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: 

Identify and evaluate signs of deteriorating ground conditions during the mining process 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
256870  Identify and evaluate signs of deteriorating ground conditions during the mining process 
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 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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
115756  Identify and evaluate signs of deteriorating ground conditions during the mining process  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who are responsible for evaluating the influence of changing ground conditions during the mining process.

This unit standard is intended to promote general skills and understanding of identifying and evaluating ground conditions during the mining process in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the reasons for deteriorating ground conditions during the mining process.
  • Identify and evaluate ground conditions during mining operations.
  • Communicate the results of the evaluation.
  • Conduct a follow-up on the recommended actions. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • 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 reasons for deteriorating ground conditions during the mining process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An understanding of the influence of geological structures within the rock mass on deterioration of ground conditions is provided in the mining context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Proximity to geological structures.
  • Characteristics of geological structures.
  • Orientation and spacing of geological structures.
  • Zones of influence of geological structures.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An understanding of the influence of the variable properties of the rock mass on deterioration of ground conditions is provided in the mining context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Composition of rock mass.
  • Strength of rock mass.
  • Change in shape and profile.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An understanding of the influence of induced discontinuities within the rock mass on deterioration of ground conditions is provided in the mining context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Stress fractures.
  • Blast induced fractures.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An understanding of the influence of the changes in field stress around the excavation on deterioration of ground conditions provided in the mining context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Change in frequency and orientation of stress fractures.
  • Evidence of seismic shake down.
  • Presence of shear fractures.
  • Differential fracture displacements.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An understanding of the influence of closure rates on deterioration of ground conditions is provided in the mining context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Excessive deformation of support units.
  • Premature failure of support units.
  • Open discontinuities.
  • Bed and layer separations.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    An understanding of the influence of poor mining practice on deterioration of ground conditions is provided in the mining context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Poor quality, installation and layout of support.
  • Poor drilling and blasting practice.
  • Poor adherence to mining configurations.
  • Poor profiling and maintenance of planned excavation dimensions.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify and evaluate ground conditions during mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The appropriate tools for recording data and information are available for the evaluation and checked timeously for operability in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Underground note book.
  • Tape.
  • Clino rule.
  • Compass.
  • Camera.
  • Plans.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Changes in the nature, exposure and orientation of natural and induced discontinuities are noted relative to that recorded during previous evaluations in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The dimensions of the excavation are noted to establish the closure and ride in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The support type(s), condition and layout is evaluated to confirm appropriateness for conditions observed and adherence to desired specifications in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Effective operation of support units.
  • Quality of installation of support units.
  • Quality assurance of support units.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The drilling and blasting practice is evaluated against mine specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The mining configuration is evaluated and checked against the desired configuration at an appropriate time in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The positions of adverse geological structures, falls of ground and potentially hazardous rock blocks are noted in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The status of remedial measures to reduce rock related risks if recommended during prior evaluations is confirmed in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The information gathered is evaluated onsite or at an appropriate time to establish the existence of rock related hazards, to institute changes to design and to formulate remedial measures in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The relevant personnel are informed of the results of the inspection effectively and timeously in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Communicate the results of the evaluation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Observations and evaluations are recorded and presented in accordance with mine specific specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct a follow-up on the recommended actions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The follow-up visit establishes the status of implementation of recommended actions in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Reference to previous reports.
  • Identification of shortcomings.
  • Observe and measure compliance.
  • Communicate results of follow-up.
     
    		•


    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 essential embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:

    Knowledge that the assessor will evaluate:
  • The influence of geological structures within the rock mass on deterioration of ground conditions are provided.
  • The influence of the variable properties of the rock mass on deterioration of ground conditions are provided.
  • The influence of induced discontinuities within the rock mass on deterioration of ground conditions are provided.
  • The influence of the changes in field stress around the excavation on deterioration of ground conditions are provided.
  • The influence of closure rates on deterioration of ground conditions are provided.
  • The influence of poor mining practice on deterioration of ground conditions are provided.
  • Communicating the results of the evaluation.
  • Conducting a follow-up on the recommended actions.

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

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies and standards:
  • Occupational health, safety 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 conduct an inspection and evaluate ground conditions. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability and willingness of the learner to communicate results effectively indicates effective operation within a team. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The preparation for the inspections and the collecting of data used to make informed decisions indicates responsibility and effectiveness. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The learner must be able to compile a database of ground conditions, recognise changes and have knowledge of the appropriate action(s) to take. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

    Note:
  • The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to the reporting of hazardous and sub-standard conditions and remedial action(s) will indicate his/her 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 knowledge of the potential effect of changing ground conditions on excavation stability. 
    		•

    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 understanding of changing conditions and the implications of this on health and safety indicates responsibility towards the health of others. 
    		•

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 115756, "Identify and evaluate signs of deteriorating ground conditions during the mining process", Level 4, 4 credits.

    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 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/Instructions.

    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. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  62796   Further Education and Training Certificate: Strata Control Operations  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.