Surface Mining & Quarrying
Blasting Certificate for Opencast Mines
Preparation for provisional and permanent opencast blasting certificates in terms of Chapter 28 of the Minerals Act regulations.
Overview
Chapter 28 of the Minerals Act Regulations, in force in terms of Schedule 4 of the Mine Health and Safety Act (Act 29 of 1996) as amended, deals extensively with all aspects of the issuing of blasting certificates.
Directive A3/4 contains instructions for the guidance of examining and issuing authorities, as well as the rules for the conduct of examinations and assessments framed in terms of Minerals Act Regulation 28.6.
We prepare candidates for both the provisional and the permanent opencast blasting certificate, and guide the mine on the record keeping of qualifying shifts required by the Principal Inspector of Mines.
Competencies & outcomes
- Apply the blasting regulations governing opencast mines and works without subterranean tunnel operations
- Prepare, charge and initiate a surface blast safely and lawfully
- Examine and make safe a blasting area before and after the blast
- Complete the documentation and records required by the Principal Inspector of Mines
- Meet the examination and assessment standards set out in Directive A3/4
Entry requirements
- Minimum age of 20 years (Regulation 28.40.8.1 and 28.40.8.2)
- Provisional certificate: at least 60 qualifying shifts acceptable to the Principal Inspector of Mines
- Permanent certificate qualifying shifts (Regulation 28.41.3.2): university mining students 200 shifts; Chamber of Mines Training College students 312 shifts; learner officials 312 shifts; learner miners on an approved course 400 shifts; other learners 400 shifts
- Valid First Aid Certificate issued in terms of Minerals Act Regulation 24.7
- Academic: Standard 8, Grade 10, an N1 Certificate with six subjects to credit, or ABET Level 3 or equivalent
- Valid certificate of medical fitness issued by an Occupational Medical Practitioner appointed under section 13(3)(a)(i) of the MHSA
- Able to communicate both orally and in writing
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