GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY (GCC)

Licences to Practise in South Africa’s Mining and Mineral Sectors

Administer Certificates if compentency within the inspectorate for the south african mining industry 

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is the custodian of the Government Certificates of Competency [GCC] for the South African mining industry. The Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate co-ordinate, administer and conduct various examinations set under the auspices of the different Commissions of Examiners. 

The Government Certificate of Competency is a key requirement issued to any competent individual who has intentions to hold a legal appointment within the South African mining industry. 

Contact us: mhsi.examqueries@dmpr.gov.za 

Examination YEAR PLAN 

Download Resources:

2026 Examination Year Plan

Contact us: mhsi.examqueries@dmpr.gov.za 

Examination cost and payment options

The cost for the examinations was amended with effect from 30 March 2023 as per the Download in accordance with Regulation 28.10 of the Minerals Act 50 of 1991 in force in terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended was amended as published in the Government Gazette 48334. 

An initial application for acceptance as a candidate, and each application thereafter for examination for a certificate of competency, requires original proof of payment when submitted to the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate. 

The payment options are as follows: 

PAYMENT OPTION 1

  • Candidates may pay the required amount directly into the Head Office account. 

  • The account details are: 

  • ABSA Bank, Account Number 406 176 9154 

  • Use the reference number indicated under the instructions on each form. 

  • The original bank deposit slip must be attached to the application form as proof of payment. 

PAYMENT OPTION 2

  • Candidates may pay the required amount to the cashier at any regional office of the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. 

  • The cashier must be informed that the payment is for examination purposes. 

  • The original cashier receipt must be attached to the application form as proof of payment.

Contact us: mhsi.examqueries@dmpr.gov.za 

Download Resources:

Chief Inspector of Mines' Instruction [G-01-2023]

Remark of examinations  

If a candidate wants to apply for a remark of certain examinations, the candidate should complete the Download and make the necessary payment. 

Contact us: mhsi.examqueries@dmpr.gov.za 

Download Resources:

Remark Application Form DMPR 77

Duplicate certificates 

In accordance with Regulation 28.12 of the Minerals Act 50 of 1991 in force in terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended, a duplicate certificate may be issued only when the holder of the certificate of competency has furnished proof to the satisfaction of the Chief Inspector of Mines that a certificate has been lost, defaced or destroyed, or has become dilapidated. 

The holder of the certificate of competency can apply for a duplicate certificate by completing the Download. 

Contact us: mhsi.examqueries@dmpr.gov.za 

Download Resources:

Duplicate Certificate Application Form [DMRE 76]

Suspension or cancellation of certificates 

In accordance with Regulation 29.1.1 of the Minerals Act 50 of 1991 in force in terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended, the Chief Inspector of Mines may suspend or cancel a certificate of competency if a holder of the certificate has been found guilty of gross negligence, misconduct or non-compliance with regulations in force. 

The Chief Inspector may also cancel or retain any certificate of competency if it is used fraudulently or improperly in accordance with Regulation 29.1.2 of the same Act. It is therefore advisable that employers verify the legitimacy of certificates of competency. 

The certificates of competency should be returned to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources within two weeks of the date of suspension or cancellation. 

Contact us: mhsi.examqueries@dmpr.gov.za 

 Blasting Certificates of Competency  

The Blasting Certificates of Competency [BCC] is a licence to practice that is issued to competent persons who can legally be appointed to perform the duties of a miner or a blaster at a South African mine as stipulated in the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended and its regulations. There are three types of blasting certificate of competency, namely Fiery Mines’ Blasting Certificate of Competency, Opencast Mines’ Blasting Certificate of Competency and Scheduled Mines’ Blasting Certificate of Competency. 

  1. These examinations are administered by the Regional Offices1 of the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate. 

  1. Prospective candidates must meet all the application requirements for the respective certificate of competency prior to applying for candidacy. 

  1. When applying for candidacy and/or examination, the applicants must adhere to all the instructions attached to each application form which includes the submission of the required supporting documents. 

  1. No candidate will be allowed to enter for the qualifying examination unless the candidate has been accepted by the Commission of Examiners. 

  1. Once an applicant is accepted as a candidate, the candidate will be subjected to an examination to determine competence. 

  1. It is only after the candidate is found to be competent, that a certificate of competency is issued. 

Fiery Mines’ Blasting Certificate of Competency

The Blasting Certificates of Competency Fiery Mines [BCCFM] are licences issued to competent persons who can legally be appointed to perform the duties of a miner or a blaster at a fiery mine in South Africa as stipulated in the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended and its regulations. 

As per the Download, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources  resumed with the issuing of blasting certificates of competency with effect from 1 June 2017. 

This decision was taken due to challenges that were experienced with the rock breaker or equivalent qualification administered by the Mining Qualifications Authority [MQA]. 

Download Resources:

BCCFM Application for Acceptance [DMRE 370] 

BCCFM Application for Examination [DMRE 310]

BCCFM Certificate of Compliance [DMR 311]  

BCCFM Directive A3/3 

BCCFM Learner / Examiner Guide 

BCCFM Mark Sheet: Compulsory questions [DMR 312] 

BCCFM Mark Sheet: Choice questions [DMR 313] 

BCCFM Record of Service [Pro forma] 

BCC Exchange Application Form [DMRE 314] 

Chief Inspector of Mines’ Instruction [MS-01-2017] 

Opencast Mines’ Blasting Certificate of Competency 

The Blasting Certificates of Competency for Opencast Mines [BCCOM] are licences issued to competent persons who can legally be appointed to perform the duties of a miner or a blaster at an opencast mine in South Africa as stipulated in the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended and its regulations. 

As per the Download, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources  resumed with the issuing of blasting certificates of competency with effect from 1 June 2017. 

This decision was taken due to challenges that were experienced with the rock breaker or equivalent qualification administered by the Mining Qualifications Authority [MQA]. 

Download Resources:

BCCOM Application for Acceptance [DMRE 373] 

BCCOM Application for Examination [DMRE 306] 

Scheduled Mines’ Blasting Certificate of Competency 

The Blasting Certificates of Competency for Scheduled Mines [BCCSM] are licences issued to competent persons who can legally be appointed to perform the duties of a miner or a blaster at a fiery mine in South Africa as stipulated in the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended and its regulations. 

As per the Download, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources will issue blasting certificates of competency with effect from 1 June 2017. 

This decision was taken due to challenges that were experienced with the rock breaker or equivalent qualification administered by the Mining Qualifications Authority [MQA]. 

Download resources 

BCCSM Application for Acceptance [DMRE 374] 

BCCSM Application for Examination [DMRE 302] 

BCCSM Certificate of Compliance [DMR 303] 

Engine Drivers’ Certificates of Competency  

The Engine Drivers’ Certificate of Competency is a licence to practise issued to a competent person who can legally be appointed to perform the duties of an engine driver at a South African mine as stipulated in the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended and its regulations. There are two types of engine drivers’ certificates of competency, namely Locomotive Engine Driver’s Certificate of Competency and Winding Engine Driver’s Certificate of Competency. 

Locomotive Engine Driver’s Certificate of Competency 

The Locomotive Engine Drivers’ Certificate of Competency [LEDCC] is a licence to practise that is issued to a competent person who can legally be appointed to perform the duties of a locomotive engine driver at a South African mine as stipulated in the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended and its regulations. 

  1. This examination is administered by the Regional Offices2 of the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate. 

  1. Prospective candidates must meet all the application requirements for the respective certificate of competency prior to applying for candidacy. 

  1. When applying for candidacy and/or examination, the applicants must adhere to all the instructions attached to each application form which includes the submission of the required supporting documents. 

  1. No candidate will be allowed to enter for the qualifying examination unless the candidate has been accepted by the Commission of Examiners. 

  1. Once an applicant is accepted as a candidate, the candidate will be subjected to an examination to determine competence. 

  1. It is only after the candidate is found to be competent, that a certificate of competency is issued.

LEDCC Application for Acceptance [DMRE 74] 

LEDCC Application for Examination [DMRE 75] 

Winding Engine Driver’s Certificate of Competency 

The Winding Engine Drivers’ Certificate of Competency [WEDCC] is a licence to practise that is issued to a competent person who can legally be appointed to perform the duties of a winding engine driver at a South African mine as stipulated in the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended and its regulations. There are four types of certificates, namely the WEDCC: Alternative Current [AC] Certificate, the WEDCC: Direct Current [DC] Certificate, the WEDCC: Full Certificate and the WEDCC: Limited Scope Certificate 

  1. This examination is administered by the Head Office3 of the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate. 

  1. Prospective candidates must be a holder of an Onsetter’s Certificate of Competency prior to submitting their application for candidacy. 

  1. Prospective candidates must meet all the application requirements for the respective certificate of competency prior to applying for candidacy. 

  1. When applying for candidacy and/or examination, the applicants must adhere to all the instructions attached to each application form which includes the submission of the required supporting documents. 

  1. No candidate will be allowed to enter for the qualifying examination unless the candidate has been accepted by the Commission of Examiners. 

  1. Once an applicant is accepted as a candidate, the candidate will be subjected to an examination to determine competence. 

  1. It is only after the candidate is found to be competent, that a certificate of competency is issued. 

Download resources 

WEDCC Application for Acceptance [DMRE 74] 

WEDCC Application for Examination [DMRE 75] 

WEDCC Letter of Sobriety and Good Conduct 

WEDCC Record of Service [Pro forma] 

WEDCC Rules and Syllabi 

Lampman’s Certificate of Competency  

The Lampman’s Certificate of Competency [LCC] is a licence to practise that is issued to a competent person who can legally be appointed to perform the duties of a Lampman at a South African mine as stipulated in the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended and its regulations. 

  1. This examination is administered by the Regional Offices4 of the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate. 

  1. Prospective candidates must meet all the application requirements for the respective certificate of competency prior to applying for candidacy. 

  1. When applying for candidacy and/or examination, the applicants must adhere to all the instructions attached to each application form which includes the submission of the required supporting documents. 

  1. No candidate will be allowed to enter for the qualifying examination unless the candidate has been accepted by the Commission of Examiners. 

  1. Once an applicant is accepted as a candidate, the candidate will be subjected to an examination to determine competence. 

  1. It is only after the candidate is found to be competent, that a certificate of competency is issued. 

Contact us: mhsi.examqueries@dmpr.gov.za 

LCC Application for Acceptance [DMRE 371] 

LCC Application for Examination [DMRE 217] 

Mine Engineer’s Certificate of Competency 

The Mine Engineer’s Certificate of Competency [MECC] is a licence to practise that is issued to a competent person who can legally be appointed to perform the duties of a mine engineer at a South African mine as stipulated in the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended and its regulations. 

Contact us: mhsi.examqueries@dmpr.gov.za 

Download resources 

Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency

The Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency [MMCC] is a licence to practise that is issued to a competent person who can legally be appointed to perform the duties of a mine manager at a South African mine as stipulated in the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended and its regulations. There are two types of certificates, namely: 

  • MMCC: Underground Coal Mines 

  • MMCC: Underground Metalliferous Mines 

 

  1. This examination is administered by the Head Office5 of the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate. 

  1. Prospective candidates must be the holder of a Blasting Certificates of Competency prior to applying for acceptance. 

  1. Prospective candidates must meet all the application requirements for the respective certificate of competency prior to applying for candidacy. 

  1. When applying for candidacy and/or examination, the applicants must adhere to all the instructions attached to each application form which includes the submission of the required supporting documents. 

  1. No candidate will be allowed to enter for the qualifying examination unless the candidate has been accepted by the Commission of Examiners. 

  1. Once an applicant is accepted as a candidate, the candidate will be subjected to an examination to determine competence. 

  1. It is only after the candidate is found to be competent, that a certificate of competency is issued. 

Contact us: mhsi.examqueries@dmpr.gov.za 

Download resources 

 Mine Overseer’s Certificate of Competency 

The Mine Overseer’s Certificate of Competency [MOCC] is a licence to practise that is issued to a competent person who can legally be appointed to perform the duties of a mine overseer at a South African mine as stipulated in the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended and its regulations. There are two types of certificates, namely: 

  • MOCC: Underground Coal Mines 

  • MOCC: Underground Metalliferous Mines 

 

  1. This examination is administered by both the Head Office and Regional Offices6 of the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate. 

  1. Prospective candidates must meet all the application requirements for the respective certificate of competency prior to applying for candidacy 

  1. Prospective candidates must be the holder of a Blasting Certificates of Competency prior to applying for acceptance. 

  1. The application for acceptance as a candidate must be directed to the Head Office7 component of the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate for consideration. 

  1. When applying for candidacy and/or examination, the applicants must adhere to all the instructions attached to each application form which includes the submission of the required supporting documents. 

  1. No candidate will be allowed to enter for the qualifying examination unless the candidate has been accepted by the Commission of Examiners. 

  1. Once an applicant is accepted as a candidate, the candidate will be subjected to an examination to determine competence. 

  1. The application for acceptance to attempt the examinations must be directed to the Regional Offices8 of the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate where the candidate has elected to be examined. 

  1. It is only after the candidate is found to be competent, that a certificate of competency is issued. 

Contact us: mhsi.examqueries@dmpr.gov.za 

Download resources 

Mine Surveyor’s Certificate of Competency 

The Mine Surveyor’s Certificate of Competency [MSCC] is a licence to practise that is issued to a competent person who can legally be appointed to perform the duties of a mine surveyor at a South African mine as stipulated in the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended and its regulations. 

  1. This examination is administered by the Head Office9 of the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate. 

  1. Prospective candidates must meet all the application requirements for the respective certificate of competency prior to applying for candidacy. 

  1. When applying for candidacy and/or examination, the applicants must adhere to all the instructions attached to each application form which includes the submission of the required supporting documents. 

  1. No candidate will be allowed to enter for the qualifying examination unless the candidate has been accepted by the Commission of Examiners. 

  1. Once an applicant is accepted as a candidate, the candidate will be subjected to an examination to determine competence. 

  1. It is only after the candidate is found to be competent, that a certificate of competency is issued. 

Contact us: mhsi.examqueries@dmpr.gov.za 

Download resources 

Onsetter’s Certificate of Competency 

The Onsetter’s Certificate of Competency [OCC] is a licence to practise that is issued to a competent person who can legally be appointed to perform the duties of an onsetter at a South African mine as stipulated in the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 as amended and its regulations. 

 

  1. This examination is administered by the Head Office10 of the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate. 

  1. Prospective candidates must meet all the application requirements for the respective certificate of competency prior to applying for candidacy. 

  1. When applying for candidacy and/or examination, the applicants must adhere to all the instructions attached to each application form which includes the submission of the required supporting documents. 

  1. No candidate will be allowed to enter for the qualifying examination unless the candidate has been accepted by the Commission of Examiners. 

  1. Once an applicant is accepted as a candidate, the candidate will be subjected to an examination to determine competence. 

  1. It is only after the candidate is found to be competent, that a certificate of competency is issued. 

Contact us: mhsi.examqueries@dmpr.gov.za 

Download resources 

  • 📅 2026 Year Plan: Mine Engineers’ Certificate of Competency
  • 📅 2025 Year Plan: Mine Managers’ Certificate of Competency
  • 📅 2025 Year Plan: Mine Surveyors’ Certificate of Competency
  • 📅 2024 Year Plan: Mine Engineers’ Certificate of Competency
  • 📅 2024 Year Plan: Mine Managers’ Certificate of Competency
  • 📅 2024 Year Plan: Mine Surveyors’ Certificate of Competency

Contact: mhsi.examqueries@dmpr.gov.za

Examination fees are regulated under Regulation 28.10 of the Minerals Act 50 of 1991, as amended and published in Government Gazette 48334, No 3214 (30 March 2023).

Note: Postal orders are no longer accepted as a form of payment.
Payment Option 1 — Bank Deposit
  • Deposit to: ABSA Bank
  • Account Number: 406 176 9154
  • Attach original deposit slip to the application form.
Payment Option 2 — Cashier Payment
  • Pay at any dmpr regional office cashier.
  • Inform cashier that the payment is for examination purposes.
  • Attach original cashier receipt to the application form.

Contact: mhsi.examqueries@dmpr.gov.za

Candidates wishing to request a remark must complete the Remark Application Form [dmpr 77] and include proof of payment.

Contact: mhsi.examqueries@dmpr.gov.za

Under Regulation 28.12, a duplicate certificate may be issued only upon proof that the original has been lost, destroyed, or damaged. Apply using the Duplicate Certificate Application Form [dmpr 76].

Contact: mhsi.examqueries@dmpr.gov.za

The Blasting Certificates of Competency (BCC) are licences issued to qualified persons legally appointed to perform the duties of a blaster at South African mines under the Mine Health and Safety Act.

  • Fiery Mines’ BCC (FMBCC): [dmpr 370, dmpr 310]
  • Opencast Mines’ BCC (OMBCC): [dmpr 373, dmpr 306]
  • Scheduled Mines’ BCC (SMBCC): [dmpr 374, dmpr 302]
  • Exchange Application: [dmpr 314]

The Engine Drivers’ Certificate of Competency authorises qualified persons to operate as engine drivers at South African mines.

  • Locomotive Engine Drivers’ (LEDCC): [dmpr 74, dmpr 75]
  • Winding Engine Drivers’ (WEDCC): [dmpr 72, dmpr 73] — AC, DC, Full, and Limited Scope
  • Lampsman’s Certificate (LCC): [dmpr 371, dmpr 217]

Licences to practise for various mine professional roles under the Mine Health and Safety Act.

  • Mine Engineers’ Certificate (MECC): [dmpr 78, 319]
  • Mine Managers’ Certificate (MMCC): [dmpr 66, 67]
  • Mine Overseers’ Certificate (MOCC): [dmpr 70, 71]
  • Mine Surveyors’ Certificate (MSCC): [dmpr 68, 69]
  • Onsetter’s Certificate (OCC): [dmpr 372, 218]