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 an understanding of prospecting methods 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376140  Demonstrate an understanding of prospecting methods 
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 
Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of mineral prospecting.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of geophysical prospecting.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of geochemical prospecting.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of geobiological prospecting.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of geological prospecting utilising secondary indicators.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the economic importance of mineral exploration to the South African mining industry. 
    		•

    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 an understanding of the principles of mineral prospecting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The principle types of economic deposits are identified in accordance with sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The relationship between an unaltered economic deposit and geophysics, geochemistry, geobiology or any secondary indicator is identified and discussed in terms of sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The secondary geological processes that may affect a primary economic deposit are identified and discussed in terms of sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The relationship between secondary geological processes affecting an economic deposit and geophysics, geochemistry, geobiology or any secondary indicator is identified and discussed in terms of sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The effect on the Occupational Health and Safety of personnel is described if the required health and safety procedures are not adhered to during all phases of the prospecting exercise, in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The consequences of non-compliance are explained in terms of the possible and probable impact on the geological programme, geological interpretation and future exploitation in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The tools, materials and equipment required for the prospecting exercise are identified and their use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The various pre-survey procedures to be carried out are explained and demonstrated in terms of sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Potential hazardous and sub-standard conditions that may affect a geological prospecting survey are identified and the means to alleviate them described in terms of specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of geophysical prospecting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic principles pertaining to a geophysical prospecting survey are identified and discussed in terms of sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate procedures to be adopted during a geophysical survey are explained in terms of the scientific principles and the effect on the interpretation of the derived results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The possible effects and types of natural and man made structures and installations on the integrity of the geophysical data recorded, are described in terms of sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The equipment that would be used during a geophysical survey is described and their purpose explained in terms of sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The operating procedure of the selected equipment is described in terms of their specific characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The geology of the area to be surveyed is described in terms of the expected stratigraphic sequence, potential geological features and background noise of the specific geophysical parameters that can be measured. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The economic deposits that may be discovered using geophysical prospecting are identified in accordance with sound geological practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The practical limits to geophysical prospecting are identified in accordance with sound geological principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an understanding of geochemical prospecting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic principles pertaining to a geochemical prospecting survey are identified and discussed in terms of sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate procedures to be adopted during a geochemical survey are explained in terms of the scientific principles and the effect on the interpretation of the derived results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The possible effects and types of natural and manmade structures and installations on the integrity of the geochemical data recorded, are described in terms of sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The equipment that would be used during a geochemical survey is described and their purpose explained in terms of sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The operating procedure of the selected equipment is described in terms of their specific characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The geology of the area to be surveyed is described in terms of the expected stratigraphic sequence, potential geological features and background levels of the specific geochemical parameters that can be measured. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The economic deposits that may be discovered using geochemical prospecting are identified in accordance with the relevant procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The practical limits to geochemical prospecting are identified in terms of sound geological. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate an understanding of geobiological prospecting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic principles pertaining to a geobiological prospecting survey are identified and discussed in terms of sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate procedures to be adopted during a geobiological survey are explained in terms of the scientific principles and the effect on the interpretation of the derived results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The possible effects and types of natural and manmade structures and installations on the integrity of the geobiological data recorded are described in terms of sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The equipment that would be used during a geobiological survey is described and their purpose explained in terms of sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The operating procedure of the selected equipment is described in terms of their specific characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The geology of the area to be surveyed is described in terms of the expected stratigraphic sequence, potential geological features and regional biodiversity of the specific geobiological parameters that can be measured. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The economic deposits that may be discovered using geobiological prospecting are identified in accordance with the relevant procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The practical limits to geobiological prospecting are identified in terms of sound geological principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate an understanding of geological prospecting utilising secondary indicators. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic principles pertaining to a prospecting survey utilising secondary indicators are identified and discussed in terms of sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate procedures to be adopted during a prospecting survey utilising secondary indicators are explained in terms of the scientific principles and the effect on the interpretation of the derived results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The possible effects and types of natural and manmade structures and installations on the integrity of the data recorded during a prospecting survey utilising secondary indicators, are described in terms of sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The equipment that would be used during a prospecting survey utilising secondary indicators is described and their purpose explained in terms of sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The operating procedure of the selected equipment is described in terms of their specific characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The geology of the area to be surveyed is described in terms of the expected stratigraphic sequence, potential geological features and regional distribution of the specific secondary indicators that can be measured. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The economic deposits that may be discovered utilising secondary indicators are identified in accordance with the relevant procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The practical limits to prospecting utilising secondary indicators are identified in terms of sound geological principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the economic importance of mineral exploration to the South African mining industry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of the South African minerals industry to the local economy is explained through an analysis of its contribution to GDP, exports and employment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The total reserves of individual minerals are reported in the context of the mining industry in South Africa. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Gold.
  • Coal.
  • PGM's.
  • Chrome.
  • Diamonds.
  • Manganese.
  • Iron ore.
  • Copper.
  • Zinc.
  • Lead.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The depletion rate of the South African reserves for specific minerals is reported in the context of the mining industry in South Africa. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Gold.
  • Coal.
  • PGM's.
  • Chrome.
  • Diamonds.
  • Manganese.
  • Iron ore.
  • Copper.
  • Zinc.
  • Lead.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The estimated life of the South African reserve for individual minerals is reported in the context of the mining industry in South Africa. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Gold.
  • Coal.
  • PGM's.
  • Chrome.
  • Diamonds.
  • Manganese.
  • Iron ore.
  • Copper.
  • Zinc.
  • Lead.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The impact on the South African economy of the depletion of the reserves of individual minerals is discussed in the context of the mining industry in South Africa. 


    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:

    Knowledge and understanding of:
  • Identification of principle types of economic deposits.
  • Relationship between an unaltered economic deposit and geophysics, geochemistry, geobiology and any secondary indicator.
  • Secondary geological processes and their affect.
  • Principles of mineral prospecting.
  • Principles of geophysical prospecting.
  • Principles of geochemical prospecting.
  • Principles of geobiological prospecting.
  • Principles of geological prospecting utilising secondary indicators.
  • Economic importance of mineral exploration to the South African Mining industry.

    Processes and events:
  • Preparation.
  • Examination of the area.

    Causes and effects (Safety and Health):
  • Use of equipment.
  • Use of personal protective equipment.
  • Adherence to safety requirements.
  • Work related hazards and associated risks.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Methods of collecting, analysing, organising, summarising and presenting data:

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

    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 characteristics of individual economic deposits and relate these to the optimum prospecting method and to identify potential problems with the selected prospecting method contributes to his/her problem solving ability. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • An understanding of the importance of identifying potential hazards and the correct means to deal with them will affect the team or group as a whole. An understanding of the importance of prospecting to the mining industry in South Africa indicates that the learner can work effectively with the larger community. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The selection of the correct prospecting techniques dependant on the ore body under investigation 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 potential natural and man made structures that may impact on the prospecting will enhance his/her proficiency to collect, analyse, organise and evaluate 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 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 explanation of the appropriate survey techniques, identification of potential natural and man structures on the survey and the selection of optimum equipment requirements for the specific survey will indicate the learners understanding 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 reserves of an individual economic commodity, its importance to South Africa and the need for prospecting to extend the life of the mining industry will contribute to their understanding of the whole world. 
    		•

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

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

    Specified Requirements and/or Laid down Procedures:
  • Training manuals.
  • Education manuals, including geological textbooks.
  • Geological illustrations. 
    		•

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