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: 

Chip face sample sections for the purpose of determining the content or quality of a mineral 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
254514  Chip face sample sections for the purpose of determining the content or quality of a mineral 
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  7 
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 will be useful to people who are responsible for chipping face sampling sections from any mineral exposure for purpose of determining the content and quality of a mineral.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of sampling principles.
  • Prepare to chip face sample sections.
  • Chip face sample sections.
  • Check and 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 2.
  • "Collect a face sample for the purpose of determining the content or quality of the mineral" at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard is intended to cover the chipping of samples from a mineral exposure either on surface or underground. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of sampling principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Procedures for face sampling are accurately described and terminology correctly listed in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of sampling is explained in terms of impact on assay values and panel profitability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Contamination.
  • Accuracy.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Work related hazards risks associated with the workplace and their consequences are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to chip face sample sections. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tools and equipment are appropriate for 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 
    The procedure for gaining permission to enter the workplace is consistent with specified requirements and legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The workplace is examined for hazardous and sub-standard conditions in accordance with the relevant procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Hazardous and sub-standard conditions are responded to in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The face is dressed at the identified required sample section in accordance with best sampling practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    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 
    Chip face sample sections. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work related hazards and associated risks identified and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Samples are collected in order to be free from contamination. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Samples are chipped from the face in accordance with recognised sampling procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequence of not chipping each sample correctly with reference to the valuation process is explained in terms of operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Conditions affecting the accuracy of the sample, are identified, and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The explanation of the conditions must include reference to:
  • Type and source of sample.
  • Waste.
  • Over or under size samples.
  • Cleanliness of sample.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The consequences of non-compliance and their effect on the evaluation result are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Check and report. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The accurate accounting of the packed samples is in accordance with best sampling practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools and equipment are collected and stored in preparation for leaving the workplace and defective tools and equipment are identified and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Reports are completed 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 chipping face.
  • Procedures for face sampling.
  • The importance of sampling.
  • Work related hazards and associated.
  • Work related hazards and associated risks.
  • Sample collection procedure.
  • Sample chipping.
  • Conditions affecting the accuracy of the sample.
  • Reporting requirements.
  • Legal and site-specific requirements. 
    		•

    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 
    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:

    Chipping:

    This means, but is not limited to, the use of any device, manual or mechanical, to cut away a representative portion of the mining face and excludes the rock-cutting saw.

    Face:

    This means, but is not limited to, any mineral exposure.

    Tools and equipment:

    Include, but is not limited to hammer, chisel and guard/swab.

    Hazardous and sub-standard conditions:

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

    Dress the face:

    This means squaring off the face as per sampling requirements to a smooth surface, sound solid face, no protruding sections and clean washed face.

    Work related hazards and associated risks:

    This means, but is not limited to, sockets, misfired holes, geological discontinuities, excessive heights, working at elevated conditions, shaft sinking conditions, steepness, excessive heat and gasses. 
    		•

    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.