Colliery Training College
Underground Mining

National Certificate

Mining Operations: Underground Coal 

National Certificate: Mining Operations: Underground Coal 

This nationally accredited qualification provides learners with the technical, operational, and safety competencies required to perform effectively as underground coal miners. Core focus areas include coal cutting techniques, support installation and removal, gas detection and monitoring, flameproof equipment operation, and material transportation systems. The programme also covers foundational competencies in explosives handling and blasting practices, ensuring that learners can safely conduct blasting operations in controlled activities in line with site-specific protocols and regulatory requirements. It is structured to develop a safety-conscious, skilled workforce aligned with the MHSA, MQA, and QCTO standards for underground coal mining operations.

Entry Requirements: National Certificate – Mining Operations (Underground Coal):

To be considered for enrolment, learners must meet the criteria outlined below:

🔹 Route 1: Registration via Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)

  • Minimum academic qualification: Grade 11 with Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and English
  • Certified copy of Identity Document (ID) – issued within the last 3 months
  • Certified copy of highest school qualification – issued within the last 3 months
  • Employment contract – signed and dated
  • Confirmation of employment – issued by the current employer

🔹 Route 2: Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) Pathway

  • Minimum academic qualification:
    • N2 Certificate with at least six (6) subjects, or
    • ABET Level 3 (or recognised equivalent), or
    • Grade 10 school qualification
  • Certified copy of Identity Document (ID)
  • Certified copy of highest school qualification
  • Employment contract – signed and dated
  • Confirmation of employment (Not applicable for Private learners)

Training Approach and Periods

The underground coal miner training programme spans approximately 33 weeks and 2 days, beginning with 2 weeks of fundamentals training followed by 2 weeks of site induction at Seriti Khutala Mine. The programme then progresses through structured phases covering the Support Cycle, Cutting Cycle, Drilling Cycle, Blasting Cycle, Loading Cycle, and Conveyor Belts Cycle, alongside supervisory development, workplace exposure, final assessments, and MQA board preparation. This phased approach ensures learners are comprehensively prepared for safe and compliant work within underground coal mining operations.

For Private Customers (those without an employer); The applicant is also required to complete the following qualification at CTC:

Occupational Certificate: Underground Coal Continuous Miner for 5 weeks