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DEPARTMENT OF MINERALS AND ENERGY

RULES AND SYLLABI FOR THE MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEER’S CERTIFICATES FOR MINES AND WORKS FRAMED UNDER MINERALS ACT REGULATION 28.6, IN FORCE IN TERMS OF SCHEDULE 4 OF THE MINE HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT 1996 (ACT 29 OF 1996)

Revised: 15 January 2007)

1. Certificates of Competency

2. Qualifying Examinations

3. Acceptance of Candidates for a GCC for Mines and Work as Mechanical or Electrical Engineer

4. Syllabi and Examination Rules

5. Alternate Certificates and Exemptions

6. Summarised Procedure

7. Factories Certificates

8. Acceptable Trades and Experience

9. Syllabus for Plant Engineering

10. Syllabus for Mine Health and Safety Act and Regulation

11. Practical Knowledge to be completed by Mentor Engineer and Candidate, to be submitted with Application

12. Download DME Rules and Syllabi Document 

13. View graphic of the educational routes to obtain a Government Certificate of Competency.

Certificates of Competency

The following instructions, rules and syllabi for the examinations are framed in terms of Minerals Act Regulation 28.6 in force in terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act, (Act No.29 of 1996) regulation 28.6.

The following Certificates of Competency are issued by the Department of Minerals and Energy:

(a) Certificate of Competency as Mechanical Engineer for Mines and Works.

(b) Certificate of Competency as Electrical Engineer for Mines and Works.

Written examinations for each of these certificates are conducted in June and November by the Department of National Education in collaboration with the Commission of Examiners of the Department and the Department of Labour.

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Qualifying Examinations

(a) Plant Engineering; and

To qualify for a Certificate of Competency, candidates must obtain at least 50% in each subject stipulated above. Candidates need not pass both subjects at the same examination sitting, but the second subject must be passed within three years or six consecutive examination sittings after passing the first, otherwise both subjects must be re-written. However, if a candidate obtains 75% or more of the full marks in a subject he/she will be permanently exempted from re-writing that subject. An appropriate Certificate of Competency will be forwarded to candidates who have passed the subjects required to qualify for such a certificate.

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Acceptance of Candidates for a GCC for mines and works as Mechanical or Electrical Engineer

No person will be allowed to enter for the qualifying examination, unless he/she has been accepted as a candidate by the Commission of Examiners, and no credit will be given for a pass in the mentioned subjects, prior to such acceptance. An applicant shall not be accepted as a candidate by the Commission of Examiners, unless he/she has submitted proof that he/she has reached the age of 23 years, of sobriety and general good conduct and that he/she is in possession of qualifications and experience in engineering as follows:-

• A B.Sc. degree in mechanical or electrical engineering recognised by the Commission of Examiners and at least two years post graduate appropriate practical experience in the maintenance and operations of mechanical and and electrical machinery, satisfactory to the Commission of Examiners and of which at least one year has been at a mine in the RSA; or
  


• A course (Technikon route) in engineering (mechanical or electrical as the case may be), a National Diploma (S4) plus at least two years experience subsequent to the issue of such diploma in the maintenance and operations of mechanical or electrical machinery as the case may be, which is satisfactory to the Commission of Examiners, and of which at least one year has been at a mine in the RSA. The completion of such course shall include passing all the subjects with a mark of at least 50%.

Individual Technikons may structure a curriculum to cover the electrical and mechanical course according to the requirements of the Plant Engineering syllabus. The Technikon must subsequently certify that a candidate for the Government Certificate of Competency, having followed the Technikon route, has:

• Completed a curriculum, which covers the syllabus for Plant Engineering;
• Acquired a National Diploma with a mark per subject of at least 50%; and
• Received the required experiential training; or
• Enrolled for the B.Tech. Degree, at a Technikon granted permission by the Commission of Examiners with the undertaking from such Technikon to monitor and control the required experiential training after completion of such degree.
• A course (Technical College route) in engineering (mechanical or electrical as the case may be). The completion of such course shall include passing all the subjects with a mark of at least 50%. Such person shall also have served an apprenticeship in an appropriate trade and has gained experience In maintenance and operations of mechanical or electrical machinery, as the case may be, as listed in Annexure I. Such experience, of which at least one year has been at a mine in the RSA, shall be satisfactory to the Commission
  of Examiners.

The Department of National Education will structure a curriculum to cover the electrical and mechanical course according to the requirements of the Plant Engineering Syllabus Annexure II. After completion of the prescribed course, the Department of National Education will be required to certify that a candidate for the Government Certificate of Competency, having followed the Technical College route, has:

• Completed a curriculum, which covers the syllabus for Plant Engineering; and
• Acquired a National Certificate on the N6 level, with a mark of at least 50% in all subjects.

The Commission of Examiners will consider other qualifications and experience on merit.

When an applicant follows an approved practical training program, such an applicant may be accepted as a candidate to write the qualifying examination, before the applicant has completed the required practical experience as stipulated, provided that the applicant can provide proof that not more than four months of the approved practical training program is still outstanding at the closing date for acceptance as a candidate to write the qualifying examination. Upon successful passing of the qualifying examination, a certificate will only be issued if proof of completion of the full-approved practical training program has been submitted.

Persons who wish to be accepted as candidates and who are in possession of a foreign degree, diploma or certificate in engineering, or who are in possession of engineering qualifications other than those mentioned above, must have such degree, diploma or certificate evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authorities, Private Bag X06, Pretoria, 0001, Telephone Number 012 431 5000 to check what additional subjects, if any, must be passed in order to comply with the requirements for acceptance.
 

A request for valuation must indicate that it is for the Engineer’s Certificate of Competency and must include a list of the subjects, including marks obtained, which led to the obtaining of the degree, diploma or certificate. A copy of the
evaluation and a certified copy of the degree, diploma or certificate must accompany the application for acceptance as a candidate.

A person who has been accepted by the Commission of examiners as a candidate and has not obtained a Certificate of Competency in seven years (7) from date of acceptance must re-apply to the Commission for acceptance.
 

NOTE: An evaluation by the Human Sciences Research Council on its own is not sufficient.

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4. Syllabi and Examination Rules

Plant Engineering (Mining) is a “closed book” examination. It will consist of both mechanical and electrical questions, with a limited choice of questions. The time allowed for the examination is three hours. Candidates may not use alphanumerical or programmable calculators in the examination room.

The question paper on the Mine Health and Safety Act and Regulations is also a closed book examination. There is no choice of questions and all questions must be answered. The time allowed for the examination is three hours.
It should be noted that the syllabus includes the practical application of the Act and Regulations. This implies an understanding of the Act and Regulations rather than committing the wording to memory only.

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Alternate Certificates and Exemptions

The holder of a Certificate of Competency for “Factories” who wishes to qualify for the equivalent certificate for “Mines and Works” shall re-apply for acceptance as a candidate together with proof of at least one year’s experience in the maintenance and operation of appropriate machinery at a mine satisfactory to the Commission of Examiners and after acceptance will be required to pass the subjects mentioned.

The holder of a Certificate of Competency as Mechanical Engineer who wishes to qualify for a certificate, as Electrical Engineer shall re-apply for acceptance as candidate together with proof of appropriate experience (appointment letter(s) as an engineer in charge of machinery). Such experience shall be satisfactory to the Commission of Examiners and shall consist of at least two years experience in the maintenance and operation of electrical machinery or at least four years “mixed” experience in the maintenance and operation of both electrical and mechanical machinery, which was gained after the acquisition of the mechanical certificate. The applicant will also be required to produce proof obtained from a Technikon or Technical College of passing the subjects required to cover the Syllabus for the Certificate of Competency as Mechanical Engineer, with a mark of at least 50%.

The holder of a Certificate of Competency as Electrical Engineer who wishes to qualify for a certificate, as Mechanical Engineer shall re-apply for acceptance as a candidate together with proof of appropriate experience (appointment letter (s) as an engineer in charge of machinery). Such experience shall be satisfactory to the Commission of Examiners and shall consist of at least two years experience in the maintenance and operation of mechanical machinery or at least four years “mixed” experience in the maintenance and operation of both mechanical and electrical machinery, which was gained after the acquisition of the electrical certificate.

The applicant will also be required to produce proof obtained from a Technikon or Technical College of passing the subjects required to cover the syllabus for the Certificate of Competency as Mechanical Engineer, with a
mark of at least 50%.

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Summarised Procedure

• Obtain application forms for acceptance from:
  The Secretary
  Commission of Examiners
  Department of Minerals and Energy
  Private Bag X59
  PRETORIA
  0001 Tel.: (012) 317-8079.
• For further information see the DME website: www.dme.gov.za
• Return the completed forms where applicable to the above-mentioned address together with:
  (a) A R50.00 uncancelled revenue stamp (s) (stuck on form); and
  (b) Certified copies of degrees, diplomas or certificates; and
  (c) A certified letter of evaluation from the Department of National Education stated that the syllabus of the subject Plant Engineering has been covered (N 6 route); or
  (d) A certified letter from a approved Technikon, stated that the syllabus for Plant Engineering has been covered. (S4 and B-Tech route); and
  (e) Certified proof of appropriate practical experience.and record of service signed by time keeper/ payroll manager; and
  (f) A testimonial letter of sobriety and good conduct from the Resident Engineer (original letter); and
  (g) A certified copy of candidates ID document.

If the application is successful, the Commission of Examiners will send a letter of acceptance to the candidate to enrol for the examination.

The candidate must take the letter of acceptance to enter for the qualifying subjects (par.2.1) to any Technical College or to any Local Secretary of the Department of National Education, to whom the examination fees must be
paid. The examinations are in June and November and the closing dates for entry are 20 March and 25 September respectively.

The Commission of Examiners will only consider applications for the GCC examination 30 working days prior to the closing date set by the Department of Education (see paragraph 6.4). The results obtained by a candidate in any
examination will not be recognised by the Commission of Examiners, if such candidate entered for the examination without having obtained a letter of acceptance from the Commission of Examiners.

Results notice for issuing certificates

• A candidate, who has passed the qualifying subjects must forward certified proof of having passed the prescribe subjects to the Commission of Examiners to the above-mentioned address.
• A candidate who has passed a subject (s) (par.6) by means of a remark must notify the Commission of Examiners accordingly.
  
• No results will be given telephonically.
• Results should be obtain by the Colleges where the examination was written.
• The appropriate GCC will only be issued by the Department on receipt of a letter together with the following information by a candidate:
  a) Proof of Examination results from the Department of Education .
  b) Proof of Identity Number
  c) Postal Adders
  d) A letter requesting the issuing of the appropriate GCC i.e. Mechanical or Electrical.

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Factories Certificates

Persons who wish to qualify for a certificate of competency for “Factories”
must apply to:
The Secretary
Commission of Examiners
Department of Labour
Private Bag X117
PRETORIA
0001 Tel.: (012) 309-4111

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Acceptable Trades and Experience

Trade in which the Minimum appropriate post-apprenticeship has apprenticeship experience been served in the general maintenance and operation of machinery
YEARS
Aero engine fitter, ground engineer or equivalent….... 2
Armature winder ................................................... 2
Blacksmith .......................................................... 3 not as a blacksmith
Boilermaker ......................................................... 3 not as a boilermaker
Diesel Mechanic .................................................. 2 not as a diesel mechanic
Electrician ...................................................…..... 2
Engine-room fitter ................................................. 2
Fitter ................................................................... 2
Fitter and armourer................................................ 3
Fitter and rigger (Air Force) ................................….2
Fitter and turner …................................................ 2
Instrument mechanic or instrument maker……......... 4 not as an instrument mechanic
Instrument Technician an....................................... 2 not as an Instrument Technician
Lift mechanic ....................................................... 2
Millwright ............................................................. 2
Motor mechanic ................................................... 2.not as a motor mechanic
Refrigeration mechanic ......................................... 3
Tool and die maker ...............................................2
Welder ................................................................4 not as a welder

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Syllabus for Plant Engineering

The theoretical section of the subject Plant Engineering to be included in the syllabi of Technicons and Technical Colleges

Questions will be framed on all aspects of the theory and the practical application of such theory in its widest sense as would be expected of a certificate engineer while performing his normal duties. Accent is placed on his competency in the exercise, control and supervision over the safe installation, maintenance and operation of machinery.

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Syllabus for Mine Health and Safety Act and Regulations
MINE HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT (ACT NO. 29 OF 1996)

The following Mine Health and Safety Act and Minerals Act Regulations As amended):

Minerals Act Regulations in force in terms of Schedule 4 of the MHSA (as amended)

• The practical application of the Act and Regulations
• Machinery guideline issued in terms of Section 9 (3) of the Mine Health and Safety Act.
• Guideline for the completion of a mandatory code of practice for underground Rail bound Transport Equipment.
• Guideline for the compilation of a mandatory code of practice for prevention of coal dust explosion in under ground coal mines.
• Guideline for the compilation of a mandatory code of practice on Mine Residue Deposits.
• Guideline for the compilation of a mandatory code of practice for trackless Mobile Machinery.
• Guideline for the compilation of a mandatory code of practice for the Safe Operation of Monorails Systems.
• SANS referenced in Regulations and Guideline.
• Machinery Guidance Notes issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.
• Machinery Instructions issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.

 

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Practical Knowledge to be Completed by the Mentor/Engineer and Candidate and submitted with the Application.

Practical Knowledge Mines

Candidates must be conversant with the following plant, equipment, practices andprocesses on surface and underground at mines with emphasis on the general design, lay out, reticulation, production capacity, energy requirements, motion characteristics, economic, operation, efficiency testing, commissioning, maintenance, safety precautions and devices.

This section is complimentary to and additional to the theoretical curriculum obtained at Universities, Technikons or Technical Colleges.

• Certain experience is required- Please indicate on the attached form the experience gained under each section.
• Certain Experience is required – Please indicate on Annexure E experience gained under each item. Return the completed Annexure E (original signature of Mentor) with your application.
• Please note: ACTUAL EXPERIENCE GAINED AFTER ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.

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