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: 

Prepare samples for assaying purposes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
9752  Prepare samples for assaying purposes 
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  5 
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 will be useful to people who are responsible for preparing samples for assaying purposes.

People credited with this unit standard are able to
  • demonstrate knowledge of preparation procedures;
  • dry the samples;
  • crush the samples; and
  • complete the work sequence. 
    		•

    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:
  • Competency in numeracy and literacy skills equivalent to NQF Level 2 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard is intended to cover the preparation of samples by drying and crushing so that they can be assayed for mineral content.
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare a sample for assaying. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of preparation procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Dry the samples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Crush the samples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Complete the work sequence. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of preparation procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The explanation of the basic principles associated with drying and crushing samples with reference to the type, size and nature of the sample is accurate and confirms understanding. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description of the procedures for drying and crushing samples and the equipment used confirms understanding and terminology is accurate. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The importance of preparing samples by drying and crushing is explained with reference to the impact on the accuracy on assay values and company profitability. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Dry the samples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Tools and equipment are appropriate to the task, clean and operational in accordance with work instructions and specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Personal protective equipment is appropriate to the conditions, operational and used in accordance with its design, documented best practice and legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The procedure for gaining permission to enter the workplace is consistent with specified and legal requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Workplace examination identifies all hazardous and sub-standard conditions. The response and/or corrective action is appropriate to the situation and complies with the specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Work related hazards and associated risks are explained, and if found, dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. The consequences of hazards and risks are explained with reference to health and safety and loss of production. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The selection of the drying medium confirms understanding of the work instruction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The transference of samples into the drying dishes is in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. The drying of the samples is in accordance with operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Crush the samples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The crusher is cleaned in accordance with specified requirements. The consequences of non-compliance are explained with reference to the impact on the accuracy on assay values and company profitability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The transference of samples into the crushing device is in accordance with specified requirements. Each sample is free from contamination and the method of selection complies with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The crushing of the samples is in accordance with operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The importance of the drying and crushing process for assay purposes is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The samples are correlated throughout the drying and crushing process in accordance with specified requirements. The consequences of not adhering to the proper procedures are explained with reference to health and safety, accuracy of assay values and loss of production. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Conditions affecting the accuracy of the preparation process, are identified, and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. The consequences of non-compliance and their effect on the evaluation result are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Complete the work sequence. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Crushed samples are accurately accounted for and made ready for storing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Tools and equipment are collected and stored in preparation for leaving the workplace. Defective tools and equipment are identified and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Drying and crushing equipment is examined in accordance with specified requirements. Defective equipment is identified and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Specified reporting requirements are met. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

    2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.

    3. 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 sub-standard and hazardous conditions, assess and take appropriate action. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
    Note: The ability and willingness of the candidate to accept and interpret work instructions correctly. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
    Note: The ability of the candidate to indicate what methods, tools and personal protective equipment is required and communicate to fellow workers his / her intentions and assistance required. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
    Note: The ability of the candidate to reconcile the information from visual and physical examinations and constantly evaluate the changing situation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and / or language skills in the modes of oral and / or written presentations.
    Note: The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to the reporting of hazards and sub-standard conditions will indicate his / her proficiency in effective communication. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
    Note: The correct use of scientific nomenclature and technological knowledge will indicate that the candidate is proficient in the use of science and 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 ability of the candidate to identify and refer anomalous behaviour to a specialist confirms understanding that a specific observation, inference, action or decision can have a devastating effect. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    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. 
    		•

    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
  • Relevant Acts: e.g. Mine Health and Safety Act (Act 29 of 1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations (Act 50 of 1991)
  • Regulations
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice
  • South African Bureau of Standards and other Standards
  • Chief Inspector of Mines` directives

    Site specific
  • Hazard identification and Risk Assessment (HISA)
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Assessment Management Programme
  • Voluntary Codes of Practice
  • Managerial Instructions
  • Mine Standard Procedures
  • List of recorded OH&S Risks
  • Working Guides
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications

    Other terms
  • Tools and equipment:
    This means, but is not limited to, sampling containers, kit bags, sampling canvas bag and sample bags, drying dishes, brushes, hammer, industrial drying machines, drying beds, jaw crushers and compressed air pipes.
  • Workplace:
    This means the immediate surroundings where the work is executed.
  • Hazardous and sub-standard conditions:
    This means, but is not limited to, slippery floors, inadequate lighting, malfunctioning of drying, heating, crushing and electrical equipment and dust extraction units.
  • Work related hazards and associated risks:
    This means, but is not limited to, working with heated objects or crushing equipment, fire risk and spitting rocks when heated.
  • Conditions which affect the accuracy of the sample:
    This means, but is not limited to, contamination, spillage and dust.
  • Examined:
    This means, but is not limited to, inspect, clean and prepare. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  60349   National Certificate: Mining Technical Support  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. CADDIS TRADING CC 
    2. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    3. PALABORA COPPER (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.