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: 

Process recorded seismic events 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252734  Process recorded seismic events 
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 2  NQF Level 02  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 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 processing seismograms (raw seismic data) in order to obtain seismic event location and other basic source parameters.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate understanding of the nature of mining induced seismicity and its effects.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the necessity for seismic monitoring.
  • Demonstrate the ability to access and process seismic data and store seismic information.
  • Demonstrate the ability to distinguish poor from acceptable quality seismic data.

    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 and understanding of the interaction between rock strength, stress and fracturing in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in the following:
  • Communication and mathematical Literacy skills at NQF Level 1.
  • Computer literacy at NQF Level 1.
  • National Introductory Certificate to Mining and Minerals at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate understanding of the nature of mining induced seismicity and its effects. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An explanation of the concept "seismic event" is provided in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An explanation of the reasons for seismic events occurring is provided in the context of the unit standard. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • High stress levels.
  • Geological structures failure.
  • Pillar failure.
  • Intact rock failure.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A description of principal seismic wave types is provided in the context of the unit standard. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Primary or P-waves (travel fast).
  • Secondary or S-waves (travel slower).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An explanation of the effect of seismic events is provided in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Damage to tunnels and stopes.
  • Injuries and fatalities.
  • Interrupts mining.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the necessity for seismic monitoring. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A knowledge of seismic monitoring is provided in terms of as legal obligation and source of information. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Legal requirement to study and quantify hazards.
  • Information regarding response of rock mass due to mining is obtained.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The practical use of seismic information is explained in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Identifies seismically active geological structures.
  • Identifies seismically active mining areas.
  • Assist with mine planning in terms of risk assessment, mining sequencing, support recommendations.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate the ability to access and process seismic data and store seismic information. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Seismic information on the seismic system is accessed and applied in terms of the mine specific monitoring system. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Retrieve preliminary location and magnitude from system.
  • Find event information for specified date and time.
  • Print seismic event information.
  • Manually plot seismic event location on mine plan.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Seismic raw data is processed, parameters calculated and the information stored in a database according to the mine specific monitoring system. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Retrieve and visually inspect seismograms of recorded event.
  • Rotate seismograms to facilitate picking.
  • Identify arrival time of P- and S-wave and place picks.
  • Consider weighting factors for optimum P- and S-pick (where available).
  • Determine preliminary event location.
  • Judge whether location is possible and probable.
  • Manually plot seismic event location on mine plan.
  • Save results of data processing in database.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate ability to distinguish poor quality seismic data from acceptable quality seismic data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Possible features indicating low data quality is identified in accordance with principles of seismic data collection and processing principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Too few stations triggered or associated.
  • Seismograms from different events associated.
  • Multiple P- and S-arrivals.
  • Recordings of blasts.
  • High noise level.
  • Poor shape of spectra.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The effect of data processing on seismic parameters is explained in accordance with principles of seismic data collection and processing. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Moving P- and S picks changes the event location significantly.
  • In- or excluding seismograms changes source parameters.
  • Too few seismograms make result unreliable.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body must be, 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 is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • The concept of "seismic event".
  • Reasons for "seismic events".
  • Knowledge of seismic wave types.
  • Effects of seismic events on mining operations.
  • Necessity for seismic monitoring.

    Processes and events:
  • Access data.
  • Process data.
  • Store data.
  • Distinguish poor quality data from acceptable data.

    Causes and effects (Safety and Health):
  • Use of equipment.
  • Use of personal protective equipment.
  • Adherence to safety requirements.
  • Work related hazards and associated risks.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies and standards:
  • Safety, health and environmental legislation and regulations.
  • Quality policies, standards and agreements. 
    		•

    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 correctly identify and process seismic event data confirms. 

    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 ask for assistance when processing is difficult or share observations in seismic information with others. 

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

    Note: The ability of the learner to timeously process and deliver relevant information of high quality to the users of seismic information. 

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

    Note: The ability of the learner to process seismic data and extract the relevant information for dissemination to users. 

    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 other personnel with regard to seismic data processing in the context of a mining environment. 

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

    Note: The use of science and technology is promoted through the application of software tools that allow seismic data processing. 

    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 understanding of the need for appropriate and rapid availability of seismic information in a larger effort to improve safety of workers and standards in a mining operation. 

    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 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.

    Site-specific:
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • List of Recorded OH&S Risks.
  • Voluntary Codes of Practice.
  • Manufacturers Specifications.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications.
  • Working Guides.
  • Mine Standard Procedures.
  • Risk Assessment Documents.
  • South African Bureau of Standards and other standards.
  • Mine plan.
  • Survey co-ordinate system.
  • Work-place labelling system.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level 2; Moderate in range.
  • Procedures; Level 2; Established and familiar.
  • Context; Level 2; Routine and familiar.
  • Knowledge; Level 3; Some relevant theoretical.
  • Information processing; Level 2; Basic processing of readily available information.
  • Problem Solving; Level 3; A range of known responses to familiar problems, base on limited discretion and judgement.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 3; Directed, with some autonomy.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 2; Some responsibility for quantity and quality, and possible responsibility for guiding others.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 3; Under general supervision quality checking.

    Average Level: = 22/9 = 2.44.
    Actual Level Assigned: 2.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 16 hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 24 hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 hours.
  • Other (Specify); 0 hours.

    Total = 40.

    Credits Achieved: 40/10 = 4.
    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
    Elective  59549   National Certificate: Strata Control Operations  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. GEOSTRAT TRAINING 
    3. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    4. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    5. 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.