Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction

Lode Deposit Face Mapping And Sampling Training

SAQA US 115722 | NQF 6 | Credits 12 | Duration 9 Days
From $1,798 per delegate

Description

This course equips learners with the skills to accurately map and sample lode deposit faces in underground mining environments. Participants will learn to identify geological structures, apply sampling protocols, and ensure data integrity for resource estimation. The training emphasizes safety compliance and quality assurance in mineral sampling.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply correct face mapping techniques to document geological features and structures on lode deposit faces.
  • Demonstrate proper sampling methods, including chip, channel, and grab sampling, in accordance with industry standards.
  • Analyze geological data to identify mineralization zones and grade variations.
  • Evaluate sample quality and implement corrective actions to minimize contamination and bias.
  • Implement safety protocols and hazard identification procedures during face mapping and sampling activities.
  • Design sampling grids and documentation systems to ensure representative and reproducible results.

Target Audience

This course is designed for geologists, mining technicians, and sampling personnel working in underground hard-rock mining operations. It is also suitable for supervisors and quality controllers responsible for grade control and resource evaluation.

Prerequisites

Learners must be employed in a mining environment or have access to an underground operation for practical assessments.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Lode Deposits and Geological Context

Objectives:
• Understand the geological setting and formation of lode deposits.
• Identify key characteristics and types of lode deposits.
• Recognise the economic importance and mining methods for lode deposits.

Topics:
• Definition and classification of lode deposits.
• Geological structures: faults, shear zones, veins.
• Host rocks and mineralisation styles.
• Overview of South African lode deposit examples.
• Introduction to mining methods: open pit vs underground.
• Safety considerations in lode deposit environments.

Day 2: Principles of Face Mapping

Objectives:
• Explain the purpose and benefits of face mapping in lode mining.
• Describe the equipment and tools required for face mapping.
• Apply basic mapping techniques to record geological features.

Topics:
• Objectives of face mapping: grade control, structural interpretation.
• Mapping tools: tape, compass, GPS, camera, mapping sheets.
• Techniques for measuring strike, dip, and thickness.
• Recording lithology, alteration, and mineralisation.
• Use of colour codes and symbols on maps.
• Practical exercise: mapping a simulated face.

Day 3: Structural Mapping and Vein Geometry

Objectives:
• Interpret structural controls on mineralisation.
• Map vein geometries: orientation, continuity, and offsets.
• Recognise structural features affecting grade distribution.

Topics:
• Structural elements: foliation, joints, faults, folds.
• Vein types: quartz, carbonate, sulfide veins.
• Measuring and plotting structural data.
• Understanding vein offsets and displacement.
• Use of stereonets for structural analysis.
• Case study: structural control on gold lodes.

Day 4: Sampling Fundamentals for Lode Deposits

Objectives:
• Differentiate between sampling methods: chip, channel, grab, and bulk.
• Understand sampling protocols to ensure representativity.
• Apply correct sampling techniques in face mapping context.

Topics:
• Sampling objectives: grade estimation, variability assessment.
• Chip sampling: method and spacing.
• Channel sampling: orientation and length.
• Grab sampling: use and limitations.
• Quality control: duplicates, blanks, standards.
• Safety during sampling operations.

Day 5: Practical Face Mapping and Sampling Exercise

Objectives:
• Conduct face mapping on a simulated or real face.
• Collect samples following standard procedures.
• Document observations accurately on mapping sheets.

Topics:
• Pre-mapping safety briefing and checklist.
• Step-by-step face mapping procedure.
• Recording lithological and structural data.
• Sample selection and collection techniques.
• Labelling, bagging, and chain of custody.
• Field note-taking and photography.

Day 6: Data Interpretation and Grade Control

Objectives:
• Interpret mapped data to define ore zones.
• Calculate sample grades and assess variability.
• Apply data to guide mining decisions.

Topics:
• Data compilation and plotting on plans.
• Grade distribution and contouring.
• Identifying high-grade shoots and low-grade zones.
• Statistical tools: mean, variance, coefficient of variation.
• Integration with resource models.
• Decision-making for selective mining.

Day 7: Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC)

Objectives:
• Understand QA/QC protocols for sampling.
• Implement field duplicates, blanks, and standards.
• Evaluate QA/QC results and take corrective actions.

Topics:
• Importance of QA/QC in resource estimation.
• Types of QA/QC samples: field duplicates, coarse blanks, pulp blanks, certified reference materials.
• Insertion rates and randomisation.
• Data analysis: precision and accuracy assessment.
• Troubleshooting common QA/QC failures.
• Documentation and reporting.

Day 8: Advanced Techniques and Technology Integration

Objectives:
• Explore advanced mapping tools: laser scanning, photogrammetry.
• Use GIS and 3D modelling for face data.
• Understand real-time grade control systems.

Topics:
• Introduction to laser scanning for face mapping.
• Photogrammetry and drone-based mapping.
• GIS software for data management and visualisation.
• 3D modelling of veins and grade shells.
• Real-time assay technologies (XRF, NIR).
• Integration with mine planning software.

Day 9: Integration, Reporting, and Assessment

Objectives:
• Compile a comprehensive face mapping and sampling report.
• Present findings to peers and receive feedback.
• Demonstrate competence through practical assessment.

Topics:
• Report structure: introduction, methods, results, interpretation.
• Presenting data: maps, cross-sections, graphs.
• Team presentation of a case study.
• Peer review and discussion.
• Summative practical assessment: mapping and sampling task.
• Course review and feedback.

Practicals

No practicals for this training.

This course is made up of exercises and case studies delivered alongside the theory — no separate practical sessions are required to complete it.

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course and a final summative test at the end.

Daily Exercises — 30%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 30% to the final total.

Final Test — 70%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 70% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 30%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 70%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Daily Average 30% + Final Test 70%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
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Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

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