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 QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Materials Preparer: Lump Ore)

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
99509	Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Materials Preparer: Lump Ore)
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MQA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology		Fabrication and Extraction
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	85	Not Applicable	NQF Level 04	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 06120/18	2018-07-01	2023-06-30
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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Materials Preparer: Lump Ore.

Lump Ore Materials Preparers operate, monitor and control a Mineral Processing plant to prepare materials for further beneficiation. They ensure the operational efficiency of the Lump Ore beneficiation process and the processing equipment through physical activities in the plant, and by using a computerised process control system.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Monitor and control the mineral beneficiation processes in a Lump Ore beneficiation plant.

Rationale:
The first stages of mineral beneficiation of the so-called "Lump Ore" products include processes of washing, screening, mechanical separation and related processes of preparing the various minerals for transportation to a secondary beneficiation process or, as in the case of coal, the sale of these minerals to end users. A large group of Process Controllers in the industry work in the plants that prepare the materials for further beneficiation or for sales to clients.

The Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Materials Preparation) caters for structured development of these Process Controllers. A pre-requisite for this Certificate is the Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Materials Handling).

Candidates who enter this qualification will be well versed in all the Occupational Health and Safety issues; they will have experience of working with process control equipment; and they would have been exposed to the operating dynamics of material handling equipment.

The learning in this specialised Occupational Certificate will enable them to become competent in working in those operations that prepare minerals during a stage-one process of mineral beneficiation. This includes, but is not limited to, the preparation of minerals such as Coal, Chrome and Manganese. These minerals are of strategic importance to South Africa. Coal is essential for our power generation industry and minerals such as Chrome and Manganese are key input minerals to the steel manufacturing industry. This area of the beneficiation process is very cost sensitive and there is a high premium on ensuring optimum quality and productivity. This Qualification will contribute towards the standardisation of the work done by these Process Controllers and it will create career opportunities where people can gain hands-on experience of working with these critical commodities. Progression from these occupations could lead to work in the Metallurgical field, progression into the production areas, and/or advancement to work in further downstream beneficiation occupations.

The Qualification is constructed according to the needs expressed by industry and it will provide portability and career opportunities for Process Controllers working in a number of strategically important mining sectors.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related Curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a Statement of Results or certifying a Work Experience Record.

RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant entry requirements.

Entry Requirements:

Successful completion of the Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Materials Handling).

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

Knowledge Modules:

313912002-KM-01, Fundamentals of Mineral Material Preparation (Lump Ore), Level 4, 13 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 13.

Practical Skill Modules:

313912002-PM-01, Start, monitor, control and stop all separation, de-watering and classification equipment from a control room, Level 4, 34 Credits.

313912002-PM-02, Start, monitor, control and stop all separation, de-watering and classification equipment physically on the plant, Level 3, 22 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 56.

This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:

313912002-WM-01, Exposure to the separation, de-watering and classification processes, Level 4, 16 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 16.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Monitoring and controlling mineral preparation processes such as separation, de-watering and classification.
2. Interpret Lump Ore sample results.
3. Measure and monitor instrumentation on the Lump Ore plant, read and interpret the information and take appropriate corrective action.
4. Identify and deal with potential up-and down-stream implications and problems in a Lump Ore process.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

All existing and potential process deviations in the mineral preparation processes are identified and it is indicated where these deviations are in the total process.

Descriptions of the short, medium, and long-term implications and consequences of the identified deviations are accurate and relevant to the actual conditions found on the plant, and the impact that these deviations could have on the up-and down-stream processes is described in terms of cost, productivity, safety and quality.

The corrective actions needed to correct deviations are clearly described in terms of the appropriate standard operating procedures.

Descriptions of the required communication processes, intended target, timing and content of the communication that must be done, are accurate and relevant to the specific deviations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

All the sampling points in a mineral preparation operation are identified correctly using diagrams and plant plans.

The sampling methods and frequency relevant to each of the sampling points are described accurately.

The process required to protect the integrity of the sampling and sample analysis processes is clearly explained and appropriate examples are given of the possible causes of deviations in sample results.

Using a sampling schedule and the sampling results for a specified operating period, all deviations from the production requirements are identified and the causes of the deviations are accurately described.

The potential causes of sample deviations are accurately identified and the potential causes of the deviations are listed with relevant practical examples.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

A flow sheet of specific mineral beneficiation processes and descriptions of the equipment and production parameters is used as well as visual material indicating a range of measuring and monitoring instruments.

The location of the instrumentation on the materials preparation plant is accurately identified.

The purpose of each of the identified instruments used in the materials preparation process is explained according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Deviations from standard are identified by interpreting the readings on the instrumentation in the various phases of the materials preparation process.

The processes for checking the accuracy of the instrumentation readings are described in terms of the standard operating procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

All the potential up-and down-stream implications of incidents/deviations encountered during the process of operating the plant are identified accurately and appropriate actions are initiated according to the standard operating procedures.

The potential short, medium, and long-term consequences of the identified implications are logged and appropriate preventative and contingency actions are initiated in terms of the standard operating procedures.

The likely causes of the given incidents/deviations are determined using a rational process of describing the deviation, clarifying the problem, evaluating likely causes and verifying the most probable cause.

Actions to deal with the incidents/deviations are initiated in order to manage the up-and down-stream implications within the mineral preparation process.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated Formative Assessment:
The skills development provider will use the Curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This Formative Assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external Summative Assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment:
An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner, is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The purpose of the international comparability exercise was to determine the extent to which similar qualifications exist within the international arena. Australia and Canada were used for this purpose.

Australia:
Institution/Training Provider: Australian Department of Vocational Education.
Course/Programme/Qualification Title: Certificate in Resource Processing.

Description: This Qualification reflects the role of employees such as Production Operators in a mineral processing facility or a coal preparation and treatment plant, who perform tasks involving a broad range of skilled applications in a varied work context, using some discretion and judgement in selecting equipment, services or contingency measures.

The qualification covers elements from this Occupational Qualification and all the associated specialisations linked to the suite of qualifications. The Australian Vocational Qualifications Authority uses a concept of streams or electives within one single qualification, contrary to the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework Model where we work with whole or part qualifications.

All the learning components in the Occupational Qualification are covered in the Australian Certificate; however, the Occupational Certificate covers the theory in more detail and also includes a work experience component.

The following additional elements in the Australian Certificate are not included in the South African Occupational Certificate:

Operating Licenses for the mobile equipment used in the plant - In the South African situation the Equipment Operators are viewed as separate qualifications.

Learning components relating to Power Plant Process Controllers and Controllers in the Petro- Chemical sector - These Process Controllers will form part of separate qualifications associated with different codes on the Organising Framework for Occupations.

A few components relating to procurement - This work is not done by the Process Controller within the South African context.

Similar to the South African Qualification, the Australian Qualification contains learning components at both NQF Levels 3 and 4. However, the overall level of the Australian Qualification is at NQF Level 3. As stated previously, within the South African context the theoretical component is much stronger. This Occupational Certificate is also preceded by the Materials Handling Qualification which is pitched at NQF Level 4. The appropriate level of theory and applied knowledge as set out in this Qualification will facilitate the possibility of vertical articulation to Diploma and Degree qualifications in Metallurgy.

Canada:
Programme Title: Mineral Processing Operator Certificate (MPOC).
Full Time, 16 Weeks.
Fort St James Campus.
Purpose: Train for work at a mine.

This 16-week entry level qualification addresses the need for trained Mineral Processing Operators, which covers the processing of ore extracted from the mine.

This qualification, based on the National Occupational Standard for the Mineral Processing Operator, was developed by the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) as the basis for programme development and is supported by local industry.

The qualification provides recognised industry standards training and leads to "job ready" individuals or readiness to enter into further technical training.

The qualification offers a variety of certificate courses to give the learner a strong understanding and knowledge of safe work practices as they pertain to the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in BC and the mining industry.

The qualification also includes exposure to entry level positions in the mining industry through mine tours and field trips.

Qualification Topics include:

Mill Industry Safe Work Practices.

Essential Skills for Mineral Processing Operators.

Operating Tools and Equipment for Mineral Processing Operators.

Environmental Safety - Chemicals.

Mineral Processing Operations.

Applied Human Relations.

Introduction to the Minerals Industry.

The qualification contains similar objectives and content to the Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controllers (Materials Preparation). The scope and duration of the qualification are similar to the knowledge component of the Occupational Certificate. The Occupational Certificate includes practical skills and work experience.

Conclusion:
The Australian and Canadian Qualifications used in this comparison have certificate programmes that are comparable in terms of content and complexity to this Occupational Certificate. The Occupational Certificate contains strong elements of practical skills and work experience and meets the specific requirements of the South African mining environment. In terms of this specialisation, it is favourably comparable to the Australian and Canadian qualifications.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal articulation is possible to the following mining-related qualifications:

Further Education and Training Certificate: Chemical Operations: Mining and Minerals, Level 4, (ID 78904).

Further Education and Training Certificate: Diamond Processing, Level 4, (ID 64729).

Further Education and Training Certificate: Laboratory Analysis: Mining and Minerals, Level 4, (ID 73312).

Occupational Certificate: Melter, Level 4, (ID 91877).

Horizontal articulation is possible to the following qualifications currently being developed:

Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Mineral Processor - Hydrometallurgy).

Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Mineral Processor - Smelting).

Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Mineral Processor - Calcining).

Vertical articulation is possible to the following qualification:

National Diploma in Extraction Metallurgy, Level 6, 360 Credits (ID 47086).

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

Qualifying for external assessment:
In order to qualify for the external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of Statements of Results and Work Experience Records, including the Foundational Learning Competence.

Additional legal or physical entry requirements:

None.

Criteria for the accreditation of providers.
Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant Curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

The Curriculum title and code is: 313912002: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Materials Preparer: Lump Ore).

This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:

This is not a trade.

Part Qualifications:
There are no part qualifications.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

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.

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