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 and apply knowledge of dimension stone quality and geology to block extraction 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
230019  Demonstrate and apply knowledge of dimension stone quality and geology to block extraction 
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  21 
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 skills, knowledge and understanding of dimension stone quality and geology in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers.

This unit standard will be useful to people who are responsible for planning and executing dimension stone block extraction and/or dressing of dimension stone blocks.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of products, processing technologies and applications of dimension stone.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of dimension stone economics, quality and market requirements.
  • Plan and mark cutting lines for block extraction in quarries.
  • Plan and mark cutting lines for block dressing. 
    		•

    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.
  • The Basic understanding of dimension stone geology and mineralogy at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain product knowledge, mining and processing technologies and applications of dimension stone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The common dimension stone products and their range of applications is explained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Products must include:
  • Calcareous stones (Marbles, limestones, tufas, travertines).
  • Siliceous stones (Granites, sandstones).
  • Slates and quartzites.

    Applications must include:
  • Construction.
  • Monumental.
  • Special applications.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The common dimension stone extraction methods and quarry layouts is explained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Non-explosive cutting techniques for soft stone (Diamond wire sawing, chain cutter, diamond belt).
  • Slot drilling.
  • Explosive splitting techniques for hard stones (including 2 and 3 way blasting).
  • Diamond wire sawing in hard stones.
  • Non-explosive splitting techniques.
  • Boulder quarrying.
  • Solid formation quarrying.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The dimension stone processing technologies used for the various applications is explained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Processing technologies must include:
  • Gang saw.
  • Tile cutters.
  • Giant disc saws.
  • Stationary diamond wire saws.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain dimension stone economics, quality and market requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The nature and impact of production costs on the dimension stone industry is explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The nature and impact of transport costs on the dimension stone industry is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The factors impacting on the revenue generated by the dimension stone industry is explained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Block size category.
  • Colour and appearance.
  • Grade.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The impact of block production on the processing economics of the dimension stone industry is explained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Implications for processing economics must include:
  • Importance of shape and squareness to sawing cost.
  • Importance of block size to sawing cost.
  • Importance of block size with respect to final product dimensions.
  • Relationship of block size to processing feasibility.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance of various parameters on the sale-ability of dimension stone blocks is explained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Size.
  • Shape.
  • Colour.
  • Schiller.
  • Pattern and pattern direction.
  • Defects.
  • Measurement of blocks.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Plan and mark cutting lines for block extraction in quarries. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Hazards and risks are identified and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Cutting lines are planned and marked with due consideration to the factors influencing optimum economic value and sale-ability of dimension stone products. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Cutting lines are planned and marked with due consideration of the specified requirements pertaining to the relevant method of extraction. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods of extraction must include:
  • Diamond wire/slab mining.
  • Blasting.
  • Plug and feather.
  • Expansive mortar.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Cutting lines are planned and marked with due consideration to the geological aspects of dimension stone production in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Plan and mark cutting lines for block dressing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Hazards and risks are identified and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Cutting lines for block dressing are planned and marked with due consideration to the factors influencing optimum economic value and sale-ability of dimension stone products in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Cutting lines are planned and marked with due consideration to the specified requirements pertaining to the relevant method of block dressing in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods of block dressing must include:
  • Plug and feather.
  • Expansive mortar.
  • Blasting.
  • Diamond wire sawing.
     
    		•


    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 by 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 will be assessed in an integrated way in the context of the unit standard:
  • Dimension stone products and their range of applications.
  • Dimension stone extraction methods and quarry layouts.
  • Dimension stone processing techniques.
  • Dimension stone economics.
  • Dimension stone quality.
  • Dimension stone marketing requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • The ability of the learner to reconcile the information from visual and physical examinations and constantly evaluate the changing situation. 
    		•

    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, 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
  • Level:

    Attribute: level; justification:
  • Skills: level 3; Well-developed range.
  • Procedures: level 3; Established and familiar.
  • Context: level 4; Variety of familiar and unfamiliar.
  • Knowledge: level 3; Some relevant theoretical.
  • Information processing: level 3; Iinterpretation of available information.
  • Problem Solving: level 4; Range of innovative responses to often unfamiliar problems.
  • Orientation of activities: level 3; Directed with some autonomy.
  • Application of responsibility: level 4; Under broad guidance and evaluation.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility: level 4; Complete responsibility for quantity and quality of output of others.

    Average Level: 31/9 = 3.44.
    Actual Level Assigned: 3.
  • Credits:

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:

    Activity: hours.
  • Classroom Teaching: 30.
  • On-The-Job Training: 120.
  • Mentoring required: 60.
  • Other (Specify): 0.

    Total: 210.

    Credits Achieved: 210/10 = 21.
    Actual Credits Assigned: 21. 
    		•

    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.