Blasting Course in South Africa: Eligibility and Where to Study

Pursuing a blasting course in South Africa offers individuals the opportunity to acquire specialized skills and knowledge essential for a rewarding career in blasting operations. What is a blasting course? Blasting courses are specialized training programs that equip individuals with the necessary skills to safely and efficiently perform blasting operations in mining, construction, and demolition.

Curriculum for Blasting Course in South Africa

The blasting course curriculum varies based on the certificate type and training provider, but generally follows a general outline.

Blasting Certificate of Competency:

• The Blasting Certificate of Competency, issued by the Department of Mineral Resources, permits blasting operations in three types of mines: fiery mines, scheduled mines, and opencast mines.

Course Content (may include):

• Regulations and Safety: Mine Health and Safety Act, blasting regulations
• Explosives: Types, properties, safe handling and storage
• Blasting Theory: Rock breaking principles, initiation systems, blast design
• Drilling and Ground Support: Drilling Patterns and control techniques
• Environmental Considerations: Blast impact on environment, mitigation strategies

Eligibility Requirements For Blasting Course in South Africa

To be eligible for a blasting course, particularly those leading to a DMR Blasting Certificate of Competency, there are several requirements:

• Minimum: Grade 10 (Standard 8) or N1 Certificate (with at least 6 subjects) in some cases
• Some institutions might require Grade 11 (Standard 5) with mathematics and English for registration with MQA (Mining Qualifications Authority).
• Must be at least 20 years old.
• Must possess a valid certificate of fitness to work at a mine issued by an approved Occupational Medical Practitioner (OMP).
• In some programs, experience in underground mining might be required (e.g., 10 days).
• A first aid certificate issued in terms of the Minerals Act might be mandatory.
• Blasting is a safety-critical field. Training providers might have additional selection criteria to ensure candidate suitability.

Where to Study Blasting Course in South Africa

Here are some institutions in South Africa that offer blasting courses:

Kwena Mining & Construction College (KMCC)

The company provides various blasting courses, including Basic Training, Comp A & B, Blasting Assistant, and Safety Representative, covering theoretical and practical aspects of blasting.

The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM)

SAIMM provides short blasting courses like Drilling and Blasting Short Course, aimed at updating knowledge or learning specific aspects of blasting.

Geostrat

Geostrat provides a 12-month Blasting Certificate Programme, offering students theoretical knowledge and practical experience in blasting.

How much do blasting courses cost in South Africa?

The cost of blasting courses in South Africa varies significantly based on the program type and duration. Here is a breakdown of the range you can expect:

1. Short Courses (e.g., SAIMM’s Drilling and Blasting): These can range from R4,500 to R12,000 (US$300 – US$800) approximately.
2. Blasting Assistant Certificate Programs: These intensive courses typically last around 5 days and cost around R3,500 to R7,500 (US$230–US$500). (e.g., Kwena Mining & Construction College)
3. Full Blasting Certificate Programs: These comprehensive programs can last several months (e.g., 7 months at Kwena Mining) and come with a heftier price tag. They can range from R120,000 to R150,000 (US$8,000–US$10,000) or more, sometimes including accommodation and meals (costs may vary).

Career Opportunities for Blasting Professionals in South Africa

South African blasting professionals have numerous career opportunities in the mining and construction sectors, offering a variety of potential paths. These includes:

• Blaster
• Blasting Supervisor
• Drill and Blast Manager
• Senior Blasting Specialist
• Shotfirer
• Explosives Technician
• Blasting Consultant
• Training Officer
• Mine Manager
• Production Manager
• Technical Services Manager
• Safety Officer

How much do blasting professionals earn in South Africa?

In Pretoria, South Africa, the average salary for a Blaster is ZAR 505,442 per year, with a high school degree being the most common level of education.

Can international students apply for blasting courses in South Africa?

Yes, many institutions offering blasting courses in South Africa welcome applications from international students, though they may have additional requirements for international applicants.

Further Reading >>List Of Professional Bodies In South Africa

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