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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate an understanding of extraction and the beneficiation of minerals on surface excavations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
336966  Demonstrate an understanding of extraction and the beneficiation of minerals on surface excavations 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Fabrication and Extraction 
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  9 
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 
People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of mineral extraction processes.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the factors affecting extraction.
  • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of mining methods used to optimise beneficiation.
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of appropriate sampling techniques. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in the following:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of mineral extraction and beneficiation processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Mineral extraction processes are explained in the context of the broader mining industry, as well as the specific mining sector in which the learner is working. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Extraction processes include but not limited to:
  • Comminution and liberation:
    > Crushing.
    > Grinding.
    > Milling.
  • Classification and concentration:
    > Screening.
    > Cycloning.
    > Gravity separation.
    > Magnetic separation.
    > Sorters.
  • Chemical processes:
    > Flotation.
    > Leaching.
    > Cyanide amalgamation.
  • Filtration and thickening.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Minerals beneficiation processes are explained in the context of the broader minerals processing industry, as well as the specific mining sector in which the learner is working. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Mineral beneficiation processes include but not limited to:
  • Drying.
  • Burning and sintering.
  • Hydrating.
  • Electrical amalgamation.
  • Smelting.
  • Refining.
  • Cutting and polishing.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Occupational Health and Safety requirements specific to minerals extraction and beneficiation are explained in terms of specified company requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    OH&S-related Hazards/Risks specific to minerals extraction and beneficiation are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the factors affecting minerals extraction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Size distribution of material is explained in terms of the impacts on and requirements for mineral extraction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The implications of Contamination, dilution and waste are explained in the context of mineral extraction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The grade of materials is discussed in the context of impact on mineral extraction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Materials characteristics (quality and quantity) are discussed in terms of downstream application:
  • Specifications.
  • Customer requirements.
  • Downstream beneficiation processes.
  • Quality and quantity. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Monitor and report on minerals beneficiation processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    AC required to assess K and U of parameters used to express beneficiation efficiency. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The minerals beneficiation process is implemented and maintained in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Anomalies and non-conformances are recorded and reported in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Corrective and preventative action is implemented in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Information regarding minerals beneficiation activities is communicated to all role players in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Parameters used to express beneficiation efficiency are explained in accordance with industry standards and operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate and apply knowledge of appropriate sampling techniques. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different sampling techniques and the reasons for selecting each are discussed in terms of standard sampling practice and relevant procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sampling techniques include nut not limited to:
  • Core samples.
  • Face and drill chip samples.
  • Channel samples.
  • Bulk samples.
  • Belt cut samples.
  • Batch samples.
  • Automatic sampling plants.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The requirements for safe sampling are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The validity of samples is discussed in terms of standard sampling practice and relevant site-specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The handling and storage of samples is explained in terms of standard sampling practice and relevant site-specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The requirements of the labelling (marking) of samples are explained in terms of standard sampling practice and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The procedure for dealing with anomalies revealed during or as a result of sampling is explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Results are interpreted in terms of operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Records are kept and reports compiled and submitted in accordance with operational requirements. 


    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 will be assessed in an integrated way in the context of the unit standard:
  • Mineral extraction.
  • Processing.
  • Factors affecting beneficiation.
  • Methods used to optimise beneficiation.
  • Appropriate sampling techniques. 
    		•

    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 be part of a team and to participate constructively in achieving team goals and objectives in the processes of mineral beneficiation. 

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

    Note: The learner appreciates the role of modern technology in minerals beneficiation and processing and shows a positive orientation towards such technology. 

    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 the interaction of numerous role players involved in upstream, downstream and parallel processes are required to achieve successful minerals beneficiation. 

    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:
  • Understanding of relevant Acts and Regulations:
    > Mine Health and Safety Act-1996, Labour Relations Act-1995.
    > Basic Conditions of Employment Act-1998.

    Site Specific:
  • Company policies and procedures regarding relevant:
    > Mine policies and procedures.
    > Codes of Practice.
    > Human Resource specific labour functions. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  74490   Further Education and Training Certificate: Mining Operations  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.