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: 

Measure and record basic geological information for grade control purposes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262306  Measure and record basic geological information for grade control purposes 
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  5 
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 measuring and recording basic geological data for grade control purposes.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate the knowledge required to acquire basic geological data for grade control purposes.
  • Plan and prepare to measure and record basic geological data for grade control purposes.
  • Measure and record basic geological data for grade control purposes.
  • 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 and mathematical literacy at NQF Level 2.
  • Ability to identify the selected mining horizon at NQF Level 2.
  • Knowledge of the local stratigraphy at NQF Level 2.
  • Understanding of the legal requirements pertaining to occupational health and safety matters at NQF Level 2.
  • Effective communication skills, both oral and written, and proficient in compiling reports in accordance with scientific principles and the use of the appropriate nomenclature at NQF Level 2.
  • Basic geological knowledge at NQF Level 2.
  • The ability to locate an underground or surface geographical position at NQF Level 2.
  • Understanding of basic geological mapping procedures at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard is intended to cover the initial measuring and recording of basic geological data in surface or underground mines for grade control purposes and excludes outcrops in exploration areas. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate the knowledge required to acquire basic geological data for grade control purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic principles of grade control are described in terms of geological practice in the mining context. 

    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 grade control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of inadequately described and poorly recorded geological parameters during the mapping procedure are described in terms of the potential effect on grade control. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Footwall waste.
  • Hangingwall waste.
  • Selected mining horizon in foot.
  • Selected mining horizon in hanging.
  • Internal waste.
  • Off reef mining.
  • Geological features.
  • Over/under break.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The characteristics of the selected mining horizon at the face are described in terms of the stratigraphic sequence, lithology, and average grade and grade distribution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of not complying with the relevant statutory and mine specific regulations are explained in terms of the possible and probable impact on occupational health and safety, equipment, the environment and potential future exploitation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The consequences of inadequately described and poorly recorded geological parameters during the mapping procedure are described in terms of the potential financial implications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The mathematical equations pertinent to grade control are explained and demonstrated, and the consequences of inappropriate or incorrect usage explained in the mining context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The results obtained from mapping are described in terms of their application for grade control. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan and prepare to measure and record basic geological data for grade control purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Permission to enter the workplace, where required, is obtained in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal protective equipment is selected and examined for any defects and used in accordance with legal and laid down procedures. Defective personal protective equipment is dealt with in accordance with the laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The tools, materials and equipment required for the procedure are selected, examined and verified in accordance with the work instruction received. Defective tools, materials and equipment are dealt with in accordance with the laid down procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The cleanliness and suitability of the face to be examined is verified and sub-standard conditions are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The workplace details are determined, verified and recorded, all in accordance with the work instruction received. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Section/block number and co-ordinates.
  • Orientation of the face.
  • Survey peg and reference number.
  • Previous geological mapping, logging and sampling reports relating to the area.
  • Adjacent section/block information.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Potential and actual hazardous and sub-standard conditions found during the examination of the workplace are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Slippery surfaces.
  • Electricity in close proximity to water.
  • Poor illumination.
  • Operating machinery in close proximity.
  • Spillage of fluids.
  • Adverse weather conditions (lightning) in surface mines.
  • Broken rock.
  • Excessive accumulation of water.
  • Unsafe mining conditions.
  • Dust.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Measure and record basic geological data for grade control purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The details of the mapping locality are determined and recorded in accordance with the laid down procedure in the required format. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Survey offsets of the selected face.
  • Orientation of the face.
  • Section/block number.
  • Reference survey peg(s).
     
    		•

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The stratigraphic units/markers are examined, 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 mining face.
  • Stratigraphic units/markers above the selected mining horizon where these are exposed.
  • Stratigraphic units/markers below the selected mining horizon where these are exposed.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The appropriate geological parameters are correctly identified, described and their data confirmed in accordance with laid down procedures and required format. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Reef thickness.
  • Internal waste.
  • Off reef mining.
  • Geological features.
  • Over/under break.
  • Thickness of hanging wall waste.
  • Thickness of footwall waste.
  • Thickness and extent of Selected mining horizon in foot.
  • Thickness and extent of Selected mining horizon in hang.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The effect of structural features and/or igneous intrusions on the selected mining horizon are identified, described and confirmed in accordance with laid down procedures and required format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The data is processed in accordance with laid down procedures and required format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The processed data is incorporated into the information database in terms of the requirements and format of the database. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    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:
  • Eye/facial injuries.
  • Hand and foot injuries.
  • Incorrect lifting procedures and back injuries.
  • Chemical burns.
  • Inhalation of toxic and noxious gases.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Compile and present reports. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The workplace is cleaned to comply with documented and recognised good housekeeping practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The updating of the database is conducted in accordance with the work instruction and laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The results are compiled and submitted in the required format and in accordance with the laid down procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The report reflects the findings accurately and completely in accordance with sound geological principles in the mining context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The completion of the procedure is communicated to the relevant personnel, when required and anomalous conditions emphasised in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The raw data and documentation are stored in accordance with the laid down procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include the following:
  • Archived.
  • Transferred to data capture sheets.
  • Transferred to appropriate maps or plans.
     
    		•


    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 ability to identify and recognise those geological and mining factors that influence grade control/management.
  • Understanding of the safety and financial consequences if the grade control data are incorrect.
  • 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 grade control 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 selected mining horizon and associated geological and mining features indicates that the learner can make decisions, using critical and creative thinking processes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members 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, with the mapping process, 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 process the data will indicate his/her effective relationship with the group. 

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

    Note: The correct measuring and recording of the data 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 identify the selected mining horizon and associated geological and mining features will enhance his/her proficiency to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. The identification of anomalous data that can affect the integrity and reliability of the end-results will enhance the learner's ability to critically evaluate various types of data. The correlation and evaluation of the newly processed and acquired geological information with adjacent geographical areas will indicate that the learner can critically 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 correct recording of the geological and mining parameters and associated economic mining horizon characteristics and the compilation of a 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 data and/or 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 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 interpret the geological data and grade control parameters will indicate his/her proficiency in understanding that a specific data type cannot be evaluated in isolation. 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 measure and record geological data and grade control parameters, to communicate effectively and to organise his/her work, contributes to the development of the learner. The correct identification of anomalous data indicates 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.

    Geological Data can include:
  • Reef/ore body descriptions.
  • Descriptions of the selected mining horizon.
  • Descriptions of working faces.
  • Historical grade data.

    Selected Mining Horizon:

    Is site specific, defined according to the mining horizon's distribution and subject to a minimum stopping width. 
    		•

    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.