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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Assist in the geological mapping of an underground workplace 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
254496  Assist in the geological mapping of an underground workplace 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 is for persons who are responsible for providing assistance to the Geologist during the geological mapping of an underground workplace.

Persons credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate the knowledge required to assist in geological mapping procedure in an underground workplace.
  • Prepare to assist in geological mapping procedures.
  • Assist in geological mapping procedures.
  • Conduct post mapping activities and compile a report. 
    		•

    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 and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1.
  • Knowledge of the relevant sampling tools and their use in the sampling process to an NQF Level 1.
  • Understanding of the relevant legal requirements on occupational health and safety matters to an NQF Level 1.
  • Understanding of the principle rock and mineral types and structural features to an NQF Level 1.
  • Understanding of the relevant stratigraphy of the associated mineral deposit to an NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate the knowledge required to assist in geological mapping procedures in an underground workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The accepted principles laying out tapes are explained in terms of operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The accepted principles for collecting a geological sample are explained in terms of operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The contents and requirements of the work instruction and the consequences of non-compliance with the requirements are described in terms of the potential effect on the mapping procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of laying out the tapes and collecting a geological sample in accordance with the accepted procedures is described in terms of the effect on the mapping results, future mining activities and the occupational health and safety of personnel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The safety aspects when travelling to and working in an underground workplace are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The stratigraphy of the economic relevant deposit is described in terms of the associated structural features. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The effect if the structural geological parameters are not adequately identified and recorded is explained with respect to the occupational health and safety of personnel. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Faults and associated risks.
  • Joints, joint patterns and frequency of occurrence.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to assist in geological mapping procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Permission to enter the workplace, when required, is obtained in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal protective equipment is selected and examined for any defects and used in accordance with legal and laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Defective personal protective equipment is dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The tools, materials and equipment required are selected, examined and verified in accordance with the work instruction received. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Defective tools, materials and equipment are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Potential and actual hazardous and sub-standard conditions found during the examination of the workplace are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Consequences must include those for:
  • Slippery and uneven surfaces.
  • Electricity in close proximity to water.
  • Excessive accumulation of water.
  • Poor visibility, excessive gradients.
  • Dangerous mining conditions.
  • Sharp edges (tools, containers).
  • Improperly/incorrectly stacked containers.
  • Operating machinery in close proximity.
  • Spillage of fluids.
  • Dust.
  • Organic/chemical and/or solid waste material.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The workplace details are determined, verified and recorded, all in accordance with the work instruction received. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Locality identification.
  • Locality of previous mapping/sampling exercises.
  • Survey points.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Assist in geological mapping procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work related hazards and associated risks that have an effect on a safe and healthy work environment are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Consequences must include those for:
  • Eye/facial injuries.
  • Hand and foot injuries.
  • Incorrect lifting procedures and back injuries.
  • Chemical burns.
  • Inhalation of noxious and toxic gases.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The tools, materials and equipment required are used in accordance with laid down procedures and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tapes are laid out in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Samples are collected in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The details of the mapping/sampling locality are determined and recorded in accordance with the laid down procedure in the required format. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Co-ordinates of the selected mapping/sampling location.
  • Orientation of the mapping/sampling location.
  • Reference survey point(s).
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct post mapping activities and compile a report. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The tools, materials and equipment are cleaned and ensured to be ready for future use in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The workplace is cleaned to comply with documented and recognised good housekeeping practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The necessary report(s) are compiled in the required format and communicated to the relevant personnel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The completion of the work is communicated to the relevant personnel, when required and anomalous conditions emphasised. 


    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.
  • 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:
  • The operational procedures to lay out tapes in a mining environment.
  • The operational procedures to collect a geological sample in a mining environment.
  • The legal requirements to the correct use of personal protective equipment and the effect on the occupational health and safety of the individual.
  • The ability to identify and recognise anomalous conditions that affects the reliability of the geological mapping information. (Defective tape measures, immovable obstacles, dangerous mining conditions).
  • An understanding that the learner's output can have a significant effect on the mapping/sampling process and processing of the geological data where the data is utilised for geological modelling purposes. 
    		•

    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 anomalous conditions and deviations in the mapping exercise and the reporting thereof contributes to his/her problem solving ability. 

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

    Note: The ability of the candidate to accept and interpret work instructions correctly and to delegate work, when required, in an appropriate manner, indicates that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger organisational structure. 

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

    Note: The preparation of equipment and data required for the mapping exercise will indicate that the candidate can organise and manage activities. 

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

    Note: The ability of the candidate to reconcile the information on mining plans and at the mapping location will enhance his/her proficiency to collect, analyse, organise and evaluate information. 

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

    Note: The recording of anomalous conditions and the reporting thereof in the correct format will indicate the candidate's efficiency in the mode of written presentations. The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to the reporting of hazardous and sub-standard conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective 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 candidate to understand the implications of not correctly identifying and recording anomalous conditions on further processing will indicate his/her proficiency in understanding that a specific action or decision taken may have more than one effect. 

    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 and Regulations, 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.
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.

    Site Specific:
  • Managerial instructions, including work instructions.
  • Codes of practice.
  • Standard task procedures.
  • Risk assessment documentation.
  • Working guides.
  • Training manuals.
  • Education manuals. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  60349   National Certificate: Mining Technical Support  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. CADDIS TRADING CC 
    2. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    3. PALABORA COPPER (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.