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 and understanding of short term mine planning 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
336912  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of short term mine planning 
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  8 
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 
People credited with this Unit Standard will be able to:
  • Interpret the purpose and process of monthly planning.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the critical few of an effective plan.
  • Demonstrate factors to consider when planning.
  • Demonstrate the methodology used to compile the monthly plan. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the need and purpose of the monthly planning process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different kind and sequence of mine planning processes are explained and understood in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Mine planning includes but not limited to:
  • Scenario planning.
  • Strategic planning.
  • Life of mine planning.
  • 5 year planning.
  • 2 year planning.
  • 1 Year business/financial planning.
  • 6 month planning.
  • 1 month planning.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The relationship between the 6 month and monthly plan is explained in the context of strategic mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The Shift Boss's accountability production plan is explained in relation to participants involvement in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The intent and expected outcomes of monthly planning in mining operations are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The content, time line, source and process of accumulation of information to compile a 6 month plan are clearly defined in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The roles of participants involved in the 6 monthly production plan and the Shift Boss(Production Supervisor) responsibility in the compilation of the plan are explained in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The objectives that meet or better the specific business plan (i.e. the Financial Outline plan) are explained in terms of production indicators. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    A 6 month plan for a specific section of the mine is compiled on the applicable (1:200 and 1:1000) mine plans. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The reasons for matching the required development, construction, ledging and equipping schedules to the 6 month stoping plan is explained and understood in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The prioritizing of reef ends and ore pass holings and cognisance of raise holings in development planning is emphasized in the context of mining operations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the critical few of an effective plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The factors to gain ownership of the production plan are explained and understood in terms of site-specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Participation in the planning process.
  • Team commitment.
  • Proper communication.
  • Schedules.
  • Measurements.
  • Controls.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The material and rock handling facilities, resource allocation, environmental conditions and workplace potential when determining the planning targets are explained and understood in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The need to consider realistic performance standards is explained and understood in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The constraints imposed by both profit and safety requirements are identified and understood in the context of mining operations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that need to be considered when planning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The Mine objectives are discussed with respect to production targets, costs, face advance, labour and resource efficiencies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The planning criteria of being simple, measureable, achievable, realistic and having a time frame are explained and understood in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Plan reading and an understanding of the 2nd and 3rd Schedules are demonstrated in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Service, material handling and tramming capacities are explained in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Implications of geology and rock mechanics on the production factory, are explained in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Timing of development, ledging and equipping activities are explained in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Where applicable high grades, pay-limits and cut-off grade stoping limits are explained in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Replacement metres matched to extraction rate (m2 to development ratio) are explained in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Performance standards are defined and applied with respect to reserves, services, material equipment and people. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate the methodology used to compile the monthly plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The need for subordinates to be involved in compiling the monthly plan is explained in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The physical constraints that can affect the planning process are identified in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Resource efficiencies are utilized in the planning process in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Recommendations from senior mining personnel and service departments, audits and pre-planning are incorporated into the planning process in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The need to extend the monthly plan for future months is explained and understood in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Describe the short term controls used in monthly planning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The requirements of controlling against set standards is explained in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Principles of control are explained in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The section's controls are explained in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Monthly measurements, continuous risk assessments, stoping width, sweepings and development over-break factors are explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 


    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:
  • Type and sequence of mine planning processes.
  • Relationship between 6 month and monthly plan.
  • The participants involved in planning.
  • The intent and expected outcomes of planning.
  • The content, time line, source and process of planning.
  • The objectives that meet or better the specific business plan.
  • The prioritizing of reef ends and orepass holings and cognisance of raise holings.
  • The critical few of an effective plan.
  • The material and rock handling facilities, resource allocation, environmental conditions and workplace potential.
  • The need to consider realistic performance standards.
  • The constraints imposed by both profit and safety requirements.
  • Concept of 'the plan determines the resources not the resources the plan'.
  • The planning criteria.
  • The Mine objectives.
  • Plan reading and an understanding of the 2nd and 3rd Schedules.
  • Service, material handling and tramming capacities.
  • Implications of geology and rock mechanics on the production factory.
  • Timing of development, ledging and equipping activities.
  • High grades, pay-limits and cut-off grade stoping limits.
  • Replacement metres matched to extraction rate.
  • Performance standards with respect to reserves, services, material equipment and people.
  • The physical constraints that can affect the planning process.
  • Resource efficiencies utilized in planning.
  • The requirements of controlling against set standards.
  • Principles of control.
  • Monthly measurements, continuous risk assessments, stoping width, sweepings and development over-break factors. 
    		•

    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 understand the importance of implementing plan to active operational goals. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • Production Supervisors to realistically gain commitment to set achievable targets. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • Production Supervisors must use their knowledge of current working environment to plan future courses of action. (Don't Take Chances). 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to evaluate proposed targets against current conditions to ensure that objectives set are simple, measurable, achievable, realistic and have a time constraint. 
    		•

    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 other personnel to gain commitment to achieving the set objectives. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • Use of science and technology is promoted through the use of support types and mining methods as well as pillar designs to address the risks associated with strata control issues. 
    		•

    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:
  • Be proactive in recognising, establishing, setting and executing actions necessary to safely achieve planned objectives. 
    		•

    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 no 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act no 50/1991).
    > Mandatory Codes of Practice.
    > SANS and other relevant Standards.
    > Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives/instructions.
  • Site-specific:
    > Managerial Instructions.
    > Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
    > Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
    > List of Recorded OH and S Risks.
    > Voluntary Codes of Practice Manufacturers Specifications.
    > Equipment and Materials Specifications.
    > Working Guides.
    > Mine Standard Procedures.
    > Risk Assessment Documents South African Bureau of Standards and other standards. 
    		•

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