National Diploma 

National Diploma in Minerals Surveying

The National Diploma in Minerals Surveying – NDip (Minerals Surveying) – is offered on a semester basis, with intakes in January and July. It is a three-year programme.

One year is spent in the workplace, usually the second year.

This is referred to as experiential learning, and is essential for completion of the National Diploma. During experiential learning, instruction and theory are integrated with practical experience in a workplace setting.

A National Diploma could enable a graduate to register as a Technician.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

These are the MINIMUM entry requirements required for study. Further selection criteria may be applied.

Current entry requirements (until end 2007 i.e. the Senior Certificate or current matric):

• Senior Certificate;
• M-Score 12;
• Mathematics (HG:D)/(SG:B);
• Physical Science (HG:D)/(SG:B);
• English (First Language) HG/SG (pass) or English (Second Language) (HG:E)/(SG: C). 

New entry requirements (from end 2008 i.e. new National Senior Certificate):

• Minimum APS 21;
• Minimum Ratings:
• English (LOTL) = 3;
• Other Recognised Language = 4;
• Mathematics = 4;
• Life Orientation = 4;
• Physical Sciences (Subject 1) = 4;

Subjects 2 & 3 = 2. (APS calculation: rating for Life Orientation is divided by 2). 

Purpose of the programme

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence, as detailed in the specified outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a recognised provider`s learning programme, or through expertise that complies with the stated specified outcomes 

Outcomes

Exit level outcomes:
The qualified student should have the ability and knowledge to effectively:

1.   Conduct the normal mine survey work of a min, with the associated calculations and subsequent plotting and drawings on plans that may be required.

2.   Conduct and control the sampling required for mineral evaluation purposes.

3.   Monitor the flow of ore, in order to detect any mineral/ore losses by means of calculating suitable ore flow control factors.

4.   Communicate with others to form part of the production team of a mine.

5.   Solve mathematical problems relating to the career of a mine surveyor.

6.   Present data in a statistical format for reporting purposes.

7.   Write and present reports.

8.   Ensure that the working conditions are safe.

9.   Conduct elementary mineral reserve evaluations.

10.  Solve statistical problems relating to distributions of mineral values.

 Admission Requirements and Selection Criteria

a)       A Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification of an equivalent standard.

b)      Refer to Faculty Regulation E3 for the minimum admission requirements for the Senior Certificate (until 2008) and the National Senior Certificate (from 2009).

c)       Recommended subject: Technical Drawing.

d)      N3 or N4 Certificate, with a pass of at least 60% in Engineering Mathematics and Engineering Science, and a pass in two languages.

e)       Students who have passed suitable access programmes may be exempted from the minimum requirements. 

 Curriculum