SAGC registration: becoming a Professional Mine or Land Surveyor, with 2026/27 fees
How mine and land surveyors register with the South African Geomatics Council: candidate registration, 220 days of supervised training, the law exams and the 2026/27 fees.
The South African Geomatics Council (SAGC) replaced PLATO under the Geomatics Profession Act 19 of 2013. It registers Professional Land Surveyors, Professional Mine Surveyors and Professional Geomatics Technologists, each with a candidate category. Mines need registered surveyors for statutory plans, so the registration is often a condition of appointment.
Route to Professional Mine Surveyor
- Complete an accredited mine survey qualification (typically a four-year degree or an approved NQF equivalent) and register as a Candidate Mine Surveyor.
- Complete at least 220 working days of work-integrated learning under the personal supervision of a Professional Mine Surveyor with at least five years' experience. Cover the specified areas: sampling, surveying, valuation, geology, ore reserves, mine planning, remote sensing and project management.
- Pass the law examination: Paper A on the Geomatics Profession Act, Code of Conduct and Regulations (2.5 hours, open book) and Paper E on surveyors' legislation (3 hours, closed book).
- Write the essay on professionalism and ethics (about 1 500 words, Harvard referencing). The Council may also set a practical test.
- Submit your application, WIL schedule, certified qualifications and mentors' certificates of employment to the Registrar.
Costs for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Candidate Mine Surveyor: application | R 908 |
| Candidate Land Surveyor: application | R 1 194 |
| Candidate Geomatics Technologist: application | R 446 |
| Candidate admission fee | R 356 |
| Candidate annual fee (land / mine / technologist) | R 484 / R 440 / R 407 |
| Professional Mine Surveyor: application | R 1 815 |
| Professional Land Surveyor: application | R 2 387 |
| Professional admission fee | R 713 |
| Professional annual fee, private practice | R 3 100 |
| Re-examination, per paper | R 908 |
From the SAGC price list for the year ending 2027. The list does not state VAT treatment. Checked 02/10/2026.
A separate Mine Survey Certificate of Competency, issued under the Mine Health and Safety Act, is needed for some statutory appointments on mines.
Keyword lists for these roles: Mine Surveyor
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