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 a basic understanding of the dimension stone industry 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243779  Demonstrate a basic understanding of the dimension stone industry 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
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 2  NQF Level 02  2 
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 working in the dimension stone industry.

People credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate a basic understanding of:
  • Materials used for dimension stone.
  • The extraction and processing of dimension stone.
  • The nature of products and applications.
  • The nature of the business.
  • Statutory issues impacting on the industry. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication and Numeracy at ABET Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify materials used for dimension stone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The igneous rocks used for dimension stone in the specific quarry are identified and named. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Granite ,gneiss, gabbro/norite (black granite).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The sedimentary rocks used for dimension stone in the specific quarry are identified and listed in accordance with requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sedimentary rocks e.g. Sandstones ,quartzite, siltstone, limestone.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The metamorphic rocks used for dimension stone are identified and listed for a specific quarry. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Metamorphic rocks e.g. marble ,slate.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the extraction and processing of dimension stone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose and procedure of prospecting activities are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The purpose and function of topsoil and overburden removal and storage are explained in accordance with requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The primary extraction of dimension stone material is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Recovery.
  • Cleavage.
  • Drill rigs and jackhammers.
  • Thermal cutters.
  • Wire saws.
  • Blockloaders and attachments.
  • Explosives types and methods.

    Material includes drilling, rock cutting, blasting, loading and hauling.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The processing of the material in the dimension stone-dressing yard is explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Wedging.
  • Plug and feather.
  • Hand dressing.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The downstream processing of the rough blocks is described in terms of methods and required equipment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Finishes.
  • Gang saws.
  • Bridge saws.
  • Jet cutting.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The environmental management programme is explained in terms of rehabilitation and pollution controls. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe the nature of dimension stone products and applications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Quality descriptors used in the dimension stone industry are listed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Density.
  • Strength (Compressive and Flexural).
  • Durability.
  • Shape.
  • Abrasion resistance.
  • Water absorption and moisture expansion.
  • Colour.
  • Grain/Crystal sizes/Patterns.
  • Porosity.
  • Thermal Expansion.
  • Staining.
  • Salt crystallisation.
  • Water soluble salts.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The application of dimension stone products is explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Masonry and building products.
  • Roofing.
  • Floor and wall tiles.
  • Blocks for cutting/polishing into slabs.
  • Industrial uses.
  • Ornamental.
  • Monumental and Memorial.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe the dimension stone operations environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The considerations determining the location of the quarry are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Quality of materials.
  • Proximity to markets.
  • Environmentally sensitive.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Economic factors impacting on the dimension stone business are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Capital intensive.
  • Principally export market driven.
  • Low value/high volume.
  • Transport sensitive.
  • Subject to fashion changes.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of producing products that meet customer specifications, is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate understanding of the statutory issues impacting on the dimension stone environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The impacts of various statutes on the dimension stone are explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Mine Health and Safety Act.
  • Minerals Act.
  • Explosives Act.
  • Environmental Acts.
  • Water Acts.
     
    		•


    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 with 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 unit standard:

    Knowledge relating to the industry
  • Materials used for dimension stone.
  • Extraction and processing of dimension stone:

    > Purpose.
    > Procedures.
    > Extraction methods.
    > Processing methods.
    > Downstream processing.
  • Nature of products and applications:

    > Quality descriptors.
    > Application of dimension stone products.
  • The nature of the business:

    > Location.
    > Economic factors.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
  • Safety measures related to plant and process.
  • PPE requirements and the reason for each.
  • Impact on the environment and mitigating actions.
  • Emergency procedures.

    Applicable statutory requirements:
  • Relevant clauses from applicable acts and regulations.
  • Codes of practice.

    Communication:
  • Reporting requirements and ability.
  • Communicating with relevant personnel.
  • Liaison with associated operations and personnel. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • The ability and willingness of the learner to interact with various other workers e.g. in the plant, laboratory and engineering department in order to ensure consistent adherence to production and quality requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • The ability of the learner to record, monitor and analyse the information from the process control system in order to ensure consistent adherence to production and quality requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • The ability of the learner to integrate sophisticated process and plant technology in order to consistently produce product of the required quality in accordance with environmental, occupational health and safety requirements. 
    		•

    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 understand the relationship between upstream, downstream and associated processes, and the impact that he may have in each regard. 
    		•

    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 & Safety Act and Regulations, 1996 (Act 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act 50/1991).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85/1993).
  • 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&S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level N/A.
  • Procedures; Level N/A.
  • Context; Level 2; Routine and familiar.
  • Knowledge; Level 2; Basic operational.
  • Information processing; Level 2; Basic processing of readily available information.
  • Problem Solving; Level N/A.
  • Orientation of activities; Level N/A.
  • Application of responsibility; Level N/A.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level N/A.

    Average level: 6/3 = 2.
    Actual level assigned: = 2.

    Credits

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 12 Hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 12 Hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 Hours.
  • Other (Home study); 0 Hours.
  • Total; 24 Hours.

    Credits achieved: = 24/10 = 2.4.
    Credits assigned: = 2. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58267   General Education and Training Certificate: Mining and Minerals Processes  Level 1  NQF Level 01  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.
     
    1. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    2. ALLOYS HEAD OFFICE 
    3. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
    4. BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    5. BANA BA THARI MINING TRANING AND DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
    6. BARBERTON MINES (PTY) LTD 
    7. ERGO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY NPC 
    8. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    9. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    10. GLENCORE OPERATIONS SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD 
    11. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    12. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
    13. KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN) 
    14. Kumba Sishen HRD Centre 
    15. LYNAZY RESOURCES 
    16. MARULA PLATINUM PTY LTD 
    17. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    18. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    19. MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION (PTY)LTD 
    20. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    21. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    22. PPC Ltd 
    23. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    24. RICHARDS BAY MINING PTY LTD 
    25. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    26. SIBANYE RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINES PTY LTD 
    27. THUNGELA OPERATIONS (PTY) LTD 
    28. TWO RIVERS PLATINUM (PTY) LTD 


    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.