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: 

Demonstrate a basic understanding of global tectonic systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
261778  Demonstrate a basic understanding of global tectonic systems 
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  3 
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 work or intend to work within a mining and minerals context.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the structure of the crust and upper mantle, their composition and operative heat transfer processes.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of earthquakes and volcanism.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of plate tectonics.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the relationship between plate tectonics and mineralization.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of plate tectonic activity during the geological evolution of South Africa. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the structure of the Earth.
  • Knowledge and understanding of rock types.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the geological evolution of South Africa.
  • Knowledge and understanding of geological processes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of the structure of the crust and upper mantle, their composition and operative heat transfer processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different types of crust are identified and discussed in terms of geological classification. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Continental crust.
  • Oceanic crust.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The primary rock types found in the crust are identified in terms of geological classification. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Granite and sediments in the continental crust.
  • Basalt in the oceanic crust.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The internal structure of the upper mantle is discussed in terms of geological classification. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Granite and sediments in the continental crust.
  • Basalt in the oceanic crust.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The primary rock types found in the upper mantle are identified in terms of geological classification. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Granite and sediments in the continental crust.
  • Basalt in the oceanic crust.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The relationship between the crust and mantle is discussed in terms of geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Heat transfer processes in the upper mantle and crust are identified, discussed and defined in terms of geological principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Igneous processes.
  • Convection in the mantle.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of earthquakes and volcanism. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A simple definition of an earthquake is provided in geological terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The principal characteristics of an earthquake are identified and defined in geological terms. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • P-waves.
  • S-waves.
  • L-waves.
  • Intensity scale.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The causes of an earthquake are identified and defined in geological terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The areas where earthquakes are common are identified in terms of recorded historical occurrences. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • The west coast of America.
  • Japan.
  • Indonesia.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance of earthquakes in defining the structure of the earth is discussed in geological terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A simple definition of volcanism is provided in geological terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The principal characteristics of volcanoes and volcanic eruptions are identified and defined in geological terms. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Land forms.
  • Rock types.
  • Internal structure of a volcano.
  • Types of volcanoes.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The causes of a volcanic eruption are identified and defined in geological terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The areas where volcanic eruptions are common are identified in terms of recorded historical occurrences. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • The west coast of America.
  • Japan.
  • Indonesia.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of plate tectonics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The process of plate tectonics is discussed and defined in geological terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The history of the development of the theory of plate tectonics is discussed in geological terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The principal components of the plate tectonic model are identified and defined in geological terms. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Midoceanic ridge.
  • Subduction zone.
  • Continental plate.
  • Oceanic plate.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The principal continental and oceanic plates found on the Earths surface today are identified in geological terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The principal types of plate margin are identified and defined in geological terms. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Convergent.
  • Divergent.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The tectonic processes common to specific plate tectonic environments are identified and their causes explained in geological terms. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Earthquakes.
  • Volcanism.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The principal rock types found within individual plate tectonic settings are identified in geological terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The stages within the development of a plate tectonic cycle (a Wilson Cycle) are discussed in geological terms. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of the relationship between plate tectonics and mineralisation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The mineralisation associated with specific environments within a plate tectonic model is identified and specific examples discussed in the mining context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The mineralisation associated with different stages in the development of a plate tectonic cycle is identified and specific examples discussed in the mining context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The role of tectonic analysis in mineral exploration is discussed in the mining context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The mineralisation associated with specific plate tectonic environments within South Africa is identified and discussed in the mining context. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of plate tectonic activity during the geological evolution of South Africa. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The principal tectonic plate fragments within South Africa are identified and their ages defined in geological terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A generalised model for the evolution of South Africa through geological time is discussed with emphasis on the plate tectonic model. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The Gondwanaland Supercontinent is described and discussed in geological terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The position of South Africa within the Gondwanaland Supercontinent is discussed in geological terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The results of the formation and break-up of the Gondwanaland Supercontinent are described and discussed in geological terms. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • South Africa.
  • The rest of the world.
     
    		•


    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:
  • The principal characteristics of the crust and upper mantle (types, structure, rock types found.
  • The relationship and heat transfer process between the crust and the mantle.
  • Typical earthquakes and volcanoes (definition, characteristics, causes, areas occurring).
  • The plate tectonics model (process, history, components, rock types, stages).
  • The relationship between plate tectonics and mineralisation.
  • The role of plate tectonics in the development of South Africa and its mineral deposits. 
    		•

    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 characteristics of individual components of the plate tectonic model and their mineralisation and relate these to specific occurrences contributes to his/her problem solving ability. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note: The ability of the learner to integrate the geological data from a general plate tectonic model to provide a coherent model for a specific occurrence indicates that the learner can organise and manage activities. 

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

    Note: The ability of the learner to integrate the geological data to form a simple geological model will enhance the learner's proficiency to collect, analyse, organise and evaluate information. 

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

    Note: The ability of the learner to reconcile the data from various sources will indicate the learner's proficiency in effective communication. 

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

    Note: The analysis of the geological data pertaining to the general plate tectonic model will indicate the learners understanding of science and technology. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate knowledge and 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 understand the role the plate tectonic model plays in the development of the crust and the development of mineralised zones will contribute to their understanding of the whole world. 

    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 relate the plate tectonic model to mineralisation can be applied inside and outside the work environment to enhance the socio-economic development of family-life 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 no 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act no 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS and other relevant Standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives and instructions.
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.

    Laid Down Procedures:
  • Training manuals.
  • Education manuals, including geological textbooks.
  • Geological illustrations. 
    		•

    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.