Presentation to the Parliamentary Committee Rural Development and Land Reform

Public Hearings on the Geomatics Profession Bill [B4-2013]

16 April 2013, Cape Town

Definition of Mine Surveying

Mine surveying is a branch of mining science and technology.

It includes all measurements, calculations and mapping which serve the

purpose of ascertaining and documenting information at all stages from

prospecting to exploitation and utilizing mineral deposits both by surface

and underground working.

Source: International Society for Mine Surveying (ISM)

Principal Activities

• The interpretation of the geology of mineral deposits in relation to the

economic exploitation thereof.

• The investigation and negotiation of mineral mining rights. Making and

recording, and calculations of mine surveying measurements.

• Mining cartography.

• Investigation and prediction of the effects of mine working on the

surface and underground strata.

• Mine planning in the context of the local environment and subsequent

rehabilitation.

The Institute

The objectives of the Institute are to advance the science and practice of

mine surveying and allied disciplines, to promote and protect the character

and interests of the profession of mine surveying and to foster professional

etiquette.

•Established in 1923 – a mature Institute and a Learned Body

•Advises the State, industry and academia

•Creates learning material, textbooks, and holds colloquia/conferences

•Has 444 members across three Branches, as well as abroad

•Has had a Code of Conduct in place since inception

•Has a Transformation Plan in place since 2005 (branches and Council)

•It is formulating a Disciplinary Code (SGM June 2013)

•It is self-funding and in robust health (similar budget to PLATO)

•Members have a common purpose i.e. the health of the mining industry

Links to the Industry

• It is a Voluntary Association to PLATO (since inception in 1984)

• It is affiliated with the International Society for Mine Surveying (1999)

• It is a member of the JSE Samcodes Steering Committee (2004)

• It has observer status at the SAIMM (2009)

• It has held Presidential office at the ISM and hosted its Congress (2010)

• Registered with SAQA as a Professional Body (2012)

• Leadership positions in Minerals Education Trust Fund (METF)

• Members participate in Academic Advisory Committees (Wits, UJ)

• Members comprise the DMR Commission of Examiners

• Members comprise the COM Examination Committee

Transformation

• On our way to transformation: 120/444 members are HDSA – 27%

• We had to establish the educational framework to enable transformation

• In doing so engaged SAQA, MQA, ETQA and education providers

• We now have progression from work face to post-graduate studies

• Covered from NQF1 to NQF8 - via Unit Standards to Courses

• Route is through the Chamber of Mines – UJ/UNISA – Wits

• Feedstock transformation at undergraduate level 65% COM, 89% UJ

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is fully embedded – no rework

• Majority of students on bursaries from mining industry – skills shortage

• Retention of academic staff assisted by salary subventions from METF

Professional framework

Academic Qualifications

Professional Registration

Workplace Certification

License to Practice

MQA/SAQA/COM

DMR

PLATO SACG

UJ/UNISA/Wits

State, through ETQAsState, through National

Acts (MHSA/MTRA)International Codes, through JSE Rules

Perform work Supervise work

RPL in place

Publish work

Role of the Mine Surveyor

1. Primary role of a mine surveyor is Safety and Health (MHSA)

2. Secondary role is Mining Tenure (legislated through MTRA)

3. Tertiary role is Design, Plan, Schedule, Report, Reconcile (Codes)

Pre-requisites in order to perform all three roles:

• Mine Surveyors need a License to Practice i.t.o. the MHSA (Chapter 17)

• Mine Surveyors registered with PLATO sign off i.t.o. MTRA

• Mine Surveyors are governed by the SAMCodes (in the JSE Rules)

Plato Act

The Mine Surveyor can continue to practice his role in terms of the MHSA

– This is independent from the PLATO Act or the GPB

However, in terms of his roles in securing mining tenure and performing

mine planning work, which is done at the higher levels in the profession,

registration with PLATO is required.

- The Geomatics Profession Bill affects our members’ livelihoods

In our response to the request for public comment last month we have noted four key concerns with the Bill as it stands, and have tabled several further issues of secondary importance to us (hand out).

Inclusivity of all Geomatics Professions

Chapter 1 – Definitions:

The Bill does not adequately describe the Mine Surveying profession in its

statement regarding “Geomatics profession principles” and for that matter

does not adequately describe any of the geomatics professions other than

land surveying.

We suggest that the six voluntary associations jointly amend the

definitions, so that the professional principles are properly defined and fully

representative across the broader scope of the new Council.

Exclusion from Current Work

Chapter 3 – Section 13(2)(b):

The reservation of “any survey for the purpose of preparing a diagram or

general plan to be filed or registered in terms of any law governing the

registration of any land or rights in land or mentioned in any manner

whatsoever in any other document to be so filed or registered” is written

exclusively in favour of professional land surveyors;

The exclusive reference to the professional land surveyor must either be

withdrawn or professional mine surveyor must be included in the Bill so

that there is a clear definition in the boundary of responsibilities between

the two branches.

Composition of Council

Chapter 2, Section 4(1)(b)(i) and (ii):

There is a disproportionate representation in favour of professional land

surveyors on Council.

Better representation will be achieved by incorporating one geomatics

professional to be nominated by each of the six recognised voluntary

associations and for this purpose 4(1)(b)(i) should be amended to exclude

the reference to professional land surveyors.

Appointment of Office Bearers

Chapter 2, Section 4(7)

Whilst fully recognising the powers of the Minister to appoint the

chairperson, a deputy chairperson and an alternate chairperson, we

believe that this appointment should follow nominations by the members of

Council. Further we do not believe that the chairperson should be a State

member.

Amend Section 4(7) to read: “The Council will elect and nominate to the

Minister, from members of Council, the chairperson, a deputy chairperson

and an alternate chairperson, whereupon the Minister shall ratify and

appoint these office bearers”.