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 a basic understanding of the use of tools and equipment used for processing diamonds 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253796  Demonstrate a basic understanding of the use of tools and equipment used for processing diamonds 
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 3  NQF Level 03  2 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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
110219  Demonstrate a basic understanding of the use of tools and equipment used for processing diamonds  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is useful for people who intend following a career in the diamond processing sector, or who are required to participate in the processing of diamond gemstones.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Identify the tools and equipment used in the processing of diamond gemstones.
  • Describe the basic application of the tools and equipment used in diamond processing.
  • Explain the importance of care for tools and equipment.

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector, particularly in the aspect of beneficiation.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of the diamond processing industry in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers. 
    		•

    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 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope and context applies to the conversion of rough diamond gemstones into cut and polished diamond gemstones for sale into local and international markets. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify the tools and equipment used in the processing of diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The processing of diamond gemstones is explained in broad terms according to the main phases of processing. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Main phases of processing must include:
  • Marking and Sorting.
  • Preparation.
  • Parting.
  • Bruting.
  • Polishing.
  • Grading of polished gemstones.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The main tools and equipment used in marking and sorting are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The main tools and equipment used in marking and sorting must include:
  • Scales.
  • Loupes.
  • Tweezers.
  • Microscopes.
  • Gauges.
  • Master sample sets.
  • Evaluation computers.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The main tools and equipment used in preparation are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The main tools and equipment used in preparation must include:
  • Computers.
  • Scales.
  • Pots and dops.
  • Fixing equipment.
  • Ovens.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The main tools and equipment used in parting are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The main tools and equipment used in parting must include:
  • Loupes.
  • Saws.
  • Blades.
  • Chisels.
  • Pots.
  • Emery sticks.
  • Cleaving box and accessories.
  • Laser machines.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The main tools and equipment used in bruting are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The main tools and equipment used in bruting must include:
  • Loupes.
  • Screening machines.
  • Platforms.
  • Mallets.
  • Pots and dops.
  • Ovens.
  • Bruting machines.
  • Bruting sticks.
  • Semi automatic bruting machines.
  • Laser machines.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The main tools and equipment used in polishing are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The main tools and equipment used in polishing must include:
  • Loupes.
  • Scaiffes.
  • Tangs.
  • Weights.
  • Pots and dops.
  • Claws.
  • Semi automatic blocking machines.
  • Semi automatic polishing machines.
  • Screening machines/computers.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The main tools and equipment used in grading of polished gemstones are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The main tools and equipment used in grading of polished gemstones must include:
  • Scales.
  • Loupe.
  • Tweezers.
  • Microscopes.
  • Price lists.
  • Master sample sets.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the basic application of the tools and equipment used in diamond processing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic use of tools and equipment in marking and sorting is explained in terms of key features and application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The basic use of tools and equipment in preparation is explained in terms of key features and application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The basic use of tools and equipment in parting is explained in terms of key features and application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The basic use of tools and equipment in bruting is explained in terms of key features and application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The basic use of tools and equipment in polishing is explained in terms of key features and application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The basic use of tools and equipment in grading polished gemstones is explained in terms of key features and application. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the importance of care for tools and equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of care for tools and equipment is explained in terms of health, safety, cost, products, productivity and profitability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of good housekeeping is explained in terms of health, safety, the environment and care of equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of protective clothing and equipment is explained in terms of health, safety, the environment and efficiency. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of maintaining standards of occupational health, safety and hygiene is explained in terms of health, safety, the environment and efficiency. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard 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 unit standard 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 with 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. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:

    Knowledge relating to the processing of diamond gemstones:
  • Understanding the different phases of processing diamond gemstones.
  • Understanding the importance of division of processing to focus on the different aspects of diamond processing.
  • Importance of control functions.
  • Appreciating the different types of equipment used at different stages of gemstone processing.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
  • Significant hazards and risks related to gemstone processing, their consequences and mitigating actions.
  • Safety measures related to diamond processing.
  • PPE requirements and the reason for each.
  • Impact on the environment and mitigating actions.
  • Emergency procedures.

    Legislative and structural environment:
  • Relevant legal aspects of controlling diamonds being processed.
  • Requirements of law regarding possession of diamonds.
  • Importance of management control over diamonds in the context of the law.
  • Importance of adherence to health and safety requirements during processing.
  • Codes of practice.

    Communication:
  • Reporting requirements and ability.
  • Communicating with relevant personnel.
  • Liaison between personnel in various functions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

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

    Note:
  • The ability and willingness of the learner to interact with other members of the industry to acquire information and insight about the industry. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to collect and collate information in order to understand and explain the requirements of the law and good practice in controlling the processing of diamond gemstones. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to explain process control systems indicates the candidate's ability to analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 
    		•

    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 appreciate the criticality of shape, the significance of angles and the treatment of gemstones in determining the value of diamonds. 
    		•

    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 unit standard 110219, "Demonstrate a basic understanding of the use of tools and equipment used for processing diamonds", Level 1, 2 credits.

    Terminology:

    Specified Requirements:

    Specified requirements include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • The Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry Main Agreement.
  • Regulations of the Diamonds Act, No 56 of 1986, as amended.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85/1993).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • The glossary of terms about the terminology of the industry issued by the Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry.


    Site-Specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Working Guides, tariff agreements, policies and procedures.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; This unit standard is knowledge based.
  • Procedures; Level 3; The candidate has to decide what procedure is used for what phase of diamond processing.
  • Context; Level 3; The choice of tools and equipment must be identified for each stage of processing.
  • Knowledge; Level 2; Knowledge is related to the different phases of processing diamond gemstones.
  • Information processing; Level 3; Information is readily available but requires understanding of the phases.
  • Problem Solving; Level 3; Known responses to given situations are required.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 2; Follows instructions to acquire the knowledge, but needs own discovery too.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 2; The candidate is directed to acquire knowledge with some self orientation.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; No responsibility for the work or learning of others.

    Average Level = 18/7 = 2.57.
    Actual Level Assigned = 3.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 6 Hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 12 Hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 Hours.
  • Other (Home study); 6 Hours.

    Total = 24.

    Credits Achieved = 24/10 = 2.4.
    Credits Assigned = 2. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59851   National Certificate: Diamond Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  64909   National Certificate: Small Scale Mining  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. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
    2. ASSMANG BEESHOEK MINE 
    3. BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    4. BARBERTON MINES (PTY) LTD 
    5. DIAMOND EDUCATION COLLEGE CC 
    6. EXXARO COAL (PTY) LTD 
    7. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    8. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    9. HARRY OPPENHEIMER DIAMOND TRAINING SCHOOL NPC 
    10. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
    11. KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN) 
    12. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    13. MMTI Holdings 
    14. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    15. MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION (PTY)LTD 
    16. NLP MINERALS COLLEGE 
    17. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    18. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    19. PPC Ltd 
    20. RICHARDS BAY MINING PTY LTD 
    21. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    22. SOWETO DIAMOND ACADEMY 
    23. THE KIMBERLEY INTERNATIONAL DIAMONDAND JEWELLERY ACADEMY 
    24. THUNGELA OPERATIONS (PTY) LTD 
    25. ZUREL PRIVATE COLLEGE 


    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.