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: 

Collect special samples for mineral evaluation purposes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
254509  Collect special samples for mineral evaluation purposes 
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 3  NQF Level 03  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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
11041  Collect special samples for mineral evaluation purposes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who are responsible for collecting special samples for mineral evaluation purposes.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of special sampling principles.
  • Prepare to collect special samples.
  • Collect special samples.
  • Complete the work sequence. 
    		•

    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 2.
  • Unit standard "Mark off and map face sampling sections for mineral evaluation purposes" at NQF Level 2.
  • Understanding of conventional sampling procedures at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard is intended to cover the collection of samples from locations and situations different to the standard mineral sampling procedure. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of special sampling principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Basic principles associated with special samples are explained with reference to the type, size and nature of the sample. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of sampling is explained with reference to the accuracy of the sample and possible financial implications thereon. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Methods and procedures for taking special samplesare explained in terms. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Broken ore.
  • Stop and go-belts.
  • Waste and rock dumps.
  • Sludge and tailings.
  • Grab sampling.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to collect special samples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tools and equipment are appropriate to the task, clean and operational in accordance with work instructions and specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal protective equipment is appropriate to the conditions, operational and used in accordance with its design, documented best practice and legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Permission to enter the workplace is obtained in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The workplace is examined to identify all hazardous and sub-standard conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of not adhering to the proper preparation are explained with reference to health and safety, mineral evaluation principles and loss of production. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Collect special samples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Hazardous and sub-standard conditions are responded to and dealt with in accordance with the relevant requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Samples are collected to ensure no contamination takes place. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The collection of each special sample is in accordance with specified requirements and recognised sampling procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequence of not collecting each sample correctly is explained with reference to the valuation process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Conditions affecting the representativity of the sample, are identified, and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Reference to the following must be made:
  • Type of sample contamination.
  • Source of sample contamination.
  • Homogeneity.
  • Heterogeneity.
  • The consequences of non-compliance and their effect on the evaluation result are explained.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Special samples are bagged, identified and referenced in accordance with specified requirements and job instruction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Special samples are accurately accounted for and prepared for transportation in accordance with operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Complete the work sequence. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tools and equipment are collected and stored in preparation for leaving the workplace in accordance with operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Defective tools and equipment are identified and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Reports are prepared and submitted in accordance with operational requirements. 


    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:
  • Basic principles associated with special samples.
  • The importance of sampling.
  • Methods and procedures for taking special samples.
  • Special sample collection techniques.
  • Reporting requirements.
  • Bagging, identification, referencing. 
    		•

    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 sub-standard and hazardous conditions, assess and take appropriate action. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability and willingness of the candidate to accept and interpret work instructions correctly. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to indicate what methods, tools and personal protective equipment is required and communicate to fellow workers his/her intentions and assistance required. 
    		•

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

    Note:

    The ability of the candidate to reconcile the information from visual and physical examinations and constantly evaluate the changing situation. 

    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 the reporting of hazards and sub-standard conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective communication. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The correct use of scientific nomenclature and technological knowledge will indicate that the candidate is proficient in the use of science and technology. 
    		•

    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 identify and refer anomalous behaviour to a specialist confirms understanding that a specific observation, inference, action or decision can have a devastating 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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 11041, "Collect special samples for mineral evaluation purposes", Level 2, 5 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 and Safety Act (Act 29 of 1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations (Act 50 of 1991).
  • Regulations.
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • South African Bureau of Standards and other standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' directives.

    Site Specific:
  • Hazard identification and Risk Assessment (HISA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Assessment Management Programme.
  • Voluntary Codes of Practice.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Mine Standard Procedures.
  • List of recorded OH and S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications.

    Other Terms:

    Hazardous and sub-standard conditions:

    This means, but is not limited to, bad hanging, poor or loose ground conditions, unsupported areas, gases, heat, and steepness.

    Work related hazards and associated risks:

    This means, but is not limited to, mass of material, unstable material, foreign matter, shaft-sinking conditions, moving belts and steepness.

    Conditions which affect the accuracy of the sample:

    This means, but is not limited to, dirty working area, excessive water, and contamination from outside sources and difficult working conditions.

    Tools and equipment:

    This includes, but is not limited to, pencil, chalk, and field notes, mine plans, sampling bags, scrapers and tapes.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level 2; Variety of skills but still fairly simple.
  • Procedures; Level 2; Although familiar it is not repetitive.
  • Context; Level 2; Repeated and known but in different applications.
  • Knowledge; Level 3; Relevant theoretical knowledge needed to make correct decisions.
  • Information processing; Level 2; Some processing of readily available information.
  • Problem Solving; Level 3; Known problem, solution known but discretion allowed.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 2; Follows instructions but questions anomalies.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 3; Extends to the output of others and the process.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 3; Random checking of candidates output.

    Average Level = 2.4.
    Actual Level Assigned = 3.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 12 Hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 36 Hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0.
  • Other (Specify); 0.

    Total = 48 Hours.

    Credits Achieved = 48/10 = 4.8.
    Credits Assigned = 5. 
    		•

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