Institute of Mine Surveyors of South Africa

1. Institute of Mine Surveyors of South Africa Presentation to the Parliamentary Committee Rural Development and Land Reform Public Hearings on the Geomatics Profession Bill [B4-2013] 16 April 2013, Cape Town

2. Definition of Mine Surveying Mine surveying is a branch of mining science and technology. It includes all measurements, calculations and mapping which serve the purpose of ascertaining and documenting information at all stages from prospecting to exploitation and utilizing mineral deposits both by surface and underground working. Source: International Society for Mine Surveying (ISM)

3. Principal Activities • The interpretation of the geology of mineral deposits in relation to the economic exploitation thereof. • The investigation and negotiation of mineral mining rights. Making and recording, and calculations of mine surveying measurements. • Mining cartography. • Investigation and prediction of the effects of mine working on the surface and underground strata. • Mine planning in the context of the local environment and subsequent rehabilitation.

4. The Institute • The objectives of the Institute are to advance the science and practice of mine surveying and allied disciplines, to promote and protect the character and interests of the profession of mine surveying and to foster professional etiquette. • Established in 1923 – a mature Institute and a Learned Body • Advises the State, industry and academia • Creates learning material, textbooks, and holds colloquia/conferences • Has 444 members across three Branches, as well as abroad • Has had a Code of Conduct in place since inception • Has a Transformation Plan in place since 2005 (branches and Council) • It is formulating a Disciplinary Code (SGM June 2013) • It is self-funding and in robust health (similar budget to PLATO) • Members have a common purpose i.e. the health of the mining industry

5. Links to the Industry • It is a Voluntary Association to PLATO (since inception in 1984) • It is affiliated with the International Society for Mine Surveying (1999) • It is a member of the JSE Samcodes Steering Committee (2004) • It has observer status at the SAIMM (2009) • It has held Presidential office at the ISM and hosted its Congress (2010) • Registered with SAQA as a Professional Body (2012) • Leadership positions in Minerals Education Trust Fund (METF) • Members participate in Academic Advisory Committees (Wits, UJ) • Members comprise the DMR Commission of Examiners • Members comprise the COM Examination Committee

6. Transformation • On our way to transformation: 120/444 members are HDSA – 27% • We had to establish the educational framework to enable transformation • In doing so engaged SAQA, MQA, ETQA and education providers • We now have progression from work face to post-graduate studies • Covered from NQF1 to NQF8 - via Unit Standards to Courses • Route is through the Chamber of Mines – UJ/UNISA – Wits • Feedstock transformation at undergraduate level 65% COM, 89% UJ • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is fully embedded – no rework • Majority of students on bursaries from mining industry – skills shortage • Retention of academic staff assisted by salary subventions from METF

7. Professional framework Perform work Supervise work Publish work MQA/SAQA/COM Workplace Certification DMR PLATO  SACG License to Practice RPL in place Professional Registration UJ/UNISA/Wits Academic Qualifications State, through ETQAs State, through National Acts (MHSA/MTRA) International Codes, through JSE Rules

8. Role of the Mine Surveyor • Primary role of a mine surveyor is Safety and Health (MHSA) • Secondary role is Mining Tenure (legislated through MTRA) • Tertiary role is Design, Plan, Schedule, Report, Reconcile (Codes) • Pre-requisites in order to perform all three roles: • Mine Surveyors need a License to Practice i.t.o. the MHSA (Chapter 17) • Mine Surveyors registered with PLATO sign off i.t.o. MTRA • Mine Surveyors are governed by the SAMCodes (in the JSE Rules)

9. Plato Act • The Mine Surveyor can continue to practice his role in terms of the MHSA – This is independent from the PLATO Act or the GPB • However, in terms of his roles in securing mining tenure and performing mine planning work, which is done at the higher levels in the profession, registration with PLATO is required. • - The Geomatics Profession Bill affects our members’ livelihoods • In our response to the request for public comment last month we have noted four key concerns with the Billas it stands, and have tabled several further issues of secondary importance to us (hand out).

10. Inclusivity of all Geomatics Professions • Chapter 1 – Definitions: • The Bill does not adequately describe the Mine Surveying profession in its statement regarding “Geomatics profession principles” and for that matter does not adequately describe any of the geomatics professions other than land surveying. • We suggest that the six voluntary associations jointly amend the definitions, so that the professional principles are properly defined and fully representative across the broader scope of the new Council.

11. Exclusion from Current Work • Chapter 3 – Section 13(2)(b): • The reservation of “any survey for the purpose of preparing a diagram or general planto be filed or registered in terms of any law governing the registration of any land or rights in land or mentioned in any manner whatsoever in any other document to be so filed or registered” is written exclusively in favour of professional land surveyors; • The exclusive reference to the professional land surveyor must either be withdrawn or professional mine surveyor must be included in the Bill so that there is a clear definition in the boundary of responsibilities between the two branches.

12. Composition of Council • Chapter 2, Section 4(1)(b)(i) and (ii): • There is a disproportionate representation in favour of professional land surveyors on Council. • Better representation will be achieved by incorporating one geomatics professional to be nominated by each of the six recognised voluntary associations and for this purpose 4(1)(b)(i) should be amended to exclude the reference to professional land surveyors.

13. Appointment of Office Bearers • Chapter 2, Section 4(7) • Whilst fully recognising the powers of the Minister to appoint the chairperson, a deputy chairperson and an alternate chairperson, we believe that this appointment should follow nominations by the members of Council. Further we do not believe that the chairperson should be a State member. • Amend Section 4(7) to read: “The Council will elect and nominate to the Minister, from members of Council, the chairperson, a deputy chairperson and an alternate chairperson, whereupon the Minister shall ratify and appoint these office bearers”.

14. Thank You!