COURSE: NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN SURFACE MINING

While mining in South Africa is typically seen as an underground operation, open-shaft or surface mining is an important branch of the industry, particularly at quarries and in coastal areas where alluvial diamonds and other gemstones are mined. After completing this diploma, students will have technical know-how and practical experience in surveying and valuation, geology, planning, people and resource management, beneficiation, mining safety and environmental management.

Type: undergraduate diploma

Duration: 3 years part time

Compulsory Subjects

First year subjects:

• Mathematics: Mining


• Science: Mining


• Mineral Engineering Management


• Mineral Exploitation


• Statistics: Mining


• Work integrated learning: Surface Mining Practice

Second year subjects:

• Mine Engineering


• Surface Surveying and Valuation


• Mining: Surface


• Accounting Skills


• Mineral Engineering Management


• Work integrated learning: Surface Mining Practice

Third year subjects:

• Mining Geology


• Surface Surveying and Valuation


• Mining: Surface


• Surface Mining Equipment


• Mineral Engineering Management


• Work integrated learning: Surface Mining Practice

Careers: mining technologist, mining technician.

Source: www.unisa.ac.za​