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 rock strengths and relevant testing methods 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252814  Demonstrate an understanding of rock strengths and relevant testing methods 
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  2 
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
115665  Demonstrate a basic understanding of rock strengths and relevant testing methods  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who are pursuing a career in Rock Engineering.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the strength variation of rock types.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the need for determining rock strengths.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the methods and instrumentation available to conduct rock strength tests.

    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 demonstrating a basic understanding of rock strengths and relevant testing methods 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 
    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:
  • Outcomes related to 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 knowledge of the strength variation of rock types. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The variation in rock types is provided in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Sedimentary.
  • Igneous.
  • Metamorphic.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The term "rock strength" is explained in the mining context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The strength of general rock types are compared in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Norite.
  • Quartzite.
  • Sandstone.
  • Coal.
  • Shale.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Rock type strengths are compared applicable to the specific mine geological environment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the need for determining rock strengths. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The effects of stress levels on rocks with varying rock strengths are explained in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The consequences of poor rock strength is explained in the context of excavation stability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of estimating rock strengths is explained in the context of pre-mining operations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the methods and instrumentation available to conduct rock strength tests. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Rock strength testing methods are described in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Uniaxial compressive test.
  • Point load Index test.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Rock strength testing instruments are explained in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Laboratory test press.
  • Point Load tester.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification 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 qualification 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. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification 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 
    Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Learners are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the learner's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Legal and site-specific requirements.
  • Definition of rock strength.
  • The strength variation of different rock types.
  • Effect of stress levels.
  • The need for determining rock strengths and consequences of non-compliance.
  • Methods and instrumentation available to conduct rock strength tests.
  • Recording and reporting requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

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

    Note: The learner demonstrates the understanding that in a mining production environment effective teamwork is of utmost importance in working safely and productively. 

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

    Note: The learner demonstrates understanding that activities, tools and equipment have to be managed effectively in the often isolated mining working environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

    Note: The learner demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with co-workers in the mining working environment, in which team members are dependent upon each other. 

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

    Note: The learner demonstrates and 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 learner demonstrates understanding that various systems contribute to the overall safety and productivity of an underground working environment, and that it is as important to contribute to the efficiency of those systems as to be supported by them, particularly by means of following relevant procedures diligently. 

    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 115665, "Demonstrate an understanding of rock strengths and relevant testing methods", Level 2, 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 and Regulations, 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.
  • Guidelines issued by the 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.

    Motivation:

    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 2; Moderate in range.
  • Procedures; Level 2; Established and familiar.
  • Context; Level 1; Closely defined.
  • Knowledge; Level 3; Some relevant theoretical.
  • Information processing; Level 1; Recall.
  • Problem Solving; Level 1; No problem solving.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 1; Directed.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 2; Some responsibility for quantity and quality, and possible responsibility for guiding others.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 1; Under close supervision.

    Average Level = 14/9 = 1.56.
    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: 8 Hours.
  • Mentoring required: 0 Hours.
  • Other (Specify): 0 Hours.
  • Total: 24 Hours.

    Credits Achieved = 24/10 = 2.4.
    Credits Assigned = 2. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  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.