CONTEXT 03-01: Exposure to the production review processes. / 4 / 8
311701-010-WM-04 / CONTEXT 04-01: Exposure to the infrastructure establishment processes / 4 / 8

Total Work Experience Credits: 88

TOTAL QUALIFICATION CREDITS: 194

Knowledge Percentage: 29%

Practical Skills Percentage: 25%

Workplace Percentage: 45%

2.3.International Comparability

A study was done of the various countries where major mining activities occur and it was found that, currently there is no comparable qualification being used.

2.4.Entry Requirements

1. Successful completion of a pre-assessment and exposure to the technical aspects as required.

2. National FET Certificate NQF level 4 with Maths and Physical Science;

3. Comply with the Mining Industry medical fitness requirements for working in an underground mine.

3.Assessment Quality Partner Information

Name / Organisation / Contact
MQA / Involvement of the SAIMM, GSSA, Association of Mine Managers, Colliery Managers / Formal sub-structure of an Industry Education and
Training Authority

Mining Technician: Mine Planner

4.Modules of Employable Skills (MES) associated with this Curriculum

None

5.Learning Programmes

Mining Technician: Mine Planner

SECTION 2: OCCUPATIONAL PROFILE

Title: Mining Technician: Mine Planning Practitioner

OFO Code: 311701-010

1.Occupational Purpose

Mine Planners: Design and schedule the exploitation of a mineral body to convert the mineral resource into mineral reserves for the safe and profitable extraction of the minerals in line with given organisational strategies.

2.Occupational Tasks

TASK 01: Producing short and medium term Mineral Extraction layouts and production schedules including resource and equipment requirements for the mining of various mining commodities. (NQF Level: 4)

TASK 02: Preparing and collating information to determine the risks associated with the execution of the short and medium term mining plans. (NQF Level: 4)

TASK 03: Analysing production results against planned schedules and recommending corrective action to achieve the agreed planned production. (NQF Level: 4)

TASK 04: Creating operational mining infrastructure and resources schedules. (NQF Level:

3.Occupational Task Details

TASK 01: Producing short and medium term Mineral Extraction layouts and production schedules including resource and equipment requirements for the mining of various mining commodities. (NQF Level: 4)

Unique Product or Service

OUTPUT 01: Short and medium term mineral extraction plans and schedules are available.

Occupational Responsibilities

RESP.01-01: Updated mining layouts and schedule the required resources to achieve the

production rates.

RESP.01-02: Coordinate the Mine Planning meetings

Context

CONTEXT 01-01: Short and medium term mine planning processes

Mining Technician: Mine Planner

TASK 02: Preparing and collating information todetermine the risks associated with the execution

of the short and medium term mining plans. (NQF Level: 4)

Unique Product or Service

Hazard identification and risk assessment completed

Occupational Responsibilities

RESP.02-01: Make inputs into a process to determine the possible risks in executing mine

plans

Context

CONTEXT 02-01: Exposure to the mining risk assessment processes.

TASK 03: Analysing production results against planned schedules and recommending corrective action to achieve the agreed planned production. (NQF Level: 4)

Unique Product or Service

Mine production variance analysis available and actioned.

Occupational Responsibilities

RESP.03-01: Collect and collate the actual output results.

Context

CONTEXT 03-01: Exposure to the production review processes.

TASK 04: Creating operational mining infrastructure and resources schedules. (NQF Level: 4)

Unique Product or Service

Operational mining infrastructure and resources programmed and scheduled (utilities,

logistics, people etc)

Occupational Responsibilities

RESP.04-01: Analyse the short and medium term mine plans and determine the resource

and infrastructure requirements

Context

CONTEXT 04-01: Exposure to the infrastructure establishment processes

Mining Technician: Mine Planner

SECTION 3: CURRICULUM COMPONENT SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 3A: KNOWLEDGE SUBJECT SPECIFICATIONS

List of Knowledge Subjects for which Specifications are included

Total Knowledge Credits: 57

Mining Technician: Mine Planner

311701-010-KS-01: Mineral Resource Management (01)

Related Knowledge Subject Code and Title

CESM CODE: 081701: An area of study which prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design development and operational evaluation of mineral extraction processing and refining systems including open pit and shaft mines prospecting and site analysis equipment and instruments environmental and safety systems mine equipment and facilities mineral processing and refining methods and systems and logistics and communications systems.

Purpose of the Knowledge Subject

The focus of the learning in this subject is on building an understanding of the theoretical

concepts and principles underpinning the data processing requirements of mineral resource management. The learning will enable the learner to manage the various planning processes and solve basic problems relevant to the mine planning processes.

Topics included in this subject:

TOPIC NUMBER / TOPIC TITLE / WEIGHT / CREDITS
311701-010-KS-01:01 / Geological structures, stratigraphy and rock groups, deposits and grade distributions of ore bodies and surrounding rock. (Intermediate) / 5 / 3
311701-010-KS-01:02 / Concepts and principles of mineral sampling, grade control and mineral quality determination and control (Basic) / 10 / 2
311701-010-KS-01:03 / Theories, Techniques and practices used in mine surveying (Layouts, plan reading and interpretation, volumes, sections, trigonometry) (Intermediate) / 15 / 10
311701-010-KS-01:04 / Definitions and principles of Geological Modeling and the techniques of interpreting and using these models for mine planning. (Intermediate) / 10 / 4
311701-010-KS-01:05 / Principles of applying mine design and scheduling to create a safe and healthy environment. (Intermediate) / 10 / 4
311701-010-KS-01:06 / Economic principles behind a profitable mine plan (e.g. mineral quality parameters, blending, cut off grade/quality, pay limits, product quality, mining width, dilution, recovery, contamination, cost behaviour, definition of profit, product prices and exchange rates etc.) (Intermediate) / 5 / 2
311701-010-KS-01:07 / Concepts and principles of integrated mine planning
(Advanced) / 15 / 4
311701-010-KS-01:08 / Regulatory, compliance and reporting requirements that impact on mine planning (SAMREC code, modifying factors etc.) (Basic) / 5 / 1
311701-010-KS-01:09 / Application of mathematical and statistical calculations and analysis as it applies to mine planning. (Intermediate) / 10 / 3
311701-010-KS-01:10 / Concept of feasibility and how this applies to mine planning. (Intermediate) / 5 / 1
311701-010-KS-01:11 / Life cycle and sequence of creating, building up and maintaining replacement/mineable reserves (Intermediate) / 10 / 4

TOTAL CREDITS FOR THIS SUBJECT: 38

Mining Technician: Mine Planner

311701-010-KS-01:01 -Geological structures, stratigraphy and rock groups, deposits and grade distributions of ore bodies and surrounding rock. (Intermediate) (Credits: 3)

Topic Elements to be covered include:

1. Describe the impact of the primary geological features on mine planning;

a. Faults (Normal, reverse and thrust);

b. Dykes and sills;

c. Potholes and sinkholes;

d. Joints;

e. Bedding planes;

f. Ground water;

g. Entrapped gasses and fluids;

h. Folds

i. Footwall topography (NQF Level: 4)

2. Identify the various types of geological mineral deposits found in South Africa. (Includes for example):

a. Bushveld;

b. Massive sulphides;

c. Iron/manganese;

d. Kimberlites;

e. Greenstone belt;

f. Witwatersrand;

h. Karoo (Coal) (NQF Level: 3)

3. Define the principle rock groups: a. The difference between sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks; b. Origins of the different rock groups; c. Main rocks found in the different rock groups. (NQF Level: 3)

4. Explain what stratigraphy means and how it is applied in mines: a. Definition of stratigraphy; b. Relationship between foot wall, hanging wall and mineral deposit. (NQF Level: 3)

Internal Assessment Criteria:

1. Given descriptions. pictures and drawings of a full range of geological anomalies learners

will without reference to learning material, be able to correctly identify and name all the anomalies and list the main aspects that must be considered when doing mine planning where the various anomalities are present. (Weight: 60%)

2. Given a range of questions relating to the occurrence of geological mineral deposits in South Africa and the various rock groups learners will, with reference to learning material be able to answer 80% of the questions correctly. (Weight: 10%)

3. Given descriptions of the ground conditions and mineral deposits found in various mines in South Africa learners will, without reference to learning material be able to correctly explain the relationships between foot-wall, hanging-wall and the mineral deposits and indicate the implication of the various situations on developing mine plans. (Weight: 30%)

Mining Technician: Mine Planner

311701-010-KS-01:02 -Concepts and principles of mineral sampling, grade control and mineral quality determination and control (Basic) (Credits: 2)

Topic Elements to be covered include:

1. Describe the terminology used in mine evaluation and how this will impact on mine

planning;

a. Mining horizons are explained in the context of mineral valuation b. Definition and meaning of mineral valuation terminology

c. Relationship between quality and economics

d. Meaning of mineral accounting and reconciliation

e. Meaning of recovery and dilution and factors influencing these are explained in the context of mining operations

f. Difference between mineral resource and mineral reserve is understood in the context of mining operations

g. Typical actions of a supervisor to address discrepancies in the mineral reconciliations. (NQF Level: 3)

2. Explain the typical sampling processes and the flow of sampling information:

a. Potential risk associated with inaccurate sampling

b. Various sampling methods used are identified and explained in terms of standard sampling methodology and practice

c. Quality control measures are applied in accordance with the relevant site-specific quality assurance procedures

d. The flow of sampling information. (NQF Level: 4)

3. Describe the principles and purposes of sampling reports:

a. Purpose of mine sampling

b. Typical errors, reasons and consequences of errors on sampling reports

c. Principles of sampling report and the typical information included in sampling reports. d. Use of sampling reports in mine planning;

(NQF Level: 4)

4. Do typical calculations associated with mineral evaluation; (e.g. area, volume and content):

a. Area, volume, mass, content and profit/loss for a range of criteria. b. Describe the use of the results of the various calculations.

(NQF Level: 4)

Internal Assessment Criteria:

1. Given a set of questions relevant to mine sampling practices learners will, without

reference to learning material, be able to correctly answer 80% of the general questions and

100% of the questions relating to the differences between mineral resources and reserves. (Weight: 30%)

2. Without reference to learning material learners will be able to make a simple drawing and correctly list all the steps in the sampling process and indicate 100% correctly what the use of sampling reports are and how to identify possible errors on sampling reports. (Weight:

30%)

3. Given descriptions of mining related dimensions and a list of mathematical formulas, learners will, with the use of a non programmable calculator be able to correctly calculate volume, area, mass, face advance, advance per blast, profit/loss and R/Ton cost. Learners must also correctly indicate how these calculations are applied in mine planning. (Weight:

40%)

Mining Technician: Mine Planner

311701-010-KS-01:03 -Theories, Techniques and practices used in mine surveying (Layouts, plan reading and interpretation, volumes, sections, trigonometry) (Intermediate) (Credits: 10)

Topic Elements to be covered include:

1. Describe the purpose of surveying and how it is used in the mining industry and how it

impacts on mine planning.

a. Legal definition of surveying;

b. Current leading practices associated with surveying on mines;

c. What survey data is used for in the industry.

d. Legal requirements for surveying. (NQF Level: 4)

2. Explain the principles of surveying:

a. Need for accuracy in surveying;

b. Impact of honesty and integrity on survey results; c. Mathematical applications that apply to surveying; d. Dealing with errors and corrections. (NQF Level: 3)

3. Describe and give examples of the different types of surveys:

a. Cadastral;

b. Topographic;

c. Hydrographic

d. Global positioning;

e. Mine surveying; f. Aerial surveying; g. Trigonometrical;

h. Gyro surveying. (NQF Level: 4)

4. Describe the difference between horizontal, vertical and incline planes:

a. What the various planes mean;

b. Projections between the planes;

c. Difference between apparent dips and true dips and strike;

d. Relationship between two dimensional and three dimensional views;

e. Difference between true north and magnetic north. (NQF Level: 4)

5. Explain and give examples of the various coordinates and coordinate systems:

a. LO systems;

b. WGS84;

c. Local systems;

d. CARTESIAN system - coordinate and direction deviation;

e. Difference between the angle of measurement and directions. f. Definition of direction;

g. Definition of coordinates;

h. Direction and swing when converting from one system to another. (NQF Level: 4)

6. Explain the meaning and application of elevations:

a. Origin of mean sea level b. Datum plane;

c. Benchmark

d. Collar elevation

e. Contours (NQF Level: 4)

7. Apply the principles of plotting and projection of survey stations on plan and section:

a. Scale off bearings/directions with a protractor;

b. Establish coordinate lines from plotted survey points/stations and bearing/directions of a line;

Mining Technician: Mine Planner

c. Plotting a survey station/point from known coordinates.

d. Projection of survey stations/points. (Describe horizontal, vertical and inclined planes, explain a survey sheet, plot and project survey stations/points onto a plane or mineral horizon. (NQF Level: 4)

8. Explain by means of example the various techniques of tape surveying and how they are applied.

a. Tape trilateration;

b. Offsetting;

c. Ties.

d. Crossing of tapes;

e. Principles for locating features. (NQF Level: 4)

9. Describe the role of the surveyor and how the survey function interfaces with the planning function.(NQF Level: 4)

Internal Assessment Criteria:

1. Given a range of questions relating to the terms, definitions and concepts used in

surveying, learners will, without reference to learning material, be able to answer at least

80% of the questions correctly. (Weight: 20%)

2. Given a range of survey measurement data learners will be able to accurately plot the information on mine plans and make all the required calculations accurately to check and verify the survey data. (Weight: 80%)