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: 

Process geological information for grade control purposes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376222  Process geological information for grade control purposes 
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  5 
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 
People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate the knowledge required to process basic geological data for grade control purposes.
  • Source, collate and validate basic geological data for grade control purposes.
  • Process basic geological data for grade control purposes.
  • Compile and present reports. 
    		•

    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 
    The following range statement applies to the entire unit standard:
  • This unit standard is intended to cover the initial processing of basic geological data in surface or underground mines for grade control purposes and excludes outcrops in exploration areas. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of processing basic geological data for grade control purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic principles of grade control are described in the context of mining operations. 

    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 grade control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of inadequately described and poorly recorded geological parameters during the mapping procedure are described in terms of the potential effect on grade control. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Excessive non-economic material removed in the foot of the mining cut.
  • Excessive non-economic material removed in the hang of the mining cut.
  • Economic material left in foot.
  • Economic material left in hanging.
     
    		•

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    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 6 
    The consequences of inadequately described and poorly recorded geological parameters during the mapping procedure are described in terms of the potential financial implications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The mathematical equations pertinent to grade control are explained and demonstrated, and the consequences of inappropriate or incorrect usage explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The results obtained from mapping are described in terms of their application for grade control. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Validate basic geological data for grade control purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The sources of data are ascertained, accessed and confirmed to be complete in accordance with sound geological principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Geology data base.
  • Survey data base.
  • Sampling data base.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The raw data is obtained, confirmed to be complete and organised into the different data types in accordance with sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The raw data is listed in terms of the data type and relevant fields in the required format and anomalous data in accordance with the laid down procedures and requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The data from different sources are integrated into a single data base in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The data are validated in accordance with the work instruction and laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Anomalous data are noted and recorded and corrective measures applied within the constraints of the level of responsibility and authority in accordance with sound geological principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Incomplete data.
  • Non-sorted/random data.
  • Non-standardised data.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The workplace details are determined, verified and recorded, all in accordance with the work instruction received. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Section/block number and co-ordinates.
  • Orientation of the face.
  • Survey peg and reference number.
  • Previous geological mapping, logging and sampling reports relating to the area.
  • Adjacent section/block information.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    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:
  • Falls of ground.
  • Slippery surfaces.
  • Electricity in close proximity to water.
  • Poor illumination.
  • Excessive dust.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Process basic geological data for grade control purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The stratigraphic units/markers identified during previous mapping procedures are confirmed 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 3 
    The appropriate geological parameters are identified and their data confirmed in accordance with laid down procedures and required format. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Thickness of economic horizon.
  • Thickness of non economic material removed in the hang.
  • Thickness of non economic material removed in the foot.
  • Thickness and extent of economic material left in foot.
  • Thickness and extent of economic material left in the hang.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The geological and sampling data are processed in accordance with laid down procedures and required format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The effect of structural features and/or igneous intrusions on the selected mining horizon and grade distribution are identified and confirmed in accordance with laid down procedures and required format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The processed data is incorporated into the information database in terms of the requirements and format of the database. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    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 gases.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Compile and present reports. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The collated and validated data are dealt with in accordance with the work instruction and laid down procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Stored on site.
  • Transferred to a central or temporary database.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The original data are returned and archived in accordance with laid down procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The workplace is cleaned in accordance with documented and good housekeeping practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The collated data and required completion reports are submitted in the required format in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The completion of the work is communicated to the relevant personnel 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 ability to identify and recognise those geological factors that influence grade control.
  • Understanding of the financial consequences if the grade control data are incorrect.
  • An understanding that the learner's output can have a significant effect on the processing of the mapping data where these data are utilised for geological grade control purposes. 
    		•

    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 anomalous data values and data types and the correcting of gross errors contributes to his/her problem solving ability. The ability to effectively identify and correct errors during the validation process will indicate the learner's problem solving capabilities by using critical and creative thinking to make decisions. 
    		•

    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 procedure, 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 process geological data will indicate his/her effective relationship with the group. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively:
  • The effective organisation and sorting of the raw data by data type and within data types and the consequent integration of the data will indicate that the learner can organise and manage activities in his/her work environment. The selecting of the appropriate calculation methods for the specific procedure will indicate that the learner can manage and organise activities responsibly and effectively. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • The ability of the learner to obtain/collect and organise actual raw data and to critically evaluate this data for gross errors will enhance him/her proficiency to collect, analyse, organise and evaluate information. The correcting of errors that were detected during the validation process will indicate that the learner can critically evaluate his/her work output prior to submitting the data to other personnel. 
    		•

    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 associated grade characteristics and the compilation of a 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 anomalous data and/or 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 application of mathematical formulae to accurately analyse the data will indicate that the learner is proficient in the appropriate use of science and technology. The identification of hazardous and sub-standard conditions that can have an effect on the environment and the health of others indicate his/her responsible behaviour in these circumstances. 
    		•

    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:
  • The ability of the learner to interpret the geological data and grade control parameters will indicate his/her proficiency in understanding that a specific data type cannot be evaluated in isolation. Utilising 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 record geological data, to communicate effectively and to organise his/her work, contributes to the development of the learner. The correct identification of anomalous data indicates 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:

    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.

    Legal requirements are contained in one or more of the following documents:
  • Minerals Act 50/1991.
  • Mine Health and Safety Act 29/1996.

    Geological data can include:
  • Descriptions of the economic horizon.
  • Descriptions of the selected mining horizon.
  • Descriptions of working faces.
  • Grade data.
  • Borehole logs.

    Selected mining/economic horizon: is site specific, defined according to the value distribution of the identified economic commodity and subject to a minimum stopping width in an underground mine. 
    		•

    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.