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 knowledge of the various activities related to the processing of minerals 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252318  Demonstrate knowledge of the various activities related to the processing of minerals 
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 1  NQF Level 01  14 
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 
This unit standard is for persons who work or intend to work within a mining and minerals context, and who seek to acquire recognition in essential knowledge and skills in metallurgical related operations.

A person credited with this unit standard can:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the size reduction processes (comminution) in a metallurgical plant.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the classification processes in a metallurgical plant.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the beneficiation processes in a metallurgical plant.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the chemical processing techniques (hydro) in a metallurgical plant.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the dewatering processes in a metallurgical plant.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the high temperature metallurgical processes (pyro) in a metallurgical plant.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the refining processes in a metallurgical plant.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the materials transport processes in a metallurgical plant. 
    		•

    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:
  • Communication and mathematical literacy at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the size reduction processes (comminution) in a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of and reason for size reduction (comminution) are explained in terms of achieving production and up-and-down stream operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods and applications in comminution and the importance thereof are explained in terms of plant procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods must include:
  • As described in plant procedures:
    > Crushing.
    > Milling.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The different types of crushers and their application are explained according to plant production requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types must include:
  • Compression.
  • Impact.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The different types of mills and their application are explained according to plant production requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types must include:
  • Rod mills.
  • Ball mills.
  • Semi autogenous milling.
  • Autogenous milling.
  • Palla mills.
  • ISA Mills.
  • Pebble mills.
  • Tube mills.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Health and safety requirements are adhered to in terms of the plant safety and health policy. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the classification processes in a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of and reason for classification are explained in terms of achieving production and up-and-down stream operational requirements in a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods and applications and the importance thereof are explained in terms of plant procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods must include:
  • Screening.
  • Hydro cyclone.
  • Settling.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The different types of screens and their application are explained in terms of plant production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The hydro cyclone separation process and its application are explained in terms plant standard task procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The different types of classification and their application are explained in terms of plant production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Health and safety requirements are adhered to in accordance with the plant safety and health policy. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the beneficiation processes in a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of and reason for beneficiation are explained in terms of achieving production and up-and-down stream operational requirements in a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The selection of the different processes in terms of ore properties is explained in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Properties of the ore.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methods and applications in beneficiation and the importance thereof are explained in terms of plant standard task procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods must include:
  • Gravity.
  • Magnetic.
  • Electrostatic.
  • Froth flotation.
  • Dense medium separation.
  • Hand sorting.
  • Mechanical sorting.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Health and safety requirements are adhered to in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the chemical processing techniques (hydro) in a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of and reason for chemical processing techniques are explained in terms of achieving production and up-and-down stream operational requirements in a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods and applications of chemical processing techniques and the importance thereof are explained in terms of plant procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods must include:
  • Leaching.
  • Adsorption.
  • Elution.
  • Precipitation.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The different types of leaching and their application are explained in terms of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The different types of adsorption and their application are explained in terms of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The different types of precipitation and their application are explained in terms of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Health and safety requirements are adhered to in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the dewatering processes in a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of and reason for dewatering material are explained in terms of achieving production and up-and-down stream operational requirements in a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods and applications of dewatering processes and the importance thereof are explained in terms of plant procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods must include:
  • Thickening.
  • Filtering.
  • Screening.
  • Centrifuging.
  • Thermal drying.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The different types of thickeners and their application are explained in terms of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The different types of filters and their application are explained in terms of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The different types of centrifuges and their application are explained in terms of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The different types of thermal dryers and their application are explained in terms of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Health and safety requirements are adhered to in accordance with the plant safety and health policy. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the high temperature metallurgical processes (pyro) in a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of and reason for high temperature metallurgical processes are explained in terms of achieving production and up-and-down stream operational requirements in a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods and applications of high temperature metallurgical processes and the importance thereofare explained in terms of plant procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods must include:
  • Roasting.
  • Sintering.
  • Smelting.
  • Converting.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The different types of roasters and their application are explained in terms of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The sintering process and its application are explained in terms of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The different types of smelters and their application are explained in terms of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The different types of converters and their application are explained in terms of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Health and safety requirements are adhered to ion terms of the plant safety and health policy. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the refining processes in a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of and reason for the refining processes are explained in terms of achieving production and up-and-down stream operational requirements in a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods and applications of refining processes and the importance thereof are explained in terms of plant procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods must include:
  • Electro metallurgy.
  • Chemical refining.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The different types of electro metallurgy and its application are explained in terms of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The different types of chemical refining and its application are explained in terms of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Health and safety requirements are adhered to in accordance with the plant safety and health policy, are adhered to. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the materials transport processes in a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of and reason for the materials transport processes are explained in terms of achieving production and up-and-down stream operational requirements in a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods and applications of the material transport processes and the importance thereof are explained in terms of plant procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods must include:
  • Conveyors.
  • Pumps.
  • Feeders.
  • Water and air lifts.
  • Pneumatic conveying etc.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The different types of conveyors and their application are explained in terms of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The different types of pumps and their application are explained in terms of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The different types of feeders and their application are explained in terms of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The different types of water and airlifts and their application are explained in term of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The different types of pneumatic conveying and their application are explained in terms of production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Health and safety requirements are adhered to in accordance with the plant safety and health policy. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification 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 qualification 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. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification 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 will be assessed in an integrated way in the context of the unit standard.

    Critical factors relating to processing minerals:
  • Legal and specified requirements.
  • Achieving specified production requirements.
  • Risk Assessment procedures and actions.
  • Identify the principal components and explain the specification and their functions.
  • Specified communication requirements.
  • Elementary principles of the process.

    Processes and events:
  • Preparation.
  • Examination.
  • Metal recovery.
  • Monitor and control.

    Causes and effects (Safety and Health):
  • Use of personal protective equipment.
  • Use of tools and equipment.
  • Workplace hazards and associated risks.
  • Housekeeping.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Methods of collecting, analysing, organising, summarising and presenting data.
  • Fault finding and corrective techniques.
  • Handling procedure and controls.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies and standards:
  • Safety, health and environmental legislation and regulations.
  • Quality policies, standards and agreements. 
    		•

    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 substandard and hazardous conditions, assess and take appropriate action. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member 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 himself/herself and his/her activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to indicate what methods, tools and personal protective equipment are required, and to communicate to fellow workers his/her intentions and the 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 substandard conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective communication. 
    		•

    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 his/her understanding of the fact that a specific observation, inference, action or decision may have a devastating effect. 
    		•

    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 no 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act no 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.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Mine Standard Procedures.
  • List of Recorded OH&S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; NQF Level; Justification:
  • Skills; NQF Level 1; Limited in range.
  • Procedures; NQF Level 1; Repetitive and familiar.
  • Context; NQF Level 1; Closely defined.
  • Knowledge; NQF Level 1; Narrow-ranging.
  • Information processing; NQF Level 1; Recall.
  • Problem Solving; NQF Level 1; Known solutions to familiar problems.
  • Orientation of activities; NQF Level 1; Directed.
  • Application of responsibility; NQF Level 1; Under close supervision.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; NQF Level 1; No responsibility for the work or learning of others.

    Average Level: 1.00.
    Actual Level Assigned: 1.

    Credeits:

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 140 Hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 0 Hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 Hours.
  • Other (Specify); 0 Hours.

    Total; 140 Hours.

    Credits Achieved: 140/10 = 14.

    Motivation regarding this Unit Standard:

    As this Unit Standard encompasses all metallurgical plant processes, and is a broad outline of production methods and requirements, the candidate is required to be assessed against all theoretical aspects of the collective processes. The allocation of 14 credits for successful assessment is therefore justified. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59305   National Certificate: Mineral Processing  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. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    2. ASSMANG BEESHOEK MINE 
    3. BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    4. DE BEERS CONSOLIDATED MINES VENETIA 
    5. EASTERN CHROME MINES SAMANCOR 
    6. ERGO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY NPC 
    7. EXXARO COAL (PTY) LTD 
    8. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    9. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    10. FRASER ALEXANDER PTY LTD 
    11. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    12. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
    13. KABELANO TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    14. KHUMANI IRON ORE MINE 
    15. KOLOMELA MINE 
    16. KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN) 
    17. Kumba Sishen HRD Centre 
    18. METSKILL PTY LTD 
    19. MMTI Holdings 
    20. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    21. Nokaneng Environmental Management Consulting 
    22. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    23. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    24. POWERGATE TRAINING PTY LTD 
    25. PRIDE OF SUCCESS (PTY) LTD 
    26. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    27. RICHARDS BAY MINING PTY LTD 
    28. SASOL GLOBAL LEARNING 
    29. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    30. THARISA MINERALS (PTY) LTD 
    31. THE BENEFICIATION ACADEMY 
    32. TOP PERFORMERS FOR AFRICA CC 
    33. TOTAL COVERAGE CONSULTING 
    34. TSHUANA DI SA HWEGO HRD SOLUTIONS 
    35. TWO RIVERS PLATINUM (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.