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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate an understanding of mine geology 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
336911  Demonstrate an understanding of mine geology 
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 in a supervisory role in underground hard rock mines. The skills and knowledge in this unit standard contribute to an understanding of the role of mine geology with special relevance to rock hazard identification and associated safety measures.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain the functions of the Geology department on the mine.
  • Recognise and describe typical rock types found on the mine and specifically on and adjacent to the mining horizon.
  • Demonstrate understanding of tectonic structures intersected in both stoping and tunnelling operations.
  • Understand the broader role of the geologist in production planning/ mineral resource management and Rock engineering. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Relate the functions of a Geology department on the mine environment with reference to the supervisor's production section. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The updating of geological structures through underground mapping and borehole information is explained in terms of site-specific requirements and best practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required communication between the production supervisor and geologist when the production face intersects faulting or other geological structures, is explained in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Changes in strike or dip orientations or localized ground conditions, affected by geology, are recognised and communicated to all relevant parties in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The reason for the geologist doing cover drilling and the requirements for (development) cubby are explained in terms of best mining practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Layouts for diamond drilling are done in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements and best practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The purpose of drilling for core recovery versus percussion drilling are explained in the context of site-specific requirements and best practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The effects of inadequate geological information and appropriate decisions are explained in terms of occupational health, safety and production. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Recognise and describe typical rock types found on a mine specifically on and adjacent to the mining horizon. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The description regarding the rock types found in a mine is explained with reference hanging wall horizons and adjacent footwall. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The origin(source) of the ore body is described with reference to sedimentary, igneous or hydrothermal mechanisms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The physical characteristics of the ore body are explained using mining geology terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The hanging and footwall conditions of the mine are explained with relevance to competent/incompetent rock types. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Different rock types within 50 m of the reef horizon are physically identified. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate understanding of tectonic structures intersected in both stoping and tunnelling operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Normal, reverse and step faulting are explained by means of suitable sketches. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Fissures, joints and rolls and the impact ( including faulting) on the safety of ground conditions are explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The significance of intersecting dykes and sills in mining operations are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Parting planes, cooling domes or joint sets and the precautions to be taken if these are intersected are explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The source of gases and groundwater and where they are likely to be intersected are explained using mining geology terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The support to be installed under geological discontinuities is explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The identification and support of geological/tectonic structures are explained in terms of occupational health and safety of employees. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Understand the role of the geologist in production planning/mineral resource management and Rock engineering. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role of the Geologist in production planning is explained with reference to the mapping and updating of geological structures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The geologist's co-operation with survey, sampling and mine planning departments are explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The need for updated geological information when evaluating mine design in conjunction with the Rock engineer or Mining Engineer is explained in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The evaluation of rock types with respective strength of material of specific rocks found in tunnelling or stoping is explained in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The various geological plans that are produced on the mine are explained in terms of site-specific company 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 following embedded knowledge will be assessed in an integrated way in the context of the unit standard:
  • The functions of the Geology department on the mine.
  • Typical rock types found on his mine specifically on and adjacent to the mining horizon.
  • Tectonic structures intersected in both stoping and tunnelling operations.
  • The broader role of the geologist in production planning/mineral resource management.
  • The role of the geologist with regards to rock engineering. 
    		•

    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 sub-standard and hazardous geological conditions, assess and take appropriate action. 
    		•

    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 accept and interpret work instructions correctly. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively:
  • Note: The ability of the learner to indicate what methods, tools and personal protective equipment is required and communicate to fellow workers his/her intentions and assistance required. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • Note: The ability of the learner to reconcile the information from visual and physical examinations and constantly evaluate the changing situation. 
    		•

    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 hazards and sub-standard conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective communication. 
    		•

    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 utilize appropriate service department (Geology), knowing that the consequences of not reporting change in geological structure may impact directly on achievement of production results and the safety of all persons working underground. 
    		•

    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:
  • Understanding of relevant acts and regulations.

    Site specific:

    Company policies and standard procedures regarding:
  • Identification and intersecting of geological hazards.
  • Geology department procedures.
  • Methods of communication between production and geologist.
  • Production planning procedures. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  74490   Further Education and Training Certificate: Mining 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.