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 knowledge of environmental awareness in the mining industry 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
336910  Demonstrate knowledge of environmental awareness in the mining industry 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Fabrication and Extraction 
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 4  NQF Level 04  3 
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 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 in a supervisory role in underground mines, surface mines/quarries and small-scale mines.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain the components that make up our environment.
  • Explain how the environment is affected in terms of pollution and the use of biophysical resources.
  • Name the legislative acts, which mandate responsible environmental management.
  • Explain how the mining footprint causes land degradation.
  • Explain your responsibility in preventing water pollution at the operation.
  • Explain components of air pollution caused by mining activities.
  • Explain principles of good waste management. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in the following:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the components that make up our environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The natural or biophysical environment is explained in terms of:
  • The physical environment: air, water and land.
  • The biological environment -living things such as plants, animals and humans. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The social environment is explained in terms of family, community, work and home. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The Spatial environment is defined in terms of all structures and buildings. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain how pollution affects the environment and the use of biophysical resources. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The negative effects caused by pollution on water, air, land and food are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Renewable and non-renewable resources are described with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Renewable and non-renewable resources include but not limited to:
  • Sun.
  • Plants.
  • Hydrocarbons.
  • Water.
  • Minerals.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Depleted resources such as energy or deforestation are explained relating to over consumption. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The human activities relating to wastage of natural resources are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Wastage of resources include but not limited to:
  • Water leaks.
  • Material wastage.
  • Lack of recycling.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Relate the legislative Acts, which include responsibilities of environmental management. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The National Environment Management Act is named and described in terms of its main objective. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The National Water Act and described is named and described in terms of its main objective. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act is named and described in terms of its main objective. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The Environmental Conservation Act is named and described in terms of its main objective. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Act is named and described in terms of its main objective. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The Fires Act and described is named and described in terms of its main objective. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain how mining footprint causes land degradation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The impact of the mining footprint is explained in terms of how rock dumps and tailing dams pollute arable land. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact of the mining footprint is explained in terms of the effect of seepage from contaminated water or hydrocarbons (chemicals, oils and greases). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The impact of the mining footprint is explained in terms of the understanding that soil is not a renewable resource and is not to be used to clean up spillages. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The impact of the mining footprint is explained in terms of the effect of veld-fires and over-grazing on land. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Explain necessary measures of preventing water pollution at the operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The dangers of water-borne disease and sanitation controls are explained in the context of water pollution. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Latrines.
  • Personal hygiene.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The causing of acid mine drainage by ore and tailings containing sulphur is discussed in the mining context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The method of recirculating polluted water from processing and mining activities for reuse is discussed in the mining context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The effects of water wastage are discussed in terms of water and pumping costs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include the following:
  • Potable.
  • Sewerage.
  • Effluent.
  • River and process service water.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The control of chemical and hydrocarbon usage to prevent contamination is explained in the mining context. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Explain air pollution components caused by mining activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Examples of particles and gases which cause air pollution are given in the mining context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include the following:
  • Dust (silica, asbestos).
  • Noxes (sulphur dioxide from acid plants and coal).
  • Nitrous oxides.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact on greenhouse gases and global warming is discussed in the mining context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include the following:
  • Carbon dioxide from fires (coal, oil, and timber).
  • CFCs.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The dangers of refrigerants and aerosol cans containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are explained in terms of impact on the ozone layer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The effects of "acid rain", caused by the combustion of fossil fuels, are discussed in the mining context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Conversion of SO2 and Nitrogen Oxides to Sulphuric and Nitric acids (acid rain).
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Explain principles of good waste management. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Material to be reused and wastage reduced is explained in the context of waste management. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include the following:
  • Timber support.
  • Service water etc.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The principles of recycling and disposal are explained in the context of waste management. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include the following:
  • Food and vegetable matter.
  • Paper and cardboard.
  • Plastic.
  • Steel.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Company policy for disposal of hazardous waste is explained in the context of waste management. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Company policy for disposal of hazardous waste is explained in the context of waste management. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include the following:
  • Fluorescent lights.
  • Batteries.
  • Oils.
  • Explosives.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    End of shift and close out procedures for piping of liquids are explained in the context of waste management. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include all the following:
  • Master valves.
  • Dam controls.
  • Backfill etc.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Unit Standard 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 Unit Standard 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.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Unit Standard 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 
    The following Embedded Knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the Unit Standard:

    Causes and effects, implications of:
  • Hazards and risks not dealt with.
  • Sub-standard work practices.
  • Sub-standard use of tools and equipment.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Safety procedures applicable.
  • Storage and good housekeeping.
  • Waste disposal.
  • Recycling.
  • Water pollution.
  • Air pollution.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Safety, occupational health and environmental legislation and regulations.
  • Quality policies, standards and agreements.

    Relationships, systems:
  • Interpersonal interaction with team members.

    Related Legislation:
  • The Constitution ref. the Bill of rights is named and described in terms of its main objective.
  • The National Environment Management Act is named and described in terms of its main objective.
  • The National Water Act and described is named and described in terms of its main objective.
  • The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act is named and described in terms of its main objective.
  • The Environmental Conservation Act is named and described in terms of its main objective.
  • The Mineral & Petroleum Resources Act is named and described in terms of its main objective.
  • The Fires Act and described is named and described in terms of its main objective. 
    		•

    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 ability and willingness of the learner 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 learner 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 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 learner to safely understand the consequences of not adhering to standards in terms of the safety of all persons working underground. 

    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, 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.

    Site specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Voluntary Codes of Practice.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Mine Standard Procedures.
  • List of Recorded OH and S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications of 1993. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  74490   Further Education and Training Certificate: Mining Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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.
     
    NONE 


    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.