Careers in Mine Surveying

Discover educational pathways and professional opportunities in South Africa's dynamic mining industry

Career Pathway Overview

Explore the complete education model and career progression paths in mine surveying - from entry-level positions to professional qualifications

The Education Model with Probable Career Path

Group Surveyor
Sectional Surveyor / Shaft Surveyor / Chief Surveyor
Mine Surveying Course
Technician
Mine Surveyor
Professional
Mine Surveyor
Government Certificate of Competency
Second Level Qualification
(240 to 360 shifts in industry depending on qualification and level of registration)

Certificates

NQF7
Senior Surveyor
NQF6
Advanced
Certificate
NQF5
Higher
Certificate
NQF4
MQA
Certificates
Surveyor
Survey Trainee

Degrees

Honours
Degree
3yr.
Bachelors
Degree

Possible Routes of Registration

Choose your pathway based on your qualifications and career goals

Mine Surveying Course
Technician
Mine Surveyor
Professional
Mine Surveyor
Government Certificate of Competency
Second Level Qualification
(240 to 360 shifts in industry depending on qualification and level of registration)

Certificate Route

"Technician"
Advanced Certificate
Higher Certificate

Diploma Route

"Technologist"
Diploma

Degree Route

"Technologist"
Bachelors degree

Professional Degree Route

"Professional"
Honours Degree
Bachelors degree

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Explore the detailed course information below to plan your career path in mine surveying

University Education and Distance Learning

UJ's Website

Visit the University of Johannesburg's official website for detailed information about their mine surveying programs and qualifications.

Mine Surveying Courses and Certificates

1. Basic Surveying and Sampling Certificates

Duration: Approximately one year

Foundation level training in basic surveying principles and sampling techniques.

2. Chamber of Mines Elementary Certificates

Duration: Minimum one to two years

Elementary Surveying Certificate

Learn More & Apply

Elementary Mine Valuation Certificate

Available through Chamber of Mines certification

3. Chamber of Mines Advanced Certificates

Duration: Minimum one to two years

Advanced Surveying Certificate

Theory & Legislation Details

Advanced Mine Valuation Certificate

Advanced level mine valuation and assessment techniques

4. Mine Surveyor's Certificate of Competency

Required for Professional Mine Surveyor positions. This qualification is mandatory for anyone wishing to work as a Professional Mine Surveyor.

Requirements:

  • One year of underground shifts
  • Two years of additional mining shifts
  • Minimum duration: 3 years (depending on attitude and aptitude)
DMRE GCC Examinations

Training Service Providers

SRM Global

Basic Mine Surveying Course

Visit Website

Spiro Survey Training

Online training programs

Visit Website

CADDIS

Chamber of Mines (COM) courses

Visit Website

Mine Surveying Course Services

Professional surveying services and training

Visit Website

DSM Training Centre

The leading training centre in the mining industry in Africa

Visit Website

Minerals Council South Africa

Professional Certification and Training

The Minerals Council South Africa (formerly Chamber of Mines) provides essential certification and training programs for mine surveying professionals. Their comprehensive programs ensure industry standards and professional competency across the mining sector.

Key Services:

  • Professional certification programs
  • Industry-standard training courses
  • Mine surveying competency assessments
  • Continuing education and development

Past Exam Papers

Study Resources and Examination Materials

Access a comprehensive collection of past examination papers to help prepare for your mine surveying qualifications. These resources include previous years' exam papers across various certification levels and can be invaluable for exam preparation and understanding the format and scope of assessments.

Getting Started: Career Advice

If You Don't Get University Placement

If you don't secure a university place this year, consider applying for a training programme at a mine in your area. This will enable you to start with your experiential training shifts and gain valuable industry experience.

Benefits of Mine Training Programmes:

  • Hands-on experience in real mining operations
  • Start accumulating required experiential training shifts
  • Learn from experienced professionals
  • Build industry connections
  • Earn while you learn

Start Your Professional Journey

Join IMSSA to access career resources, networking opportunities, and professional development programs

Become a Member