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: 

Improve impurities in diamond gemstones through laser drilling 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
260407  Improve impurities in diamond gemstones through laser drilling 
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  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
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 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 useful for people who intend following a career in the diamond processing sector and who are required to improve impurities in diamond gemstones through laser drilling.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Identify the equipment and tools used to drill diamond gemstones by means of a laser and describe their application.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the structure of diamond gemstones and the implications for drilling them with a laser.
  • Prepare to drill diamond gemstones by means of a laser.
  • Drill diamond gemstones by means of a laser.
  • Conduct post-laser-drilling cleaning, checking and security activities.

    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:
  • Advanced use of a loupe to examine a diamond gemstone.
  • Identify polishing grains and planes in diamond gemstones.
  • Operate a laser machine to cut, kerf or part diamond gemstones.
  • Setting diamond gemstones in pots.
  • Explain the requirements for security of diamonds. 
    		•

    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.

    This unit standard applies to persons operating a laser to drill any type of diamond gemstones by means of laser cutting under minimal supervision. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify the equipment and tools used to drill diamond gemstones by means of a laser and describe their application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The tools and their components used for drilling diamond gemstones by means of a laser are identified and their use in different applications is explained in terms of key features, applications and methods for use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The process for laser drilling diamond gemstones is explained in terms of the properties of diamonds and the effect of using lasers to drill diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The application of laser beams are described in terms of types of beams, their effects on control tables, beam widths and methodology of drilling using laser beams. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The types of laser beams must include:
  • Single mode.
  • Multi mode.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Practices are explained to maintain good housekeeping, safety in the workplace and care of equipment in line with workplace specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of deviating from workplace specific practices are described in terms of potential impact on health, safety, equipment, products and productivity. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the structure of diamond gemstones and the implications for drilling them with a laser. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Control tables for laser drilling are identified for different diamond types. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Control tables for laser drilling refers to three dimensional planes and not "tables" as defined in the Glossary of terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The grains and planes in diamond gemstones are identified indicating where they run. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Problems that can be encountered when drilling diamond gemstones with a laser are described in terms of types of problems, key features, implications for laser drilling and techniques to overcome such problems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The types of problems that can be encountered must include:
  • Pressure.
  • Internal stress.
  • Gletzes.
  • Heat.

    The laser drilling techniques must include:
  • Focussing.
  • Depth.
  • Hole diameter.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Advanced laser drilling hints and techniques are explained in terms of different applications and the consequences of using inappropriate laser drilling techniques. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare to laser drill diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and applied according to required standards of occupational health and safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The equipment to be used is checked to ensure it is clean and ready for use. Any problems encountered are dealt with in terms of workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Stones received are checked and are set in an appropriately sized pot at the correct depth and angle for laser drilling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The set diamond gemstone is located in the equipment and correctly aligned in the jig. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The diamond gemstone is measured using a reference cycle before application of a drilling beam. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The depth of hole to be drilled is programmed into the machine. Any problems encountered are reported in accordance with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The hole is correctly aligned in accordance with the parcel instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Drill diamond gemstones by means of a laser. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The laser beam is focussed above the stone to bring the spot into sharp focus before opening the shutter. Remedial action is taken in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Diamond gemstones are drilled by laser according to instructions given in the parcel and defined quality and output standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Defined quality and output standards will be found in the employer's:
  • Work specifications.
  • Tariff agreements.
  • Parcel instructions.
  • Policies and Procedures.
  • Workplace safety requirements.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The integrity of the laser beam is frequently checked during the process of drilling. Remedial action is taken in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Problem stones are monitored to avoid damage to stones. Remedial action is taken in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Stone weights of laser drilled diamond gemstones are checked to ensure they are within laid down tolerance levels. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Laid down tolerance levels will be found in the employer's:
  • Work specifications.
  • Parcel instructions.
  • Tariff agreements.
  • Policies and Procedures.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Conduct post-laser drilling cleaning, checking and security activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Laser drilled diamond gemstones are removed from the pots after drilling and are cleaned and inspected for quality of the drilled hole and removal of the impurity in relation to workplace specifications. Remedial action required is taken in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Housekeeping is exercised after laser drilling diamond gemstones in accordance with workplace procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Good housekeeping must include:
  • Clean pots and equipment and machinery.
  • Replace pots and equipment into correct storage facilities.
  • Maintenance of personal protective clothing and equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Diamond gemstones are accounted for after laser drilling in accordance with the workplace security system. 


    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.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard 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 is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:

    Knowledge relating to the properties of a diamond gemstone:
  • Understanding the various properties of the diamond and the effect that incorrect laser applications can have.
  • Importance of diamonds being set up properly in the equipment and the implication of wrong setting.
  • Awareness of the damage to a diamond that can be caused by use of incorrect laser beam techniques.

    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:
  • Importance of adherence to health and safety requirements during processing.
  • Importance of care and maintenance of tools and equipment.
  • Codes of practice.

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

    Handling and custody of diamond gemstones:
  • Achieving specified production requirements.
  • Identify the equipment and explain the specification and functions.
  • Preparation.
  • Examination.
  • Handling of diamond gemstones.
  • Monitoring and control.

    Monitoring processing and impurities:
  • Security requirements.
  • Collection and disposal of diamond dust.
  • Use of tools and equipment.
  • Use of personal protective equipment. 
    		•

    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 to set laser beams at appropriate points to achieve drilling and to take remedial action when the examination of the gemstone indicates potential problems indicates the problem solving ability. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability and willingness to accept and interpret work instructions correctly and to know when to refer issues to the appropriate colleagues in an acceptable manner indicates the ability to work effectively as a team member within the structure of the organisation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note:
  • The preparation of laser drilling through programming and checking and the complying with good housekeeping practices indicates the ability to organise and manage activities in the work environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organise and evaluate information.

    Note:
  • The ability to assimilate instructions and determine the appropriate laser drilling coordinates indicates the ability to collect, organise and 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 to select the correct point for laser drilling and apply the appropriate force of beam demonstrates the critical use of science and technology in the safeguarding of the material, the environment, fellow workers and oneself. 
    		•

    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:
  • 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.
  • Workplace diamond gemstone security system.
  • Working Guides, tariff agreements, policies and procedures.
  • 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
    Elective  64729   Further Education and Training Certificate: Diamond 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.