The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is a statutory body established in terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act No. 29 of 1996 and is a registered Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) for the mining and minerals sector in terms of the Skills Development Act No 97 of 1998 as amended.

The MQA must supports the objectives of the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP) 2020-2030 as guided by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), and also supports the objectives of the Mining Charter in terms of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act No. 29 of 1996.