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: 

Monitor and control a metallurgical plant from a control room 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
261017  Monitor and control a metallurgical plant from a control room 
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 4  NQF Level 04  15 
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 reflects the skills, values and knowledge required by people in the field of Mineral Processing who are responsible for monitoring and controlling a metallurgical plant from a control room.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge relating to the monitoring and controlling of a metallurgical plant.
  • Start the metallurgical plant.
  • Monitor and control a metallurgical plant.
  • Complete the duties pertaining to the monitoring and controlling of a metallurgical plant. 
    		•

    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 relating to the monitoring and controlling of a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The monitoring and controlling of a metallurgical plant and the consequences of non-compliance are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of the monitoring and controlling of a metallurgical plant are explained in terms of achieving specified production and up-and down stream operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The security requirements pertaining to the metallurgical plant is explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The communication requirements pertaining to the monitoring and controlling of a metallurgical plant and the consequences of non-compliance are explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The process flow and interlock systems of the metallurgical plant are explained in terms of operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The operating procedures of the metallurgical plant are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The specified parameters, control methods and the factors affecting the metallurgical process are explained in terms of operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The actions to be taken, should sub-standard conditions and problems be encountered, are explained in terms of operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Start the metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The process equipment is ensured to be operable in accordance with plant specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Clearance to start the process equipment is obtained in accordance with plant specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The process equipment is started in accordance with the plant start-up procedures, practices and requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The process settings are adjusted within specified tolerances in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The start-up process is monitored and sub-standard conditions and problems are dealt with in accordance with operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Monitor and control a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The feed is started and flow rates are adjusted to maintain quality and quantity requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Problems encountered are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Control room instruments are monitored in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Processing conditions are optimized to meet production in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Data is interpreted and compared with pre-determined outcomes in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Production output is correctly routed to designated locations in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Data and processing conditions are accurately recorded in accordance with the required format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Safe and optimum production is maintained through effective communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Security requirements of the process are met and security breaches are dealt with in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Occupational safety and health precautions towards self and others are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Plant operations are monitored to be consistent with environmental policies and other related requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Complete the duties pertaining to the monitoring and controlling of a metallurgical plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The feed is stopped in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The plant is stopped in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Good housekeeping practices are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Reports are compiled and submitted in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Occupational safety and health procedures towards self and others are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Planning and preparation for maintenance is conducted in accordance with specified requirements. Specified lock-out procedures are adhered to. 


    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 monitoring and controlling a metallurgical plant from a control room:
  • 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 learner is able to interpret and respond to de-watering plant and process conditions by taking appropriate action and/or referring the matter to the relevant persons. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note:
  • The learner understands the importance of and promotes effective teamwork in the de-watering process by adhering to team protocols and actively supporting fellow team members. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage himself/herself and his/her activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to work in accordance with relevant operating procedures pertaining to de-watering. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to constantly monitor and interpret de-watering plant and process conditions by means of visual observation, process control feedback and interaction with fellow workers. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to interact with process control and other technology applied in a typical metallurgical plant. 
    		•

    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 understands that successful operation of the de-watering process depends on the successful integration between upstream, parallel and downstream processes and appreciates his role in that regard. 
    		•

    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 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 and S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  64889   Further Education and Training Certificate: Mineral Processing  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.