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: 

Construct a geological cross-section of an un-deformed area 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262181  Construct a geological cross-section of an un-deformed area 
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 3  NQF Level 03  3 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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
115677  Construct a geological cross-section of an undeformed area  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who are responsible for manually constructing geological cross-sections of undeformed areas.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding required to construct a geological cross-section.
  • Plan and construct a geological cross-section.
  • Present a geological cross-section. 
    		•

    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 2.
  • Understanding of plotting data points onto a scale plan.
  • Geological knowledge. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding required to construct a geological cross-section. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The methodology is described to construct a geological cross-section in the mining context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methodology is described to transfer data from a plan to a geological cross-section at comparable and different scales in the mining context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methodology is explained to extrapolate supplied data into areas with no data on a geological cross section in the mining context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The identification of anomalous and inadequate data points in terms of the effect on the reliability of the cross-section is explained in the mining context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The means of dealing with anomalous data points are described according to sound geological principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Sudden changes in strike.
  • Sudden changes in dip.
  • Incompatible lithologies.
  • Unconformities.
  • Data off-set from section line.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The orientation of a plane is explained in terms of its characteristics. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Strike.
  • True dip.
  • Apparent dip.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The difference between true and apparent dip is explained in terms of their relevance in determining the dip and strike of a plane. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The effect of variations in the orientation of a geological cross section is explained in terms of its relevance in interpreting relationships between different stratigraphic units. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Strike sections.
  • Dip sections.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The legal aspects are described in terms of safety and environmental considerations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan and construct a geological cross section. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The instruments that are required for the construction of a geological cross section are selected, examined and verified in accordance with the work instruction received. Defective items are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The workplace details are determined and verified, all in accordance with the work instruction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The format of the data supplied is confirmed, verified, sorted into different sets and corrected in accordance with site-specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Mean sea level.
  • Datum Line.
  • Coordinates.
  • Units of measure.
  • Stratigraphic units.
  • Thickness.
  • Dip and strike.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The start and end point for the Geological section is selected in accordance with sound geological practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The data are transferred manually onto the relevant cross section at an appropriate vertical and horizontal scale. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The data are systematically and manually interpolated in accordance with sound geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Anomalous data points, when found, are compared and confirmed with the original data and errors in the data are immediately marked in accordance with operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Anomalous data points must include:
  • Sudden change in the gradient of the values between any two or more points.
  • Sudden change in the strike direction of individual stratigraphic units.
  • Specific data that are not consistent with that of adjacent data.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The completed cross section is examined for any inconsistencies and anomalous data, as identified, and corrected in accordance with sound geological practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    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:
  • Eyestrain.
  • Injuries as a result of incorrect posture.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Present a geological cross-section. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The dip and strike of the identified stratigraphic units is correctly determined and recorded according to laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Strike.
  • True dip direction.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The relationship between the individual stratigraphic units is explained in terms of geological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The true thickness of the individual stratigraphic units is correctly determined and recorded according to laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The instruments, materials and equipment are cleaned and ensured to ready for future use and any defective items are reported in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The workplace is cleaned in accordance with documented and good housekeeping practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The necessary report(s) and/or plots are compiled in the required format, submitted to the relevant personnel and archived if required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The completion of the work is communicated to the relevant personnel, and anomalous conditions emphasised 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 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 learner will acquire the following embedded knowledge during training to obtain this unit standard:
  • The ability to construct a geological cross section.
  • The ability to determine stratigraphic relationships from a geological cross section.
  • The ability to identify and recognise anomalous conditions that affect the accuracy and interpretation of the cross section. 
    		•

    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 anomalous data will indicate that the learner is proficient in problem solving and in the use of creative thinking processes. The cognitive ability of the learner to construct a geological cross section contributes to his/her problem solving ability and 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.

    Note: The ability of the learner to accept and interpret work instructions indicates that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger organisational environment. 

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

    Note: The selecting of the appropriate vertical and horizontal scales and appropriate start and finish points for the specific data set and work requirement will indicate that the learner can manage and organise activities responsibly and effectively. 

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

    Note: The correct formatting and plotting of data and determination of the cross section will indicate that the learner can collect, analyse, organise and evaluate information. The identification of anomalous data that can affect the reliability of the final product will enhance the learner's ability to critically evaluate geological data. 

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

    Note: The construction of the cross section and the recording and reporting of the results in the correct format will indicate the learner's efficiency in mathematical reasoning and written/oral presentations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Note: The effective interpretation of stratigraphic relationships from geological cross sections in accordance with accepted geological procedures would 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 recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Note: The ability of the learner to identify anomalous data and to deal with this by applying problem solving techniques will indicate his/her proficiency in understanding that a specific action or decision taken have more than one effect. 

    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 115677, "Construct a geological cross-section of an undeformed area", Level 3, 3 credits.

    Terminology:

    Specified Requirements and/or Laid Down Procedures are contained in one or more of the following:

    Legal:
  • Relevant Acts: e.g. Mine Health & 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.
  • 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.

    Motivation:

    Even though there are less than four specific outcomes in this unit standard it represents a whole competency. It is not merely a description of tasks, jobs or procedures but it focuses on outcomes of activity. It also has a broad application across a range of contexts as stipulated in the unit standard.

    In addition this unit standard is considered as a milestone of learning in the sector. It is worth recognizing in its own right, as it is attributable to and achievable by an individual.

    This unit standard is fit-for-purpose for the sector and the specific outcomes jointly meet all the competence requirements of the title of the standard.

    In addition the unit standard has been integrated to avoid artificial distinctions between activities/processes. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  65549   National Certificate: Mining Technical Support  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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.