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 and sample a face to obtain geological information for quality control purposes in the relevant deposit 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376179  Log and sample a face to obtain geological information for quality control purposes in the relevant deposit 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
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 log and sample faces in surface or underground mines to obtain geological information for quality control purposes in the relevant deposit.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate the knowledge required to log and sample faces in surface or underground mines to obtain geological information for quality control purposes in the relevant deposit.
  • Plan and prepare to log and sample faces in surface or underground mines to obtain geological information for quality control purposes in the relevant deposit.
  • Log the face.
  • Sample the face.
  • Conduct post-logging and sampling activities and compile and present reports. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in the following aspects before training towards this unit standard:
  • Communication and mathematical literacy at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate the knowledge required to log and sample faces in surface or underground mines to obtain geological information for quality control purposes in the relevant deposit. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The logging and sampling of a mining face is described in terms of the applicable basic principles. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of inadequately described and poorly recorded geological and structural parameters during the logging and sampling procedure are described in terms of the potential effect on the health and safety of people, equipment, the environment and potential future exploitation of the mineral resource. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Underground mines.
  • Surface mines.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The characteristics of the selected mining horizon at the face are described in terms of the stratigraphic sequence, lithology, grade/quality, grade/quality distribution and mineralisation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The potential effect on the analytical results, quality control and possible financial consequences are described if the sample intervals are incorrectly selected, the samples are contaminated, incorrectly bagged and/or labelled in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The consequences of not complying with the relevant statutory and mine specific regulations are explained in terms of the possible and probable impact on safety, equipment, the environment and potential future exploitation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The results obtained from the logging and sampling program are described in terms of their application for geological risk assessment and quality control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The advantages and disadvantages of the various sampling methods are discussed in terms of geological practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Using mechanical cutting equipment.
  • Using a pneumatic hammer.
  • Using manual chipping methods.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan and prepare to log and sample faces in surface or underground mines to obtain geological information for quality control purposes in the relevant deposit. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Permission to enter the workplace, where 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. Defective personal protective equipment is dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The tools, materials and equipment required for the exercise are selected, examined and verified in accordance with the work instruction received. Defective tools, materials and equipment are dealt with in accordance with the laid down procedure. 

    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 
    Must include any one or a combination of the following where appropriate:
  • Slippery surfaces.
  • Electricity in close proximity to water.
  • Sharp edges.
  • Poor illumination.
  • Operating machinery in close proximity.
  • Spillage of fluids.
  • Dust.
  • Adverse weather conditions.
  • Broken rock.
  • Excessive accumulations of water.
  • Unsafe mining conditions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The workplace details are determined, verified and recorded, all in accordance with the work instruction received and targets set. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include the following were relevant:
  • Section/block number and co-ordinates.
  • Orientation of the face.
  • Survey pegs and reference number.
  • Previous geological mapping, logging and sampling and analytical reports relating to the area.
  • Adjacent section information.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The cleanliness and suitability of the face to be logged and sampled is verified and sub-standard conditions are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The logging and sampling section is selected and verified to be a representative section of the face and excludes areas where geological discontinuities are present, in accordance with sound geological practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The logging and sampling section is measured and marked off in accordance with accepted geological sampling principles and laid down procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Log the face. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The details of the logging locality are determined and recorded in accordance with the laid down procedure in the required format. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Survey offsets of the selected logging profile.
  • Orientation of the face.
  • Section/block number.
  • Reference survey peg(s).
  • Co-ordinates.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The tools, materials and equipment required for the exercise are used in accordance with laid down procedures and manufacturer's specifications, when required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The stratigraphic units/markers are examined, identified and marked off in accordance with geological principles and laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Selected mining horizon and stratigraphic units/markers within the mining face.
  • Stratigraphic units/markers above the selected mining horizon where these are exposed.
  • Stratigraphic units/markers below the selected mining horizon where these are exposed.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The geological parameters are correctly identified, measured, described and recorded in accordance with laid down procedures and the required format. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Lithological type and thickness above, within and below the selected mining horizon.
  • Exposed mining horizon thickness within the selected mining horizon.
  • Colour.
  • Textural description.
  • Erosion features.
  • Grain/crystal size.
  • Mineralogy.
  • Alteration/weathering effects.
  • Contacts.
  • In- and Intra-mining horizon parting.
  • Structural features.
  • Deformational features and structures.
  • Metamorphism, including effect on mining horizon.
  • Intrusions
  • Sedimentary/igneous structures.
  • Dip and strike.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Work related hazards and associated risks that have an effect on a safe and healthy work environment are dealt with in accordance with the laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Eye/facial injuries.
  • Hand and foot injuries.
  • Incorrect lifting procedures and back injuries.
  • Chemical burns.
  • Inhalation of toxic and noxious gasses.
  • Dust.
  • Working at heights.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Sample the face. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The sampling programme and intervals are identified and determined in accordance with the work instruction, laid down procedures and laboratory requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Minimum sample mass for analytical determination.
  • Homogeneous/representative material.
  • Contamination with external material must be avoided.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The sampling intervals are verified and reconciled against the description of the individual lithological types that occur within the specific sample intervals, in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The sample section is collected from the face avoiding contamination between samples, in accordance with the mine specific sampling method. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The bagging and labelling of the individual samples are conducted in accordance with the requirements of the work instruction and sampling programme, avoiding any form of contamination. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The sample-collecting utensil is thoroughly cleaned after the taking of each individual sample to avoid contamination of the subsequent sample, in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Conduct post-logging and sampling activities and compile and present reports. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The tools, materials and equipment are cleaned, ready for future use, in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The accepted sample handling procedures are adhered to in accordance with the work instruction, sampling procedure and laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Stored.
  • Transported.
     
    		•

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reports are submitted to reflect the geological and sampling findings accurately and completely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The completion of the work is communicated to the relevant personnel, when required, and anomalous conditions emphasized, 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 of the relevant deposit, the characteristics of the selected mining horizon and the specific lithological units that can be expected to be encountered.
  • The legal requirements pertaining to the correct use of personal protective equipment and the effect of non compliance on the health and safety of the individual.
  • Understanding of the financial consequences and the impact on the integrity and accuracy of the geological data if the sampling intervals are incorrectly taken.
  • An understanding of the potential effect on the health and safety of people if the structural geological features are inadequately identified and reported during the logging procedure, although these features are not necessarily present within the sampling and logging profile but can be present in the workplace.
  • An understanding that the learners output can have a significant effect on the processing of the logging and sampling data, where these data are utilized for geological grade control purposes.
  • A basic understanding of the logging and sampling procedure.
  • An understanding of the consequences of not complying with the relevant statutory and mine specific regulations in terms of the possible and probable impact on safety, equipment, the environment and potential future exploitation. 
    		•

    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:
  • The ability of the learner to identify a representative logging and sampling section avoiding bias and the effective taking of samples according to the correct procedure, indicates that the learner can make decisions, using critical and creative thinking processes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community:
  • The ability of the learner to accept and interpret work instructions correctly and to request assistance, when required with the collection of the sample material, indicates that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger organisational structure. The standard of work performance will affect the efficiency of the team or group as a whole and the ability of the learner to correctly identify, log and sample a face will indicate his/her effective relationship with the group. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively:
  • The correct logging and effective sampling of the face within the required time and legal 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:
  • The ability of the learner to correctly identify the stratigraphic sequence, above, within and below the selected mining horizon, and the correct recording of the required geological parameters according to accepted geological principles, will enhance his/her proficiency to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. The correct identification of anomalous geological features that can affect the reliability of the logging and sampling results and their complete recording in the required format will enhance the learner's ability to critically evaluate exposed geological features. The correlation and evaluation of the newly acquired and processed geological interpretation with adjacent sections and/or borehole data indicates that the learner can critically evaluate information. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations:
  • The correct recording of the geological parameters and lithological characteristics and the compilation of a complete logging and sampling report in accordance with accepted scientific principles and nomenclature will indicate the learner's efficiency in written presentations. The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to the reporting of hazardous, substandard or anomalous 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:
  • The correct use of scientific geological nomenclature and technical knowledge will indicate that the learner is proficient in the appropriate use of science and technology. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
  • The ability of the learner to interpret the geology of the selected mining horizon and roof/floor lithologies between mining sections will indicate his/her proficiency in understanding that a specific workplace cannot be logged and sampled in isolation. Utilizing the information from other sources can enhance problem solving. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Reflect on, and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively and to contribute to the full development of each learner to enhance the social and economic development of the society at large:
  • The ability of the learner to explore more than one strategy to solve actual and potential problems that can affect the reliability of the logging and sampling results, to communicate effectively and to organise his/her work, contributes to the development of the learner. The correct identification and taking of sampling intervals will indicate that the learner accepts responsibility for the economic implications of his/her actions. This will enhance the learning curve of the individual to contribute to his/her own personal growth, socio-economic development and the community at large. 
    		•

    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:

    3.1 Specified requirements and/or laid down procedures are contained in one or more of the following:
  • Managerial instructions, including work instructions.
  • Codes of practice.
  • Standard task procedures.
  • Risk assessment documentation.
  • Working guides.
  • Training manuals.
  • Education manuals.
  • Geological textbooks.

    3.2 Legal requirements are contained in one or more of the following documents:
  • 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.

    3.2.1 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.

    3.3 Tools, material and equipment can include the following:
  • Measuring tape.
  • Compass.
  • Clinometer.
  • Chisel.
  • Hammer.
  • Colour chart.
  • Grain size chart.
  • Hardness tester.
  • Geiger counter.
  • Mechanical, electrical and pneumatic cutting and chipping devices.
  • Sampler labels, bags and containers.
  • Cleaning liquids and/or fluids and material.

    3.4 A face is an exposed horizon in surface or underground mines and can include lithlogical units above, below and/or within the selected mineable horizon as observed in pillars or the production end in an underground mine and high wall/low wall in a surface mine.

    3.5 Log a face is the description and recording of all the lithilogical units and their geological characteristics that are exposed in the face as well as the structural elements present in the sampling area.

    3.6 Sample section is a litholigically representative section of the face and can include more than one lithological type and where required will transgress the roof and /or floor contact of the selected mineable horizon.

    3.7 Sample interval is the distance between the roof and floor of the individual sample or the distance between sample sections.

    3.8 Selected mining/economic horizon is site specific defined according to value/quality distribution and subject to a minimum mining width.

    3.9 Relevant deposit is the deposit that the learner intends to, or is currently working in.

    4. The following particular issues should be taken into consideration when assessing against this unit standard:
  • The learner will be assessed on their ability to log and sample a face to obtain geological information for quality control purposes in the deposit that the learner intends to, or is currently working in. 
    		•

    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.