Mining Qualifications Authority

The Mining Qualifications Authority is a sector education and training authority (Seta) in South Africa responsible for skills development and qualifications in the mining and minerals sector. It operates under the mandate of the Skills Development Act to facilitate learning programmes, learnerships and skills development initiatives across the mining industry. The authority develops and maintains occupational qualifications and unit standards specific to mining operations, ensuring that workers and professionals meet industry competency requirements. It works closely with mining companies, training providers and industry bodies to identify skills gaps and coordinate training interventions. The Mining Qualifications Authority administers levy grants and discretionary grants to support workplace-based learning and apprenticeships in mining-related occupations. It plays a central role in addressing the sector's skills shortages, particularly in technical and artisan trades critical to mining operations. The authority also supports transformation objectives by promoting access to training and qualifications for historically disadvantaged groups. Its work is essential to maintaining safety standards, operational efficiency and competitiveness in South Africa's mining industry. The Mining Qualifications Authority was established as part of the national Seta framework introduced in the early 2000s to align skills development with economic and industrial policy.