The Hard Rock Mining programme prepares learners to operate raisebore drilling machines safely and productively in underground hard-rock or coal mining environments.

This programme provides specialized, technical, and safety-focused training for individuals entering the mining sector or for employed learners seeking to upskill and specialize as raisebore operators. Learners are trained to work in high-risk underground environments while complying with occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements.

Programme Details

• NQF Level: 3
• Credits: 48
• Duration: 60 days
• Skills Programme Status: Approved
• Quality Assuring Body: Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)

Purpose of the Programme

The purpose of this skills programme is to prepare learners to operate as Mining Raisebore Operators. A qualified learner will be able to operate raisebore drilling machines to complete raisebore or blind bore drilling operations in accordance with statutory, organizational, and safety requirements.

Learners will understand:

• The functioning of raisebore systems and ancillary equipment
• Occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements
• Productive and safe machine operation in underground mining environments

The curriculum is contextualized for either underground hardrock or underground coal mining operations.

Skills You Will Develop

• Operate a raisebore drilling machine safely and effectively
• Perform pre-operational inspections and activities
• Apply occupational health, safety, and environmental controls
• Interpret and follow drilling plans and operational procedures
• Work productively within underground mining teams

Programme Content

Knowledge Modules

• Workplace Fundamentals (NQF Level 2 – 4 Credits)
• Health, Safety, and the Environment (NQF Level 2 – 4 Credits)
• Operations and Machines (NQF Level 3 – 4 Credits)
• Components, Controls, and Consumables (NQF Level 3 – 4 Credits)
• Work Team Supervision (NQF Level 3 – 4 Credits)
• Raisebore Drilling Concepts (NQF Level 3 – 8 Credits)

Practical Modules (Compulsory)

• Apply health, safety, and environmental measures and procedures (NQF Level 2 – 4 Credits)
• Perform pre-operational activities (NQF Level 3 – 4 Credits)

Elective Specialisation (Choose One)

Option 1: Underground Hardrock Operations

• Operate a raisebore machine for underground hardrock operations
  (NQF Level 3 – 12 Credits)

Option 2: Underground Coal Operations

• Operate a raisebore machine for underground coal operations
  (NQF Level 3 – 12 Credits)

Entry Requirements

Open access
(No formal qualification required)

Assessment Approach

Continuous Assessment

Learners are assessed throughout the programme using:

• Practical assessments
• Written assessments
• Demonstrations, assignments, and projects

All assessments are conducted by an accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) and recorded in
accordance with QCTO requirements.

Final Integrated Supervised Assessment (FISA)

Upon successful completion of all modules, learners undergo a Final Integrated Supervised Assessment (FISA) consisting of:

• A practical assessment
• Verbal questioning to assess embedded knowledge
• Evaluation of safety-critical competencies

The FISA is conducted under supervision and assesses the learner’s ability to operate raisebore machinery
safely and competently in either hardrock or coal mining operations.

Certification

Learners who are found Competent will:

• Earn 48 credits at NQF Level 3
• Accumulate credits toward related occupational qualifications
• Receive recognition aligned with QCTO Skills Programme requirements

Final results are submitted to the QCTO within prescribed timelines.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners may access this programme through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in line with QCTO
policy. Learners who already possess relevant competencies may be exempted from certain modules
and awarded credits accordingly.