SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Identify structural and stratigraphic features on a surface geological map 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
261757  Identify structural and stratigraphic features on a surface geological map 
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 4  NQF Level 04  4 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 for identifying structural and stratigraphic features on a surface geological plan.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate the knowledge required to identify structural and stratigraphic features on a surface geological map.
  • Plan and prepare to identify structural and stratigraphic features on a surface geological map.
  • Identify structural and stratigraphic features on a surface geological map.
  • Compile and present reports. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3.
  • Understanding of map reading techniques.
  • Knowledge of the local stratigraphy.
  • Geological knowledge.
  • Understanding of the legal requirements pertaining to occupational health and safety matters.
  • Effective communication skills, both oral and written, and proficient in compiling reports in accordance with scientific principles and the use of the appropriate nomenclature. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate the knowledge required to identify on a surface geological map, structural and stratigraphic features. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The characteristics, symbols and geological features displayed on a surface geological map are described in terms of the applicable basic principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The contents of the work instruction and the consequences of non-compliance with the requirements are described in terms of the potential impact on the processing, interpretation and modelling of the mapping results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of inadequately identifying structural geological parameters during the procedure are described in terms of the potential effect on the occupational health and safety of people and the financial consequences to the mining process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include those for:
  • Underground mines.
  • Surface mines.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences and the effect on the reliability of the data are described if the total geological map is not adequately examined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Identified and potential structural features are described in terms of their elementary geological characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Identified and potential stratigraphic features are described in terms of their elementary geological characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Identified and potential relationships between geological features are discussed in terms of geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Identified and potential relationships between geological features and mining plans are discussed in terms of geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Identified and potential relationships between geological features and geotechnical plans are discussed in terms of geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The regional geology is described in terms of the occurrence of stratigraphic units, their associated geological characteristics and economic potential. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    The regional geology is described in terms of the occurrence of structural phases, their associated geological characteristics and relationship with zones of economic potential. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan and prepare to identify structural and stratigraphic features on a surface geological map. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The tools, materials and equipment required for the exercise are selected, examined and verified in accordance with the work instruction received. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Defective tools, materials and equipment are dealt with in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The appropriate surface geological map is selected, at an appropriate scale to conform to the requirements of the work instruction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The workplace details are determined, verified and recorded, all in accordance with the work instruction and targets set. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Map number/name.
  • Workplace co-ordinates.
  • Survey peg and reference number.
  • Previous geological mapping, logging and sampling reports relating to the area.
  • Adjacent section information.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The actions to be taken in the event of encountering anomalies on the selected map are in accordance with the laid down procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Identify structural and stratigraphic features on a surface geological map. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The details of the work locality are determined and recorded in accordance with the laid down procedure in the required format. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Map name/number.
  • Co-ordinates of area.
  • Reference survey peg(s).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The tools, materials and equipment required for the exercise are used in accordance with laid down procedures and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The stratigraphic units/markers are identified and marked off in accordance with geological principles and laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Selected mining horizon and stratigraphic units/markers within the area.
  • Stratigraphic units/markers above the selected mining horizon.
  • Stratigraphic units/markers below the selected mining horizon.
  • Pot holes.
  • Wash outs.
  • Intrusives.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The structural features are identified and marked off in accordance with geological principles and laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Faults.
  • Folds.
  • Major Joints/zones.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The geological parameters are correctly identified, described and recorded in accordance with laid down procedures and the required format. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Dip and strike of individual lithologies/structural features.
  • Thickness of individual stratigraphic units.
  • Outcrop pattern of selected stratigraphic units.
  • Structural features.
  • Igneous bodies.
  • Unconformities.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Evidence of previous and current mining activities is identified, described and recorded in accordance with laid down procedures and required format. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Mining areas.
  • Prospect development.
  • Boreholes.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Work related hazards and associated risks that have an effect on a safe and healthy work environment are dealt with in accordance with the laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Eyestrain.
  • Incorrect posture.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Compile and submit reports. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The tools, materials and equipment are cleaned and stored for future use in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The report(s) and or maps are compiled in the required format and submitted to the relevant personnel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The report(s) and/or maps reflect the geological findings accurately and completely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The completion of the work is communicated to the relevant personnel, and anomalous conditions emphasised in accordance with site-specific requirements. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • An understanding of the characteristics of a surface geological map.
  • The ability to recognise structural and stratigraphic features on a surface geological map.
  • The ability to identify and recognise anomalous conditions on a surface geological map and to employ corrective actions in the event of these anomalous conditions.
  • The ability to determine selected geological parameters from a surface geological map.
  • An understanding of the potential effect on the occupational health and safety of people and the potential financial implications if the structural and stratigraphic features are inadequately identified and reported during the mapping procedure.
  • An understanding that the learner's output can have a significant effect on the processing of the mapping data where these data are utilised for geological modelling purposes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.

    Note: The ability of the learner to identify the stratigraphic units and structural features present on the surface geological map according to the correct procedure, indicates that the learner can make decisions, using critical and creative thinking processes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note: The ability of the learner to accept and interpret work instructions correctly and to request assistance, when required, indicates that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger organisational structure. The standard of work performance will affect the efficiency of the team or group as a whole and the ability of the learner to correctly identify stratigraphic units and structural features present on the surface geological map will indicate his/her effective relationship with the group. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage himself/herself and his/her activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note: The correct identification of the stratigraphic units and structural features present on the surface geological map within the required time and legal constraints will indicate that the learner can organise and manage activities in his/her work environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note: The ability of the learner to correctly identify the stratigraphic units and structural features present on the surface geological map and the correct recording of the required geological parameters according to accepted geological principles, will enhance his/her proficiency to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. The correct identification of anomalous geological features that can affect the reliability of the results and their complete recording in the required format will enhance the learner's ability to critically evaluate geological features. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

    Note: The correct recording of the geological parameters and the compilation of a complete report in accordance with accepted scientific principles and nomenclature will indicate the learner's efficiency in written presentations. The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to the reporting of anomalous conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective oral communication. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and occupational health of others.

    Note: The correct use of scientific geological nomenclature and technical knowledge will indicate that the learner is proficient in the appropriate use of science and technology. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    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 learner to identify the stratigraphic units and structural features present on the underground geological plan and their relationships with each other will indicate his/her understanding that a specific data type cannot be evaluated in isolation. The learner's ability to understand the influence of the geological data on the mining process and the resulting economic impact demonstrates their understanding of the inter-relationship of the geological/mining system. Utilising the information from other sources can enhance problem solving. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Reflect on, and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively and to contribute to the full development of each learner to enhance the social and economic development of the society at large.

    Note: The ability of the learner to explore more than one strategy to solve actual and potential problems that can affect the reliability of the exercise, to communicate effectively and to organise his/her work, contributes to the development of the learner. The correct identification of stratigraphic units and structural features present on the surface geological map will indicate that the learner accepts responsibility for the economic implications of his/her actions. This will enhance the learning curve of the individual to contribute to his/her own personal growth, socio-economic development and the community at large. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Terminology:

    Specified Requirements:

    Specified requirements include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • Relevant Acts: e.g. Mine Health & Safety Act and Regulations, 1996 (Act 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS and other relevant Standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives/Instructions.
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.

    Site Specific:
  • Managerial instructions, including work instructions.
  • Codes of practice.
  • Standard task procedures.
  • Risk assessment documentation.
  • Working guides.
  • Training manuals.
  • Education manuals.
  • Geological textbooks.

    Tools Material and equipment can include the following:
  • Geological plan (a two dimensional representation of the surface geology transposed onto a base plan).
  • Scale rule. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  65549   National Certificate: Mining Technical Support  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  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.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.