SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Conduct a grade control investigation

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
11113	Conduct a grade control investigation
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-
FIELD			SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology			Fabrication and Extraction
ABET BAND	UNIT STANDARD TYPE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Undefined	Regular	Level 3	NQF Level 03	15
REGISTRATION STATUS		REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE	SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		2018-07-01	2023-06-30	SAQA 06120/18
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2027-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard.

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD

This unit standard will be useful to people who are responsible to conduct grade control investigations.

People credited with this unit standard are able to

demonstrate knowledge of grade control principles;

conduct grade investigation for selected mining unit;

implement remedial grade control strategy; and

monitor and report.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:

Competency in numeracy and literacy skills equivalent to NQF Level 3

Ability to communicate effectively

Unit standard "Collect special samples for mineral evaluation purposes"

Unit standard "Compile a sample sheet and manually calculate the results"

UNIT STANDARD RANGE

Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria.

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Demonstrate knowledge of grade control principles.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. Basic principles associated with grade control are explained with reference to the nature of the mineral deposit.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

The explanation must include reference to:

Mineralisation

Values

Mining method

Geological discontinuities

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The explanation of the methods and procedures of grade control is consistent with documented best practice and specified requirements. Use of terminology relating to grade control is accurate.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. The explanation of grade control sampling procedures is clear, accurate and consistent with documented best practice and specified requirements. Use of sampling terminology is accurate.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

4. The importance of grade control is explained with reference to the impact on mine profitability.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Conduct grade investigation for selected mining unit.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The collection and verification of base data relevant to the task is in accordance with recognised grade control principles.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Range: Verification of base data must include:

Plans

Location

Sampling and

Geological information

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The analysis of the relevant plans and reports and determination of areas for investigation confirms understanding of grade control principles.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. The importance of using accurate data is explained with reference to the effect on the grade investigation process.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

4. The identification of potential grade problem areas and site investigation, if required, confirms understanding of grade control principles.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

5. The taking of grade control samples, where necessary, is in accordance with sampling principles and confirms understanding of the process of evaluating the mineral deposit.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Implement remedial grade control strategy.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The consultation with stakeholders regarding identified problems confirms understanding of the grade control process. The importance of not obtaining the stakeholders participation is explained with reference to the impact on the mining unit profitability.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The formulation and reporting of the required remedial action for the improvement of the mining unit grade to all stakeholders is in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. The consequences of not timeously implementing the remedial action are explained with reference to health and safety, mineral evaluation principles and loss of production and mineral.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4

Check and report on remedial action.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The implementation of the remedial grade control action is verified in accordance with grade control recommendation.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. Reporting requirements are met with reference to the follow-up investigations.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. The comparison of results of pre- and post-remedial grade control action is in accordance with specified requirements and evaluation principles.

UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS

1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.

3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures.

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE

Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate`s performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:

Health and safety knowledge

Report writing

Legal and site-specific requirements

Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO):

UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING

The following critical cross-field outcomes are addressed in this unit standard:

1.1 Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.

Note: The ability of the candidate to identify sub-standard and hazardous conditions,
assess and take appropriate action.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING

1.2 Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

Note: The ability and willingness of the candidate to accept and interpret work instructions correctly.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING

1.3 Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

Note: The ability of the candidate to indicate what methods, tools and personal protective equipment is required and communicate to fellow workers his / her intentions and assistance required.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING

1.4 Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

Note: The ability of the candidate to reconcile the information from visual and physical examinations and constantly evaluate the changing situation.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING

1.5 Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and / or language skills in the modes of oral and / or written presentations.

Note: The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to the reporting of hazards and sub-standard conditions will indicate his / her proficiency in effective communication.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE

1.6 Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

Note: The correct use of scientific nomenclature and technological knowledge will indicate that the candidate is proficient in the use of science and technology.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING

1.7 Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Note: The ability of the candidate to identify and refer anomalous behaviour to a specialist confirms understanding that a specific observation, inference, action or decision can have a devastating effect.

UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA

Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:

Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.

Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.

Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.

The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.

The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.

All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD:

	ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	STATUS	END DATE	PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
Elective	50082	Further Education and Training Certificate: Minerals Surveying	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2012-06-30	MQA

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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