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 application of ground stability for small scale mining 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
336916  Demonstrate knowledge and application of ground stability for small scale mining 
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  12 
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 are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the factors that influence slope stability.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of failure modes.
  • Describe and explain monitoring equipment types and applications in small scale mining.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of hydrogeology in small scale mining.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of ground support methods for small scale mining. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already 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 
    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the factors that influence ground stability in small scale mining. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Rock mass ratings and rock classification systems are explained in terms of principles and practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Rock mass include but not limited to:
  • Terzaghis' Rock Mass Classification (RMC).
  • Deere (rock quality designation, RQD).
  • Barton's Rock Quality Index (Q).
  • Bieniawski's RMR.
  • Laubscher's MRMR.
  • Laufer's Stand-up time classification.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The types of rock are identified in the context of the operation by means of the relevant method. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of rocks include but not limited to:
  • Igneous.
  • Sedimentary.
  • Metamorphic.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Geological discontinuities are described and explained in relation to the hazards associated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The influence of stress in slope stability is described and explained in terms of rock engineering principles and practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The influence of water in slope stability is described in terms of rock engineering principles and practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The influence of blasting processes on slope stability is described in terms of rock engineering principles and practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The influence oft excavation techniques on slope stability are explained in terms of rock engineering principles and practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The influence of mine design on slope stability is described in terms of rock engineering and practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Design on slope includes but not limited to:
  • Slope Angles.
  • Bench width.
  • Slope height.
  • Mining direction.
  • Mine layout.
  • Mining methods.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Failure modes are described and explained in the context of small scale mining. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Failure modes are described and explained in the context of a small mine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The causes of failure modes are explained in terms of rock engineering principles and practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Prevention of the failure modes is explained in terms of rock engineering principles and practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Corrective measures in relation to failure modes are explained in terms of rock engineering principles and practice. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain monitoring equipment types and applications in relation to small scale mining. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Various types of monitoring equipment are described and explained in the context of strata control for small scale mining. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Monitoring equipment includes but not limited to:
  • Crack meters.
  • Prisms.
  • Extensometers.
  • Survey pegs.
  • Inclinometers.
  • Tell-tales.
  • GPS.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Monitoring equipment is examined, cared for and maintained in accordance with original equipment manufacturers specifications and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The application and limitations of monitoring equipment are explained in terms of strata control principles and practice on small mines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Monitoring data is understood, interpreted and the consequent actions implemented in the context of small scale mining. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate an understanding of hydrogeology pertaining to small scale mining. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The types of aquifers are described in the context of geological structures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aquifers include but not limited to:

    Perched.
    Unconfined.
    Confined.
    Compartments.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact of hydrogeology is explained in the context of slope stability and in terms of legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hydrogeology includes but not limited to:

    Erosion.
    Weathering.
    Reduction in RMR.
    Slope instability.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons for and methods of dewatering mining excavations are described and explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Hydrogeological data is measured, collected, collated and reported in accordance with operational and legal requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ground support methods for small scale mining. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The various methods to support mining excavations are explained in relation to best practice requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods include but not limited to:
  • Rock bolts.
  • Lacing.
  • Wire mesh.
  • Shotcrete or gunite.
  • Gabion support.
  • Backfill.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedures for the installation of the support methods are explained in accordance with specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Hazards and risks associated with installation and maintenance of support in a mining and quarry environment and their mitigating actions are explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The appropriate support method(s) are selected in accordance with the OEM and site specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The site is assessed for the need to place temporary support and temporary support installed in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Support is installed in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Support is examined and maintained in accordance with legal and operational 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 with 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 will be assessed in an integrated way in the context of the Unit Standard:
  • Various rock classification systems.
  • Evaluating quality of rock.
  • Calculating various rock mass ratings.
  • Factors influencing slope stability.
  • Failure types.
  • Factors of safety affecting slope stability.
  • Ground control districts and mining environment.
  • Types of monitoring equipment.
  • Taking care of monitoring equipment.
  • Hydrogeology in the context of small scale mining.
  • Monitoring and reporting requirements.
  • Alarms and emergency evacuation. 
    		•

    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:
  • The ability and willingness of the learner to be part of a team and to participate constructively in achieving team goals and objectives in the processes of applying strata control in surface excavations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others:
  • The learner appreciates the role of modern technology in applying strata control in mining excavations and shows a positive orientation towards such 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:
  • The learner understands that the interaction of numerous role players involved in upstream, downstream and parallel processes are required for applying strata control in surface excavations. 
    		•

    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:

    Understanding of relevant Acts and Regulations:
  • Mine Health and Safety Act-1996, Labour Relations Act-1995.
  • Basic Conditions of Employment Act-1998.

    Site specific:

    Company policies and procedures regarding relevant:
  • Mine policies and procedures.
  • Codes of Practice.
  • HR specific labour functions. 
    		•

    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.