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: 

Cut face sample sections with a rock cutting saw for the purposes of determining the content and quality of a mineral 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
9753  Cut face sample sections with a rock cutting saw for the purposes of determining the content and quality of a mineral 
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  7 
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 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 who are responsible for cutting sampling sections from any mineral exposure for the purpose of determining the content and quality of a mineral.

People credited with this unit standard are able to
  • demonstrate knowledge of face sampling principles;
  • prepare to cut a sample section;
  • cut a sample section; and
  • check and report. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Competency in numeracy and literacy skills equivalent to NQF Level 2
  • Unit standard "Collect a face sample for the purpose of determining the content or quality of the mineral" 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard is intended to cover the cutting of any mineral exposure with a rock-cutting saw.
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Cut face sections with a rock cutting saw for mineral evaluation purpose. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of face sampling principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Prepare to cut a sample section. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Cut a sample section. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Check and report. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of face sampling principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The explanation of the operating principles of the rock cutting saw is accurate and confirms understanding of the manufacturers operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The explanation of the basic principles associated with face sampling with reference to the type, size and nature of the sample is accurate and confirms understanding. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The description of the procedures for face sampling and terminology used is clear and accurate. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The importance of sampling is explained with reference to the impact of contamination and accuracy on assay values and panel profitability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The safe operational usage of the rock-cutting and auxiliary equipment is demonstrated in accordance with specified and manufacturers instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare to cut a sample section. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Tools and equipment are appropriate to the task; clean and operational in accordance with work instructions, specified requirements and manufacturers instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Personal protective equipment is appropriate to the conditions, operational and used in accordance with its design, documented best practice and legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The procedure for gaining permission to enter the workplace is consistent with specified requirements and legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Workplace examination identifies all hazardous and sub-standard conditions. The response and/or corrective action is appropriate to the situation and complies with the specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The dressing of the face at the identified required sample section is in accordance with best sampling practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The consequences of not adhering to the proper preparation are explained with reference to health and safety, mineral evaluation principles and loss of production. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Cut the sample section. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Work related hazards and associated risks are explained, and if found, dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The cutting of face samples is in accordance with recognised sampling procedures. The consequence of not cutting each sample correctly with reference to the valuation process is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Conditions affecting the accuracy of the sample, are identified, and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. The consequences of non-compliance and their effect on the evaluation result are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The explanation of the conditions must include reference to:
  • Type and source of sample
  • Waste
  • Over or under size samples
  • Cleanliness of sample.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Check and report. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The accurate accounting of the packed samples is in accordance with best sampling practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Tools and equipment are collected and stored in preparation for leaving the workplace. Defective tools and equipment are identified and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Specified reporting requirements are met. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

    2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.

    3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate`s performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Health and safety knowledge.
  • Report writing.
  • Legal and site-specific requirements. 
    		•

    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 candidate to identify sub-standard and hazardous 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 candidate 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 candidate 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 candidate 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 SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
    Note: The correct use of scientific nomenclature and technological knowledge will indicate that the candidate 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 ability of the candidate to identify and refer anomalous behaviour to a specialist confirms understanding that a specific observation, inference, action or decision can have a devastating effect. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    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 reqirements

    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 (Act 29 of 1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations (Act 50 of 1991)
  • Regulations
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice
  • South African Bureau of Standards and other standards
  • Chief Inspector of Mines` directives

    Site specific
  • Hazard identification and Risk Assessment (HISA)
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Assessment Management Programme
  • Voluntary Codes of Practice
  • Managerial Instructions
  • Mine Standard Procedures
  • List of recorded OH&S Risks
  • Working Guides
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications

    Other terms:
  • Cutting:
    This means, but is not limited to, the use of a diamond or carborundum bladed rock saw to cut away a representative portion of the mining face.
  • Face:
    This means, but is not limited to, any mineral exposure.
  • Tools and equipment:
    This includes, but is not limited to, hammer, chisel, guard/swab, diamond saw, hoses, filters, connectors, blades, blade guard, methanometer and water based cooling equipment.
  • Hazardous and sub-standard conditions:
    This means, but is not limited to, bad hanging, poor ground conditions, unsupported areas, gases, heat and steepness.
  • Dressing:
    This means squaring off the face to a smooth surface, sound/solid, with no protruding sections, clean/washed and uncontaminated.
  • Work related hazards and associated risks:
    This means, but is not limited to, sockets, misfired holes, geological discontinuities, working at elevated conditions, shaft sinking conditions and steepness.

  • Conditions which affect the accuracy of the sample:
    This means, but is not limited to, dirty face, excessive water, contamination from outside sources and difficult working conditions. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  60349   National Certificate: Mining Technical Support  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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.
     
    1. CADDIS TRADING CC 
    2. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    3. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 


    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.