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: 

Log borehole core 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376139  Log borehole core 
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  4 
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 responsible to assist with the logging of borehole core to obtain geological information in a known geological environment.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate the relevant knowledge that is required to assist with the logging of borehole core in a known geological environment.
  • Prepare to assist with the logging of the borehole core.
  • Assist with the logging of the borehole core.
  • Conduct post logging activities. 
    		•

    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 of logging a borehole core in a geological environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic principles applied to verify the sequence and orientation of the core are described in terms of the impact on the integrity of the geological data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The consequences of non-compliance with the requirements are described in terms of the potential impact on the processing, interpretation and modeling of the logging results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The geological environment in which the borehole was drilled is explained in terms of the anticipated stratigraphy and lithology. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The potentially exploitable mining horizons are described in terms of their geological characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of not complying with the relevant statutory regulations are explained in terms of possible and probable impact on the environment and potential exploitation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The logging results are described in terms of their application for mine design and layout and geological risk assessment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to assist with the logging of the borehole core. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Permission to enter the workplace, when required, is obtained in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal protective equipment is selected and examined for any defects and used in accordance with legal and laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The tools, materials and equipment that are required for the borehole core logging procedure are selected and examined in accordance with the work instruction received. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Potential and actual hazardous and sub-standard conditions found during the examination of the workplace are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Slippery surfaces.
  • Electricity in close proximity to water.
  • Poor illumination.
  • Sharp edges (trays, boxes).
  • Improperly/incorrectly stacked trays/boxes.
  • Sharp core edges.
  • Operating machinery in close proximity.
  • Spillage of fluids.
  • Adverse weather conditions (lightning).
  • Slip and fall over core trays.
  • Eye strain (Direct sunlight reflection).
  • Incorrect Posture.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The borehole details are determined, verified and recorded, in accordance with the work instruction received. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Borehole number.
  • Collar information.
  • Bearing/inclination.
  • Locality of the borehole core.
  • Progress/final depth.
  • Previous geological reports relating to the borehole, driller's log sheets and core.
  • Preparation reports and adjacent borehole information.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The cleanliness, depth markings, correct sequence and orientation of the borehole core are ensured to comply with laid down procedures. Anomalies are noted and reported to the relevant personnel in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The borehole core is measured and marked off in accordance with laid down procedures and accepted geological principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Log of the borehole core. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The tools, materials and equipment required for the logging procedure are used in accordance with the laid down procedures and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The stratigraphic units/markers are examined, identified and marked off in accordance with geological principles and laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The prominent structural features are identified, examined and marked off in accordance with geological principles and laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Work related hazards and associated risks that have an effect on a safe and healthy work environment are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include any one or a combination of the following:
  • Eye/facial injuries.
  • Hand and foot injuries.
  • Incorrect lifting procedures.
  • Chemical burns.
  • Inhalation of noxious gases.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct post-logging activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The tools, materials and equipment are cleaned, examined and stored and defective equipment is reported in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The workplace is tidied-up to comply with documented and recognised good housekeeping practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The logged borehole core is dealt with in accordance with the work instruction. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include any one of:
  • Store.
  • Discarded.
  • Transported.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The relevant reports are submitted in the required format and in accordance with the laid down procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The completion of the work is communicated to the relevant personnel, if and when required, in accordance with 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 context of the unit standard:
  • The local geological environment in which the in-fill borehole was drilled and the specific lithological units that can be expected as well as the associated geological characteristics.
  • The legal requirements pertaining to the correct usage of personal protective equipment and the effect on the health and safety of the individual.
  • The ability to identify and recognise anomalous conditions that affects the reliability of the geological logging information will enhance the learner's problem solving abilities.
  • The ability to distinguish between apparent and true core losses and the techniques which may be employed to correct these anomalous conditions.
  • An understanding that the learner's output can have a significant effect on the processing of the logged data where this data is utilized for geological modelling purposes and resource/reserve estimations. 
    		•

    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 learner to identify and verify various potential anomalous conditions in the core and the recording thereof contribute to his problem solving ability. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to accept and interpret work instructions correctly and to request assistance, when and if required, in an appropriate manner, indicates that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger organizational structure. Other personnel will use the core description and his/her standard of work will enhance the efficiency of the team or group as a whole. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The correct identification of the drill core on the core trays, ensuring the correct orientation of the core and correcting of core losses, where necessary, within the required time constraints, will indicate that the learner can organise and manage activities in his/her work environment. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to correctly identify the stratigraphic sequence, the relevant marker horizons, and prominent structural features according to accepted geological principles and nomenclature will enhance his/her proficiency to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. The identification of anomalous geological features will enhance the learner's ability to critically evaluate geological core information. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

    Note:
  • The correct recording of the geological parameters and the compilation of a borehole report in accordance with accepted scientific principles will indicate the learner's efficiency in the mode of written presentations. The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to the reporting of hazardous and sub-standard conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective oral 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 geological nomenclature and technological knowledge will indicate that the learner 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 learner to understand the relationship between the geological features identified in the borehole core being logged and mining layouts and exploitations will indicate his/her proficiency in understanding that a specific borehole core cannot be logged in isolation. Utilizing the information from other sources can enhance problem solving. 
    		•

    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:
  • Minerals Act and Regulations 50/1991.
  • Mine Health and Safety Act 29/1996.

    Site Specific:
  • Managerial instructions, including work instructions.
  • Codes of practice.
  • Standard task procedures.
  • Risk assessment documentation.
  • Working guides.
  • Training manuals.
  • Education manuals.
  • Geological textbooks.

    Tools, Material and Equipment can include the following:
  • Measuring tape.
  • Compass.
  • Clinometer.
  • Chisel.
  • Borehole labels.
  • Depth labels.
  • Cleansing liquids and/or fluids and material.
  • Drying materials and equipment.

    A Core Segment:
  • A core segment is a length of core that was recovered from a core barrel and can be of a varying length.

    A Known Geological Environment:
  • A known geological environment implies that the local geological conditions and depositional environment have been investigated thoroughly and the area is generally located within a mining lease area (mine boundary) and that all the stratigraphic markers are known. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  77963   Further Education and Training Certificate: Mining/Exploration Geology  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.