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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: 

Classify material in a metallurgical plant 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252284  Classify material in a metallurgical plant 
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 2  NQF Level 02  6 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
10535  Separate material by means of a hydrosizer  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4   
10571  Separate material by means of a cyclone  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who are responsible for performing classification by means of one or more of the equipment units listed in the range statement.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge relating to classification.
  • Prepare to classify material.
  • Perform classification.
  • Complete the duties pertaining to the classification process. 
    		•

    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 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria.

    The learner will be required to perform the classification by means of one or more of the following equipment units:
  • Cyclone.
  • Hydrosizer.
  • Mechanical classifier. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge relating to classification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The factors affecting the optimum performance of the selected classification process are explained in terms of operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The principal components of the selected classification systems are identified and their functions explained in terms of design and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Components.
  • Auxiliary systems.
  • Safety devices.
  • Interlock systems.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The requirements pertaining to a safe, healthy work environment in the classification process and the consequences of not adhering to the above are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Hazards and associated risks pertaining to the selected classification process are identified through relevant risk assessment procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The actions to be taken should hazards and risks be encountered are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The actions to be taken, should sub-standard conditions and problems be encountered, are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Lock-out procedures pertaining to the selected classification system and the consequences of non-compliance are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The communication requirements pertaining to the selected classification process and the consequences of non-compliance are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The importance of classifying material is explained in terms of achieving specified production requirements and up-and down stream operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to classify material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Task-specific personal protective and safety equipment is verified, examined and used in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Task-specific tools and equipment are verified and examined as per prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safety and health precautions towards self and others are maintained in accordance with plant instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Security requirements pertaining to the classification system are met in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Hazards and associated risks are dealt with in accordance with recommendations set out in the risk assessment procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The classification system is examined and substandard conditions are dealt with. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform classification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Task-specific personal protective and safety equipment is used in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The start-up of the classification process is in accordance with standard procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The feed is started and the classification process is monitored and controlled in accordance with standard procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Problems encountered are dealt with in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Safe and optimum production is facilitated through effective communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Task-specific tools and equipment are used in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Work related hazards and associated risks are dealt with in accordance with recommendations set out in the risk assessment procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Security requirements pertaining to the selected classification process are met in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The process is consistent with the environmental policy and legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Safety and health precautions towards self and others are maintained in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Complete the duties pertaining to the classification process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The classification process is stopped in accordance with standard procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal protective and safety equipment is dealt with in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tools and equipment are dealt with in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Security requirements pertaining to the classification system are met in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Good housekeeping practices are maintained in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Reporting and data-recording requirements are met in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Preparation for maintenance is in accordance with specified requirements and lock-out procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • 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 hazards and risks, sub standard conditions, process problems and to rectify these, illustrates his/her capability to solve problems. 

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

    Note: The ability of the candidate to communicate effectively and to maintain optimum production illustrates his/her capability to work effectively with others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note: The ability of the candidate to maintain optimum production whilst adhering to safety procedures, illustrates his/her capability to organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively. 

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

    Note: The ability of the candidate to implement corrective actions illustrates his/her capability to collect, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

    Note: The ability of the candidate to maintain optimum production through effective communication and his/her ability to adhere to reporting requirements illustrates his/her capability to communicate effectively. 

    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 candidate to adhere to safety, health and environmental requirements illustrates his/her capability to use science and technology effectively. 

    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 explain the importance of the process in terms of achieving production and up and down stream requirements illustrates his/her understanding of the world as a set of related systems. 

    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 
    This unit standard replaces the following unit standards:
  • ID 10535: Separate material by means of a hydrosizer, Level 2, 4 credits.
  • ID 10571: Separate material by means of a cyclone, Level 2, 4 credits.

    Notes to Assessors:

    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.

    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 & 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, Level, Justification:
  • Skills, Level 1, Limited in range.
  • Procedures, Level 1, Repetitive and familiar.
  • Context, Level 1, Closely defined.
  • Knowledge, Level 2, Basic operational.
  • Information processing, Level 2, Basic processing of readily available information.
  • Problem Solving, Level 2, Known solutions to familiar problems.
  • Orientation of activities, Level 2, Directed.
  • Application of responsibility, Level 2, Under general supervision and quality control.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility, Level 3, Significant responsibility for quantity and quality of output, and possible responsibility for the output of others.

    Average Level = 1.78.
    Actual Level Assigned = 2.

    Credits:

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

    Activity, Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching, 15 Hours.
  • On-The-Job Training, 45 Hours.
  • Mentoring required, 0 Hours.
  • Other (Specify), 0 Hours.

    Total = 60 Hours.

    Credits Achieved = 60/10 = 6.0.
    Credits Assigned = 6. 
    		•

    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. AMC TRAINING CENTRE 
    3. Anglo American Platinum Amendelbult Concentrators 
    4. Anglo American Platinum Limited 
    5. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
    6. ASSMANG BEESHOEK MINE 
    7. BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    8. COLLIERY TRAINING COLLEGE (PTY) LTD 
    9. EASTERN CHROME MINES SAMANCOR 
    10. EKAPA MINERALS (PTY) LTD 
    11. ERGO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY NPC 
    12. EXXARO COAL (PTY) LTD 
    13. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    14. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    15. HOTAZEL MANGANESE MINES (PTY) LTD 
    16. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
    17. KABELANO TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    18. KOLOMELA MINE 
    19. KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN) 
    20. Kumba Sishen HRD Centre 
    21. METSKILL PTY LTD 
    22. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    23. OPSMIN TRAINING SERVICES SA (PTY) LTD 
    24. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    25. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    26. RICHARDS BAY MINING PTY LTD 
    27. Rustenburg Base Metals Refiners 
    28. SASOL GLOBAL LEARNING 
    29. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    30. THARISA MINERALS (PTY) LTD 
    31. TOP PERFORMERS FOR AFRICA CC 
    32. TOTAL COVERAGE CONSULTING 
    33. XTRACT TRAINING SERVICES (SA)(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.