Learner Official (Mining) Career Description
Learner officials (mining) are capable persons, undergoing training in the underground functions of a mine, and can progress to the positions of shift boss, mine overseer or section manager.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
In the first year of training, learner officials (mining) are exposed to all aspects of mining, service departments and metallurgical plants. Safety plays an important role in each of the training phases. Precautions are taken on a regular basis to eliminate risk. The training consists of the following phases:
Introductory training
Introductory training in mining is given for those who do not have a Provisional Blasting Certificate. This is done at a centre approved by the Director-General: Mineral and Energy Affairs, where learner officials learn and practice the work of qualified miners. They work together with qualified miners who are in charge of drilling holes in the ore-body, blasting the holes with explosives, safeguarding the working environment, clearing the work-face, loading the blasted ore and transporting the ore to the shafts, from where it is hoisted to the surface.
Service departments (four months)
Learner officials (mining) have to spend time in each department, such as survey, sampling, ventilation, geology, engineering, personnel, etc. in order to broaden their knowledge and experience of the operation as a whole.
Practical mining (at least six months)
Once learner officials (mining) have obtained their Blasting Certificates and completed 200 shifts, they are assumed ready to work independently in a production unit, engaged in rock breaking duties.
Shift bossing
After learner officials (mining) have gained the required experience, they are promoted to the position of shift boss. During the initial period in this position, the mine overseer guides them, until they have gained adequate self-confidence so that they can operate independently.
Blasting certificate
Learner officials (mining) usually qualify for the examination for the Provisional Blasting Certificate after 110 shifts, and for the Permanent Certificate, after 312 shifts.
Mine overseer
After some years of experience in practical mining, learner officials (mining) can be appointed as shift bosses and then as mine overseers, and later as section managers, provided that all certificates of competency are obtained.
The working conditions are exhausting and sometimes difficult and dangerous. The work is also physically very demanding.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
Only male candidates between the ages of 18 and 25 years will be considered. Prospective learner officials (mining) must be physically fit and healthy. They must be hard working, have good interpersonal relationships and possess leadership qualities. They must also be able to work independently and have a strong sense of responsibility.
Where can I work?
Mines employ learner officials (mining).
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Persons with degree qualifications can act as consultants.
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