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: 

Assist in a geological surface exploration mapping programme 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
254503  Assist in a geological surface exploration mapping programme 
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  5 
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 a surface exploration site.

Persons credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate the knowledge required to assist in a geological surface exploration mapping programme.
  • Prepare to assist in a geological surface mapping programme.
  • Assist in geological surface mapping programme.
  • Conduct post mapping activities and compile a report. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in the following aspects before training 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 regional stratigraphy to an NQF Level 1.
  • Map reading skills to NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate the knowledge required to assist in a geological surface mapping programme. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The method for laying out tapes are explained in terms of accepted principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The method for determining the orientation of the tapes are explained in terms of accepted principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The method for determining the position of the tapes and/or sampling and /or mapping site are explained in terms of accepted principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The method collecting a geological sample is explained in terms of accepted practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Importance of removal of weathered material.
  • The importance of taking a homogeneous sample.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    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 6 
    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 health and safety of personnel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The legal aspects are described relating to safety when travelling to and working in a surface exploration site. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The exploration area is described in terms of the regional geography. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The effect on the occupational health and safety of personnel is explained if the structural geological parameters are not adequately identified and recorded. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Faults and associated risks.
  • Joints, joint patterns and frequency of occurrence.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to assist in a geological surface mapping programme. 

    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 surfaces.
  • Electricity in close proximity to water.
  • Poor illumination.
  • Spillage of fluids.
  • Excessive accumulation of water.
  • Poor visibility.
  • Excessive gradients.
  • Operating machinery in close proximity.
  • Dust.
  • Adverse weather conditions (lightning).
  • Excessive vegetation.
  • Dangerous animals/reptiles/insects.
  • 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 a geological surface mapping programme. 

    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 
    Must include any one or a combination of the following:
  • 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 full range of maps and aerial photographs necessary for the mapping procedure are available and their relationship with the feature to be mapped and/or sampled determined and noted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The mapping site is prepared to allow full coverage of the site by the geologist. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Tapes are laid out in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The relationship of the tape/s to the geological feature to be mapped is determined and ensured that the tape/s is laid out optimally. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The orientation of the tape is determined in accordance with accepted procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Samples are collected, bagged and labelled in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The full range of potential samples are collected in terms of the sampling requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The tools, materials and equipment required are used in accordance with laid down procedures and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Secondary or additional sites are identified, located on the base plan and prepared for inspection by the geologist in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    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 locations.
  • Orientation of the exploration site.
  • 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 samples collected are stored or transported as required in accordance with the work instruction and accepted procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The completion of the work is communicated to the relevant personnel, when required and anomalous conditions emphasised in accordance with operational requirements. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The following accreditation and/or moderation options are available to an individual wishing to be assessed:
  • 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 will be assessed in an integrated manner:
  • The operational procedures to lay out tapes in an exploration environment.
  • The legal requirements to the correct use of personal protective equipment and the effect on the health and safety of the individual.
  • The operational procedures to collect a geological sample in an exploration environment.
  • The ability to identify and recognise anomalous conditions that affects the reliability of the geological mapping information.

    Range: Must include:
  • Topographic variations.
  • Defective tape measures.
  • Immovable obstacles.
  • Surface flooding.
  • Harsh climatic conditions and dangerous animals.
  • 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 surface plans and at the exploration site 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 and/or laid down procedures are contained in one or more of the following:
  • Managerial instructions, including work instructions.
  • Codes of practice.
  • Standard task procedures.
  • Risk assessment documentation.
  • Working guides.
  • Training manuals.
  • Education manuals.

    Legal requirements are contained in one or more of the following documents:
  • 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. 
    		•

    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.