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 an understanding of typical basic underground hard rock mining services, processes and layouts 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244431  Demonstrate an understanding of typical basic underground hard rock mining services, processes and layouts 
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 1  NQF Level 01  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
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
110417  Demonstrate an understanding of typical basic underground hard rock mining processes and layouts  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who desire to acquire an introductory qualification within the mining and minerals sector.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate understanding of basic mining processes and services.
  • Demonstrate understanding of basic mining layouts.

    The knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard contribute to social and economic transformation and the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector by understanding the basic underground hard rock mining services, processes and layouts as part of the mining process.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general knowledge and understanding of persons involved in the daily cyclic mining activities in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable, competent and informed workers. 
    		•

    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:
  • Understanding of basic mining terminology at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    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 understanding of basic mining processes and services. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The explanation regarding the supply of ventilation to underground working places and the effects to occupational health, safety and production of an inadequate supply of ventilation to underground working places is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Supply of ventilation must include:
  • Main intakes and outlets.
  • Methods of moving air through the underground working places of a mine.
  • Methods of directing and routing mine air to various underground working places.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The explanation regarding the supply of compressed air to underground working places and the effects to production of an inadequate supply of compressed air to underground working places is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Supply of compressed air must include:
  • Generation of compressed air.
  • Routing into the underground working places.
  • Typical sizes of supply columns.
  • Safety requirements pertaining to supply columns.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The explanation regarding the supply of water to underground working places and the effects to occupational health, safety and production of an inadequate supply of water to underground working places or wastage of water is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Supply of water must include:
  • Industrial water:
    > Routing into the underground to working places.
    > Typical sizes of supply columns.
    > Water reticulation.
    > Identification of industrial water supply.
  • Drinking water:
    > Routing into the underground working places.
    > Method of storage and control of drinking water.
    > Identification of drinking water supply.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The explanation regarding the supply of electricity to underground working places and the effects to occupational health, safety and production of no supply of electricity to underground working places is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Supply of electricity must include:
  • Routing into the underground working places.
  • Dangers of exposure to electricity.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The explanation regarding the underground mining production cycle and the effects to occupational health, safety and production of not adhering to the cycle is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Mining production cycle must include:
  • Support.
  • Drilling and blasting.
  • Cleaning.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The explanation regarding the removal of and transportation of broken rock from underground working places and delivery to the processing plant/storage site is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Broken rock must include:
  • Reef.
  • Waste rock.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate understanding of basic mining layouts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The explanation regarding the types of access ways that can be developed to exploit the ore body on a mine is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Access ways must include:
  • Vertical.
  • Horizontal.
  • Inclined.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The explanation regarding the types of excavations that can be established to remove the ore body from a mine is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Excavations must include:
  • Vertical.
  • Horizontal.
  • Inclined.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The indication of excavations on the underground survey workplace plan is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Excavations must include:
  • Escape routes and refuge chambers.
  • Workplace access routes.
  • Working fronts.
  • Broken rock storage systems.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The indication of geological features on the underground survey workplace plan is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Geological features must include:
  • Faults.
  • Dykes.
     
    		•


    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 by SAQA.
  • 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:
  • Basic understanding of mining processes, services and layouts. 
    		•

    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: Not relevant to this unit standard. 

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

    Note: The ability and willingness of the learner to accept and interpret information correctly. 

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

    Note: Not relevant to this unit standard. 

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

    Note: The ability of the learner to reconcile the information from available resources. 

    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 ensuring understanding of the concepts and principles. 

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

    Note: The learner demonstrates an understanding of and ability to use advanced mining technology in terms of production, safety and communication. 

    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 understand how each system relates to the other. 

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 110417, "Demonstrate an understanding of typical basic underground hard rock mining processes and layouts", Level 1, 2 credits.

    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.
  • SANS and other relevant Standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives.

    Site specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Voluntary Codes of Practice.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Mine Standard Procedures.
  • List of Recorded OH&S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications of 1993.

    Notes to Assessors:

    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, 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 learner 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 learner 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.

    Motivation regarding number of specific outcomes:

    Even though there are less than four specific outcomes in this unit standard it represents a whole competency. It is NOT merely a description of tasks, jobs or procedures but it focuses on outcomes of activity. It also has a broad application across a range of contexts as stipulated in the unit standard.
    In addition this unit standard is considered as a milestone of learning in the sector. It is worth recognizing in its own right, as it is attributable to and achievable by an individual.
    This unit standard is fit-for-purpose for the sector and the specific outcomes jointly meet all the competence requirements of the title of the standard.
    In addition the unit standard has been integrated to avoid artificial distinctions between activities/processes.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level 1; A limited number of simple skills are required.
  • Procedures; Level 2; Established and familiar.
  • Context; Level 2; Contexts are repeatedly applicable and known.
  • Knowledge; Level 2; The knowledge required is merely related to the operation.
  • Information processing; Level 1; The information required for competency can be recalled without any processing.
  • Problem Solving; Level 1; No problem solving.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 1; No orientation of activities required.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 1; No responsibility.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 1; No responsibility for the work or learning of others.

    Average Level: 12/9 = 1.33.
    Actual Level Assigned: 1.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 36 hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 0 hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 hours.
  • Other (Specify); 0 hours.
  • Total; 36 hours.

    Credits Achieved: 36/10 = 3.6.
    Actual Credits Assigned: 4. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58739   National Certificate: Mining Operations for Underground Hard Rock  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    2. ALLOYS HEAD OFFICE 
    3. Anglo American Platinum Amendelbult Concentrators 
    4. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
    5. AVENG (AFRICA) (PTY) LTD 
    6. BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    7. BANA BA THARI MINING TRANING AND DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
    8. BARBERTON MINES (PTY) LTD 
    9. COLLIERY TRAINING COLLEGE (PTY) LTD 
    10. CONCOR PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    11. DWARSRIVER CHROME MINE (PTY) LTD 
    12. EASTERN CHROME MINES 
    13. EASTERN CHROME MINES SAMANCOR 
    14. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    15. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    16. GEOSTRAT TRAINING 
    17. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    18. MANCAS CONSULTINGS CC 
    19. MARULA PLATINUM PTY LTD 
    20. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    21. MMTI Holdings 
    22. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    23. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    24. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    25. PRISMA TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    26. RICHARDS BAY MINING PTY LTD 
    27. SASOL GLOBAL LEARNING 
    28. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
    29. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    30. SIBANYE RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINES PTY LTD 
    31. TAU LEKOA GOLD MINING COMPANY (PTY) LTD 
    32. TWO RIVERS PLATINUM (PTY) LTD 
    33. XTRACT TRAINING SERVICES (SA)(PTY)LTD 


    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.