Mine Surveyors Certificate of Competency

The Mine Surveyors’ certificate of competency is a licence to practice at a South African mine. These certificates are issued to a competent person who can be appointed legally to perform duties of a mine surveyor at a South African mine as stipulated in the Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act 29 of 1996) as amended and its regulations.

A candidate must meet the required number of practical mine shifts and other application requirements before an application to become a candidate is made. The candidates can then apply to write the examination after acceptance as a candidate by the Department of Mineral Resources, and the individual will be subjected to an assessment to determine his/her competence. It is only when found competent by the Department of Mineral Resources that a Mine Surveyors’ certificate of competence is issued. The written examination consists of two parts for all required subjects.

All applications and enquiries - acceptance as a candidate and acceptance to write examinations - should be directed to gcc_examinations@dmr.gov.za.

The following documents must be supplied before writing the Mine Surveyor's Government Certificate of Competency examination:

• Application for acceptance 
• A certified copy of any of the following qualifications:
• An appropriate mine surveying degree; 
• A national diploma in mine surveying; 
• The Chamber of Mines Advanced Certificate in Mine Surveying 
• Any other equivalent mine surveying qualification(s) acceptable to the Commission of Examiners.
• A certified copy of the official Chamber of Mines record of service form on an official company letterhead confirming proof of your appropriate experience, subject to the following minimum criteria:
• At least three years practical experience in mine surveying acceptable to the commission, provided that one year has been in the underground workings of a mine;
• An original letter from the Chief Surveyor, Mentor or other Competent Supervisor regarding your relevant experience.
• A testimonial confirming your general good conduct and sober habits.
• A certified copy of your identity document.

Once you have had confirmation of acceptance as a candidate, the following must be completed and submitted before the closing date of the examinations:

DOWNLOAD RESOURCES

• DMR 69 Application Form for Acceptance
• DMR 70 Application Form for Examination
• Letter of Sobriety
• Examination Rules
• Syllabi