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 basic understanding of dimension stone geology and mineralogy 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116627  Demonstrate basic understanding of dimension stone geology and mineralogy 
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  16 
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 
The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector.

This unit standard is intended to promote general knowledge and understanding of dimension stone geology and mineralogy in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of rock forming processes
  • Demonstrate knowledge of rock and rock forming minerals
  • Demonstrate knowledge of structural geology related to dimension stone
  • Map basic structures and project them in three dimensions
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of dimension stone sampling techniques 
    		•

    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:
  • Communication at NQF Level 3
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 3 
    		•

    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 rock forming processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Basic knowledge of the internal structure and composition of the earth is displayed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Basic knowledge of crustal processes is displayed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Isostasy
  • Orogenesis
  • Plate tectonics
  • Seismology
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Basic knowledge of sedimentary processes is displayed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Erosion
  • Transportation
  • Deposition
  • Compaction
  • Cementation
  • Precipitation
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Basic knowledge of igneous products and modes of occurrence is displayed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Magma
  • Lava
  • Lava flows and pipes
  • Sills and dykes
  • Lacoliths and Lopoliths
  • Batholiths
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Basic knowledge of metamorphic processes is displayed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Thermal
  • Dynamic
  • Dynamothermal
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of rock and rock forming minerals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Basic knowledge of physical characteristics of minerals is displayed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Crystal form
  • Cleavage and fracture
  • Density
  • Colour and lustre
  • Hardness
  • Abrasiveness
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Basic knowledge of rock forming minerals and their physical characteristics is displayed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Quartz
  • Feldspars
  • Feldspathoids
  • Micas
  • Pyroxenes
  • Amphiboles
  • Olivines
  • Garnets
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Knowledge of the classification and common types of sedimentary rocks is displayed in relation to their physical properties, extraction characteristics and their use for dimension stone. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Mechanically formed (Conglomerates, breccias, sandstones, shales, agglomerates)
  • Organically formed (Shelly and coral limestones)
  • Chemically formed (Limestones, dolomites, travertines and tufas)
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Knowledge of the texture of igneous rocks is displayed in relation to their depth of occurrence and use for dimension stone. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Crystallinity
  • Grain size
  • Grain shape
  • Relationships between components
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Knowledge of the common families of igneous rocks is displayed in relation to their essential minerals, xtraction characteristics and use for dimension stone. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Granite family
  • Syentite family
  • Diorite family
  • Gabbro family
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Knowledge of the common metamorphic rocks is displayed in relation to their source rock, physical properties and their use for dimension stone. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Marbles
  • Quartzites
  • Gneisses
  • Migmatites
  • Slates
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate knowledge of structural geology related to dimension stone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Knowledge of basic terminology relating to inclined strata is displayed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Dip
  • Strike
  • Apparent dip
  • Outcrop
  • Stratification
  • Bedding planes
  • Strata
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Knowledge of the basic terminology of fold structures is displayed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Anticline
  • Syncline
  • Plunge
  • Isocline, Overfold and Recumbent fold
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Knowledge of the basic terminology of fault structures and the effect of fault structures on outcrop is displayed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Throw and heave
  • Upthrown and downthrown side
  • Normal and reverse faults
  • Strike-slip
  • Dip-slip
  • Dip, strike and oblique faulting
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Map basic structures and project them in three dimensions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Structures in the quarry are mapped to scale onto a plan or sectional views. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Box diagrams are constructed to show the projection of structures onto hidden planes in order to determine optimal cutting lines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Structures are projected in the working place by simple practical means. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate and apply knowledge of dimension stone sampling techniques. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Knowledge of the various sampling techniques employed in the dimension stone industry is displayed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Core drilling
  • Chip sampling
  • Test blocks
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Diamond drilled core is examined and defects are identified and logged in accordance with specified requirements. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA .
  • 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 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard
  • Rock forming processes
  • Rock and rock forming minerals
  • Structural geology related to dimension stone
  • Mapping of basic structures and projecting them in three dimensions
  • Dimension stone sampling techniques 
    		•

    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 candidate to identify sub-standard and hazardous conditions, assess and take appropriate action. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    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 
    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 
    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 
    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 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
    Note: The ability of the candidate to use equipment, follow processes and access and record data in a technological environment in accordance with environmental, occupational health and safety requirements. 

    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 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. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    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, 1996 (Act no 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act no 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice
  • SABS and other relevant Standards
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives
  • Guidelines issued by Chief Inspector of Mines

    Site Specific
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA)
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme
  • Managerial Instructions
  • Mine Standard Procedures
  • List of Recorded OH&S Risks
  • Working Guides
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications


    Unit Standard Justification

    Attribute, Level, Justification
  • Skills - Level 3 - Well-developed range
  • Procedures - Level 2 - Established and familiar
  • Context - Level 2 - Range of familiar
  • Knowledge - Level 3 - Some relevant theoretical
  • Information processing - Level 3 - Interpretation of available information
  • Problem Solving - Level 3 - Range of known responses to familiar problems
  • Orientation of activities - Level 4 - Self directed
  • Application of responsibility - Level 4 - Under broad guidance and evaluation
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility - Level 3 - Significant responsibility for quantity and quality

    Average Level: 27/9 = 3
    Actual Level Assigned: 3


    Credits:

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:
  • Classroom Teaching: 90 hours
  • On-The-Job Training: 48 hours
  • Mentoring required: 18 hours
  • Total: 156 hours

    Credits Achieved: 156/10 = 15.6
    Actual Credits Assigned: 16 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  57121   National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Quarrying  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2008-09-17  Was MQA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  62869   National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Surface Excavations  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.
     
    1. Anglo American Platinum Limited - Mogalakwena Mining Training Centre 
    2. AVENG (AFRICA) (PTY) LTD 
    3. BANA BA THARI MINING TRANING AND DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
    4. CONCOR PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    5. DEI GRATIA TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SOLUTION 
    6. ELITE OPERATOR AND SKILLS TRAINING 
    7. EXXARO COAL (PTY) LTD 
    8. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    9. GEOSTRAT TRAINING 
    10. GLENCORE OPERATIONS SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD 
    11. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    12. KOLOMELA MINE 
    13. Kumba Sishen HRD Centre 
    14. MEDIRO TRAINING ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 
    15. MMTI Holdings 
    16. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    17. PMC TRAINING CONSULTANTS AND ASSOCIATES (PTY) LTD 
    18. POWERGATE TRAINING PTY LTD 
    19. PPC Ltd 
    20. PRISMA TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    21. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    22. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
    23. XTRACT TRAINING SERVICES (SA)(PTY)LTD 
    24. ZULEK TRAINING SPECIALISTS 


    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.