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: 

Acquire authorization needed for small-scale prospecting and mining 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
260982  Acquire authorization needed for small-scale prospecting and mining 
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  2 
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 reflects the skills, values and knowledge required by people in the field of Small Scale Mining who wish to acquire authorization for small-scale prospecting and mining.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding on how to obtain authorization for a small-scale prospecting and mining operation.
  • Obtain a prospecting and mining right.
  • Obtain authorization to access area from landowner(s).
  • Submit application to Department of Minerals and Energy (DME).

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard contribute towards social and economic transformation and the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills and understanding of acquiring authorization needed for small-scale prospecting and mining in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable; competent and informed workers. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed learners are already competent in:
  • General Education and Training Certificate: Mining and Minerals processes at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding on how to obtain authorization for small-scale prospecting and mining operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The process of obtaining authorization for small-scale prospecting and mining is described correctly. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Process must include:
  • Environmental Impact Assessment/Environmental Management Plan Report.
  • Labour and Social plan.
  • Mine works programme.
  • Proof of legal entity.
  • Proof of financial and technical capacity.
  • Prospecting works programme.
  • Coordinated sketch plan.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The specific legal requirements for small-scale prospecting and mining are listed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Legal requirements must include the following:
  • Prospecting/mining right.
  • Landowner agreement.
  • Surface rights agreement.
  • Local authority agreement.
  • Interested and affected parties.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Obtain prospecting and mining permits. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Completion of required application forms is done in accordance with Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) guidelines. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Forms completed to specified requirements.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Supporting documentation is selected and attached to correct application forms. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Supporting documents must include the following:
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (scooping report).
  • Environmental Management Plan Report.
  • Labour and social plan.
  • Mine works programme.
  • Proof of legal entity and proxy.
  • Proof of financial and technical competence.
  • Surface rights agreement.
  • Local authority agreement.
  • Evidence of mineral deposit.
  • Proof of consultation with interested and affected parties (includes government departments).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Submission of application is done in accordance with Department of Minerals and Energy procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Obtain authorization to access area from landowner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relevant landowner(s) are identified correctly in accordance with the social plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The landowner agreement(s) is negotiated with the relevant landowner(s). 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Landowner agreement(s) must include:
  • Access Road.
  • Prospecting camp location.
  • Location of the Mining infrastructure.
  • Access to water/electricity/fuel.
  • Public participation process.
  • Landowner Compensation.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The landowner agreement(s) are compiled and signed by all relevant parties. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Submit application to DME. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Completion of required application forms is done in accordance with DME guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Submission of application is done in accordance with DME guidelines. 


    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. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard. 

    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 a member 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 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 use of science and technology is relevant for this unit standard. 

    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 and Regulations, 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/Instructions.
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.

    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&S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Material Specifications.

    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  64909   National Certificate: Small Scale Mining  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    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.