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: 

Conduct a ground magnetic survey on the sub surface strata 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376141  Conduct a ground magnetic survey on the sub surface strata 
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 
People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of conducting a ground magnetic survey.
  • Conduct a magnetometer survey.
  • Perform post survey activities and compile and present reports. 
    		•

    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 knowledge of conducting a ground magnetic survey. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic principles of magnetism are explained in terms of geological terminology. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The contents of a typical work instruction and the consequences of non-compliance with the requirements are described in terms of the potential impact on the processing, interpretation and modelling of the magnetic data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The possible effects and type of natural features and man made structures and installations, on the integrity of the magnetic data recorded, are described in terms of standard geological terminology. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Specific metallic objects.
  • Specific metallic ferrous deposits.
  • Power lines.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The operating procedure of the selected magnetometer is described in terms of its specific characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of not complying with the relevant statutory and mine specific regulations are explained in terms of the possible and probable impact on safety, equipment, the environment and potential future exploitation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The consequences of poorly recorded magnetic data are described in terms of the potential financial implications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to conduct a ground magnetic survey. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Permission to enter the workplace, when required, is obtained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal protective equipment is selected and examined for any defects and used in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. Defective personal protective equipment is dealt with in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The tools, materials and equipment required for the exercise are selected, examined and verified in accordance with the work instruction received. Defective tools, materials and equipment are dealt with in accordance with the laid down procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
  • May include a second magnetometer for use as a base station to determine diurnal drift and more than one field/roving unit.
  • A global positioning system (GPS) may also be required for establishing the geographical location of the traverse starting point. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The various pre magnetometer survey procedures to be carried out are explained and demonstrated in terms of site-specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Charge the main and spare magnetometer batteries.
  • Check and calibrate magnetometer settings.
  • Verify the locality of the grid or traverse on a site map.
  • Determine the local geology of the survey area.
  • Noting the position and orientation of potential magnetic anomalies.
  • Check the type, numbering, orientation and marking of the grid or traverses and station intervals to be employed.
  • Make the necessary logistical arrangements to mobilise onto site within time and costs constraints.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Potential and actual hazardous and sub-standard conditions are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include any one or a combination of the following:
  • Slippery surfaces.
  • Electricity in close proximity to water.
  • Poor visibility.
  • Broken rock.
  • Excessive accumulation of surface water.
  • Excessive surface gradients.
  • Operating machinery in close proximity.
  • Adverse weather conditions (lightning).
  • Dangerous reptiles/animals.
  • Poisonous insects.
  • Chemical and solid mineral matter contamination.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The terrain is assessed in terms of its suitability for conducting a magnetometer survey and any unsuitable conditions encountered are dealt with in accordance with the work instruction. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Conduct the magnetic survey. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The equipment required for the magnetic survey is used in accordance with the laid down procedures and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A base station magnetometer is set-up, when required, in accordance with the laid down procedures and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A starting point is selected and recorded according to the work instruction and the survey is carried-out over a grid pattern or single traverse line, checking at intervals for repeatability of readings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Features/objects that adversely affect the natural magnetic field are recognised and recorded. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include any one or combinations of the following:
  • Wire fencing and steel poles.
  • Surface and buried metal objects including water pipes and wires.
  • Power lines.
  • Telephone lines.
  • Railway lines.
  • Sub-stations.
  • Dumping sites.
  • Watches, keys, compass, GPS and Cell phone.
  • Vehicles.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Work related hazards and associated risks that have an effect on a safe and healthy work environment are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include any one or combinations of the following:
  • Eye/facial injuries.
  • Anomalous data point readings, when found, are dealt with according to specified requirements
  • Hand and foot injuries.
  • Incorrect lifting procedures and back injuries.
  • Chemical burns.
  • Inhalation of noxious and toxic gases.
  • Drowning.
  • Diseases, such as malaria, tick bite fever and bilharzia.
  • Snake and insect bites.
  • Communications failure.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Anomalous data point readings, when found, are dealt with according to specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform post magnetic survey activities and compile a report. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The equipment is cleaned, examined, stored and defective equipment is reported, all in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The surveyed area is tidied-up to comply with documented and recognised environmental practices, when required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The recorded data is dealt with in accordance with the work instruction and manufacturer's specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include the following:
  • Preparations of a diurnal drift profile or application of the various corrections to the data.
  • Electronic downloading, when using automated equipment or Manual transcription.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The corrected data is presented in the required format in accordance with the work instruction, indicating the position of observed anomalous features potentially affecting the magnetic data. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Manually.
  • Profile.
  • Plan.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The completion of the work is communicated to the relevant personnel, when required, 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 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 context of the unit standard:
  • The operation and field use of available magnetometers, according to the relevant manufacturers specifications.
  • The ability to identify and recognise anomalous conditions that can affect the reliability and intensity of magnetometer readings and operation of the selected magnetometer instrument.
  • The reason for and application of the diurnal drift correction and adjustment of field readings for man-made 'noise' using base station data.
  • Presentation of data as single profiles or as a contour anomaly map.
  • The general legal requirements pertaining to safe and healthy practices in the work place and an awareness of environmental laws that will impact upon the implementation of geophysical surveys.
  • Familiarity with a typical work instruction pertaining to the conducting of a magnetometer survey in the mining industry. 
    		•

    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 and verify various potential anomalous conditions and deviations affecting magnetometer surveys and their amelioration, contributes to his problem solving ability. 
    		•

    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 correctly and to request assistance, when and if required, in an appropriate manner indicates that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger organisational structure. As other personnel will interpret and utilise the magnetic survey data in activities such as ore reserve estimations, exploration or mine planning, it is critical that his/her standard of work performance enhances the efficiency of the team or group, as a whole. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The execution of reliable magnetometer surveys, within the required time constraint and the proper application of data corrections, will indicate that the learner can effectively organise and manage activities in his/her work environment will indicate that the learner is proficient in time management. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to correctly identify potential extraneous sources of man made and natural geological 'noise' affecting reliable readings of the earth's magnetic field, as well as his application of measures to minimise or correct for this; will enhance his/her proficiency to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The correct recording of the magnetic readings or their digital down-loading and processing into the required format in accordance with accepted geophysical principles, will indicate the learner's efficiency in the mode of written and graphic presentations. The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel of the magnetic survey results will also indicate his/her proficiency in effective oral communication. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The correct use of scientific geological and geophysical nomenclature in prepared magnetic traverse profiles or contour plans; plus the technological knowledge to perform the survey, will indicate that the learner is proficient in the 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 learner's understanding of the principles of the earth's magnetism and how this is impacted upon by local geological or man made features, will indicate his/her proficiency in understanding the wider context of magnetic anomalies. The consultation and integration of geological and local infrastructure maps, enhances his understanding of the data collected. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Reflect on, and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively and to contribute to the full development of each learner to enhance the social and economic development of the society at large.

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to explore a limited number of strategies to compensate for identified extraneous 'noise' and its effect on the collection of reliable magnetic readings, promotes constructive problem solving and personal growth. Effective communication skills can be applied outside the scope of this unit standard to enhance the self-development of the individual. The systematic and structured approach to employ during the compilation process is not only a working skill but can be developed as a life skill. This will enhance the learning curve of the individual to contribute to his/her own personal growth, socio-economic development and the community at large. 
    		•

    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 and Regulations, 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/Instructions.
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.

    Site-specific:
  • Managerial instructions, including work instructions.
  • Codes of practice.
  • Standard task procedures.
  • Risk assessment documentation.
  • Working guides.
  • Training manuals.
  • Education manuals.
  • Operational manuals
  • Geophysical textbooks.

    Tools, Material and Equipment can include the following:
  • Magnetometer.
  • Measuring tape.
  • Compass.
  • GPS.
  • Magnetic readings data capture form.
  • Cleaning liquids and/or fluids and materials.

    Portable Magnetometer includes one of the following:
  • Fluxgate magnetometer.
  • Proton Precision magnetometer.
  • Cesium magnetometer
  • Rubidiums vapour magnetometer.
  • Schmidt field balance magnetometer.
  • Dip meter magnetometer.
  • Regime. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  77963   Further Education and Training Certificate: Mining/Exploration Geology  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.