What is the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)?
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) responsible for South Africa’s mining and minerals sector.
Established under the Skills Development Act, MQA works with mining companies, government, organised labour, universities, TVET colleges and accredited training providers to develop the skilled workforce needed across the mining industry.
Its role extends beyond funding training programmes. MQA also helps identify scarce skills, supports occupational qualifications, promotes artisan development and contributes to the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s mining sector.
Mining Built South Africa Skills Will Shape Its Future
For more than a century, mining has been one of South Africa’s most important industries. From gold and platinum to coal, chrome, manganese, iron ore and diamonds, the country’s mineral resources have supported economic growth, infrastructure development and thousands of careers.
Today’s mining industry, however, looks very different from the one that existed decades ago. Modern mines rely on automation, engineering, environmental management, digital technologies, data analytics and highly skilled artisans to operate safely and efficiently.
Developing this workforce is the responsibility of the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA), the organisation responsible for skills development across South Africa’s mining and minerals sector.
Whether you’re interested in engineering, geology, artisan trades, mine operations or graduate programmes, understanding MQA can help you build a career in one of South Africa’s most technically advanced industries.
Mining Careers Extend Far Beyond Underground Operations
Many people associate mining careers with working underground, but the industry supports hundreds of specialised occupations.
Examples include:
- Mining Engineering
- Geological Sciences
- Mine Surveying
- Metallurgy
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Occupational Hygiene
- Rock Engineering
- Safety Management
- Mine Planning
- Mineral Processing
- Information Technology
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Supply Chain Management
The sector also creates significant demand for qualified artisans.
Artisan Development in the Mining Industry
One of MQA’s most important responsibilities is supporting artisan development.
Mining employers regularly train artisans in occupations such as:
- Electrician
- Boilermaker
- Diesel Mechanic
- Fitter and Turner
- Millwright
- Instrument Mechanic
- Mechanical Fitter
- Rigger
- Welder
These programmes combine practical workplace experience with nationally recognised occupational qualifications.
Learning Opportunities Supported by MQA
MQA supports several workforce development initiatives.
Learnerships
Structured programmes combining theoretical learning with practical mine-based training.
Apprenticeships
Technical artisan development leading towards recognised trade qualifications.
Internships
Graduate workplace experience programmes across engineering, geology, finance, environmental science and business disciplines.
Bursaries
Financial support for studies aligned with scarce skills within the mining industry.
Skills Programmes
Short occupational training programmes designed to strengthen technical competencies and workplace readiness.
Which Companies Work With MQA?
Many of South Africa’s largest mining companies participate in skills development initiatives supported by MQA.
These include organisations involved in:
- Gold Mining
- Platinum Mining
- Coal Mining
- Chrome Mining
- Iron Ore Mining
- Diamond Mining
- Manganese Mining
- Mineral Processing
Many opportunities published on CareersPursuit originate from employers operating within industries supported by MQA.
Why MQA Matters
Mining remains one of South Africa’s largest export industries and continues to create employment opportunities across technical, engineering, environmental, financial and operational disciplines.
By investing in workforce development, MQA helps ensure the industry has access to skilled professionals capable of improving productivity, strengthening safety standards, embracing innovation and supporting sustainable mining practices.
Thabang Maimela’s Perspective
Mining has always been one of the strongest sectors on CareersPursuit. Every year, mining companies advertise learnerships, apprenticeships, graduate programmes and internships that attract thousands of applications.
One trend I’ve noticed is that the industry is becoming increasingly technical. Modern mines rely on automation, data, engineering, environmental sustainability and digital systems just as much as traditional mining expertise.
If you’re serious about building a career in mining, focus on developing transferable technical skills alongside strong problem solving and communication abilities. Those skills will remain valuable regardless of how the industry evolves.
— Thabang Maimela
Founder & Editor, YouthSETA
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MQA stand for?
MQA stands for the Mining Qualifications Authority, the Sector Education and Training Authority responsible for South Africa’s mining and minerals sector.
Is MQA a SETA?
Yes. Although its name does not include the word “SETA,” MQA performs the same role as South Africa’s other Sector Education and Training Authorities and is responsible for skills development in the mining industry.
What industries fall under MQA?
MQA supports gold, platinum, coal, chrome, manganese, iron ore, diamond mining, quarrying, mineral processing and related mining activities.
Does MQA fund learnerships?
Yes. MQA supports learnerships, apprenticeships, internships, bursaries, workplace learning initiatives and skills programmes.
Who can apply for MQA opportunities?
Eligibility depends on the programme, but opportunities are available to South African youth, graduates, employed individuals and unemployed job seekers.
I am Thabang Maimela, Founder and Editor of CareersPursuit and YouthSETA, two South African platforms dedicated to helping individuals access employment opportunities, skills development programmes, and career growth resources. Through CareersPursuit, I focus on jobs, internships, apprenticeships, graduate programmes, learnerships, and career advice, while YouthSETA specialises in SETA learnerships, skills programmes, youth development initiatives, and workplace readiness resources. My mission is to make reliable, up to date information more accessible, helping South Africans build skills, improve employability, and navigate their career journeys with confidence. Read more about the author on the About US page.