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 the typical phases of a mineral deposit 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376200  Demonstrate an understanding of the typical phases of a mineral 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 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 work or intend to work within a mining and minerals context.

People credited with this Unit Standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of typical mineral resource types.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the common means of identification of the principle mineral resources.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the common means of exploitation of mineral resources.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the common means of rehabilitation of mineral resources. 
    		•

    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 typical mineral resource types. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The fundamental characteristics of a typical economic deposit are explained according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The various categories of mineral deposits are identified and described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Coal Fields.
  • Oil Fields.
  • Banded Ironstone.
  • Massive Sulphides.
  • Kimberlites.
  • Porphyry copper.
  • Placer deposits.
  • Layered intrusive complexes.
  • Marine.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The principle mineral commodities exploited from each mineral deposit type are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The principle economic mineral commodities exploited in the world are identified and the location of typical examples identified on a world map. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Coal.
  • Oil.
  • Iron Ore.
  • Copper.
  • Diamonds.
  • Gold.
  • Platinum.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The principal economic mineral commodities exploited in South Africa are identified and the location of typical examples identified on a map of South Africa. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Coal.
  • Platinum.
  • Iron Ore.
  • Diamonds.
  • Gold.
  • Manganese.
  • Chrome.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the common means of identification of the principle mineral resources. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The common methods of geological exploration for the purpose of identification of mineral resources are identified, described and discussed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Geochemical exploration.
  • Geophysical exploration.
  • Drilling.
  • Mapping.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The historical development of the common methods of geological exploration are described and discussed, and examples of their success identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The typical phases in the exploration phase are described and the links between the phases discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Potential problems with the individual prospecting methods for individual mineral deposits are identified explained and means to overcome discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Preferential exploration methods for individual mineral deposits are identified and discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A potential exploration programme for a specific mineral deposit is described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the common means of exploitation of mineral resources. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The principle means of exploitation of mineral resources are discussed and examples provided. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Quarries.
  • Open cast mining.
  • Deep level mining.
  • Pumping.
  • Marine.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The historical evolution of mineral exploitation of mineral deposits is discussed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Prehistorical.
  • Preindustrial revolution.
  • Modern.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The historical evolution of mineral exploitation within typical mineral deposits in South Africa are discussed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Coal.
  • Gold.
  • Platinum.
  • Diamonds.
  • Copper.
  • Manganese.
  • Iron ore.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The principle means of extracting the economic mineral commodity from the host mineral/rock are identified and discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The preferred methods of mineral exploitation are identified for the individual mineral deposits. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The evolution in exploitation methods through the life of an individual mineral deposit is discussed and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Problems encountered with individual exploitation methods are identified and discussed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the common means of rehabilitation of mineral resources. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons why mineral deposit exploitation sites have to be rehabilitated after the completion of mining are discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The possible dangers associated with not rehabilitating a mineral deposit exploitation site are discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The means whereby a mineral exploitation site may be rehabilitated are discussed and described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The phases associated with a rehabilitation programme are discussed and described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The dangers associated with each phase of a rehabilitation programme are discussed and described. 


    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 characteristics, location and host of typical mineral resource types.
  • The principle means of identification of mineral resources.
  • The means of exploitation of mineral resources.
  • The means of rehabilitating exploited mineral deposit sites. 
    		•

    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 the relationship between mineral deposits, exploration, exploitation and rehabilitation 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:
  • The ability of the learner to understand the need for a multipurpose approach to the exploration, exploitation and rehabilitation of a mineral deposit indicates that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger organisational structure. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to integrate the required data pertaining to the exploration, exploitation and rehabilitation of a mineral deposit indicates that the learner can organise and manage activities. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to integrate required data pertaining to the exploration, exploitation and rehabilitation of a mineral deposit will enhance the learners 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 ability of the learner to reconcile the data from maps and written reports will indicate the learners 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 analysis of the data pertaining to the various mineral deposits described, their exploration, exploitation and rehabilitation 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 identify the optimum methods of exploration, exploitation and rehabilitation of the individual mineral deposit will contribute to their understanding of the whole world. 
    		•

    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.

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to explore more than one strategy to identify the mineral deposits, determine their optimum exploitation method and rehabilitation can be applied inside and outside the work environment to enhance the socio-economic development of family-life 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:

    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 no 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act no 50/1991).
    > Mandatory Codes of Practice.
    > SANS and other relevant Standards.
    > Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives and instructions.
    > Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.
  • Site Specific:
    > Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA).
    > Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
    > Managerial Instructions.
    > Mine Standard Procedures.
    > List of Recorded OH and S Risks.
    > Working Guide.
    > Equipment and Materials Specifications.
    > Training manuals.
    > Education manuals, including geological text books.
    > Geology maps. 
    		•

    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.