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 an understanding of mining related strata control issues impacting on mining practice 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
336943  Demonstrate an understanding of mining related strata control issues impacting on mining practice 
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  8 
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 
Achieving this Unit Standard will make the qualifying learners understand basics of science that deals with structure, composition of the formation of earth in underground mines, surface mines, quarries and small-scale mines while performing drill and blast practice on ground.

People credited with this Unit Standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of best mining practises when mining towards or in close proximity to geological discontinuities.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the effect of stress induced fracturing around typical mining excavations.
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of the influence of drilling and blasting practice on ground control.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the factors influencing the selection of various support systems.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the importance of quality assurance measures in strata control.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the purpose and the use of the rock related Codes of practice (COP). 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of best mining practices when mining towards or in close proximity to geological discontinuities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The best mining practices when mining towards or close to geological discontinuities under various mining conditions are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of good quality geological information on plans used for mine planning to be able to correctly plan mining towards the different geological discontinuities are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The need for additional support along such discontinuities as prescribed in terms of the mine's specific standards and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of inadequate knowledge of the best mining and support practices when mining towards or close to geological discontinuities are explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the effect of stress induced fracturing around typical mining excavations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The re-distribution of stresses around an opening are explained in terms of strata control principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Stress fracturing around different mining excavations for various conditions are explained in terms of strata control principles and practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Different mining excavation include but not limited to:
  • Absence of stress fracturing-(Shallow conditions).
  • Tectonic stress.
  • Higher horizontal stress.
  • Shear zones.

    For Coal Mines:
  • Absence of stress fracturing-(Shallow conditions).
  • Long wall face-(Shallow conditions).
  • Tectonic stress.
  • Shear zones.
  • Higher horizontal stress.

    For Underground Hard Rock:
  • Long wall face-(Deep conditions).
  • Scattered mining face (Shallow, moderate and deep conditions).
  • Sidings vs No sidings (Deep High Stress conditions).
  • Leads and Lags (Moderate-to Deep Conditions).
  • ASG's (Leading vs gullies in line with face vs lagging gullies).
  • Drives (highly stressed vs early over-mined or de-stressed).
  • Crosscuts (highly stressed vs early over-mined or de-stressed) The methods employed to reduce stress induced fracturing by means of overstoping (over-mining) or de-stressing is explained.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The need for support installations in fractured ground is explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of inadequate knowledge of stress induced fracturing and required support on occupational safety and health are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate basic knowledge of drilling and blasting practice on ground control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The factors relating to drilling and blasting practice that influence excavation stability are described in accordance with mine specifications or specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Drilling and Blasting practice include but not limited to:
  • Correct choice of explosives.
  • Appropriate collar and toe burdens.
  • Correct detonation sequences.
  • Correct length of blast holes.
  • Correct charging of holes.
  • Pre-split blasting techniques.
  • Hole location and spacing.
  • Purpose of pre conditioning.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The consequences of poor drilling and blasting practice on the stability of the rock mass are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the factors influencing the selection of various support systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic functions of (e.g. stope, tunnel and roadway) support systems for various ground control districts are explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The type and characteristics of generic support types are explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Signs and possible causes of apparent substandard support systems are explained in terms of support principles and practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of poor implementation of designed support systems are described in terms of specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of quality assurance measures in strata control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The types of quality assurance programs instituted to ensure adherence to design specifications are described in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods to be implemented for various quality assurance programs are described according to mine specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Forms of methods include but not limited to:
  • Instrumentation and monitoring.
  • Format.
  • Frequency.
  • Sampling.
  • Communication.
  • Action plans.
  • Follow-up.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effects of poor quality assurance on the stability of excavations are explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and the use of the rock related Codes of Practice (COP). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An explanation of the purpose of the rock related COP is provided. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An explanation of the rock-related issues to be discussed in the rock related COP is provided. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An explanation of the consequences of non-compliance to the rock related COP is provided. 


    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 Unit Standard:
  • Best mining practises when mining towards or in close proximity to geological discontinuities.
  • The effect of stress induced fracturing around typical mining excavations.
  • The influence of drilling and blasting practice on ground control.
  • The factors influencing the selection of various support systems.
  • The importance of quality assurance measures in strata control.
  • The purpose and the use of the rock related Codes of practice (COP). 
    		•

    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 understand the importance of implementing actions to prevent rock related incidents will confirm. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • Production supervisors to supervise and coach workers on strata control related issues. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • Production supervisors must use their knowledge of strata control issues to manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively. (Don't Take Chances). 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to evaluate the hazards associated with strata control issues and be able to identify the need for appropriate controls and prevention precautions, confirms. 
    		•

    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 other personnel with regard to appropriate precautions, controls, quality control and support installation to address the hazards confirms. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The use of science and technology is promoted through the use of stope support types and mining methods as well as pillar designs to address the risks associated with strata control issues. 
    		•

    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 the rock mass response to mining and strata control related issues assists to ensure the health and safety of mining personnel confirms. 
    		•

    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 and Safety Act, 1996 (Act 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act 50/1991).
    > Mandatory Codes of Practice.
    > SANS and other relevant Standards.
    > Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives.
  • Site Specific:
    > Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
    > Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
    > Voluntary Codes of Practice.
    > Managerial Instructions.
    > Mine Standard Procedures.
    > List of Recorded OH and S Risks.
    > Working Guides.
    > Equipment and Materials Specifications of 1993. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  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.