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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 QUALIFICATION: |
| National Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Preparation/ Concentration/ Hydrometallurgy/ Pyrometallurgy) |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 124365 | National Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Preparation/ Concentration/ Hydrometallurgy/ Pyrometallurgy) | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Development Quality Partner - MQA | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| National Occupational Cert | Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology | Fabrication and Extraction | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 120 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 04 | Regular-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0632/25 | 2025-06-03 | 2030-06-03 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2031-06-03 | 2034-06-03 | |||
| 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 qualification replaces: |
| Qual ID | Qualification Title | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Min Credits | Replacement Status |
| 64889 | Further Education and Training Certificate: Mineral Processing | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 137 | Complete |
| 99427 | Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Material Handler) | Not Applicable | NQF Level 04 | 168 | Complete |
| 99509 | Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Materials Preparer: Lump Ore) | Not Applicable | NQF Level 04 | 85 | Complete |
| 99486 | Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Mineral Processor: Hydrometallurgy) | Not Applicable | NQF Level 04 | 113 | Complete |
| 99506 | Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Mineral Processor: Smelting) | Not Applicable | NQF Level 04 | 100 | Complete |
| 99512 | Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Mineral Processor: Calcining) | Not Applicable | NQF Level 04 | 100 | Complete |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller. Mineral Beneficiation Process Controllers operate, monitor, and control the operation and operational efficiency of mineral beneficiation process plant, facilities, equipment, and related resources. The qualifying learner will know the functioning and operating requirements to achieve production targets, health, safety, environmental and security requirements, and will be able to control the plant productively and safely. A qualified learner will be able to: Qualifying learners will know how to operate, monitor, and control mineral beneficiation plant safely and competently. In addition, with this qualification, they can advance their careers within the Mining and Minerals Sector. Graduate attributes: Rationale: The ever-changing technology and demands exerted by globalisation require the workforce to have the requisite skills that will enable them to operate at the level of their counterparts, globally. "Minerals Beneficiation" in this context refers to the extraction of valuable minerals contained in mined ore and the production of related products, or enriched concentrates, for further processing or sale. Processes employed in the recovery of gold, platinum, uranium, base metals, coal, iron ore, diamonds, manganese etc. are provided for in this qualification. Recovery rates and cost implications relating to minerals extraction processes must be optimised to ensure the ongoing viability of the producer. The end products of these processes are metals or metal compounds that can be beneficiated in a wide variety of applications, for example: Production of these commodities is of tremendous benefit to the economy, as well as society, by way of local and foreign investments and the sale of products. Furthermore, due to innovation in the use of information technology in the mining industry, coupled with the need to comply with statutory and legislative requirements, a need has arisen to capacitate this qualification with the required knowledge and skills to cope with demands brought about by new technologies as well as statutory and legislative requirements. In addition, in terms of mining legislation, Mineral Beneficiation Process Controllers who are appointed must be qualified to comply with statutory and mandatory requirements. This qualification replaces Occupational Certificates which have reached their end of date registration on 2023 -06-30. Society will benefit from the qualification by the comfort of knowing that beneficiation processes are carried out by qualified learners who are conscious about safety of fellow workers and are aware of the impact of their actions towards the environment and the country at large. The sector will benefit from the qualification from being served by qualified Mineral Beneficiation Process Controllers who are proficient in their work, thus resulting in improved quality service, increased production levels and a safer working environment, contributing towards the growth of the economy, as well as society, by way of local and foreign investments and sale of products which will lead to building the economy of the country. One of the cornerstones of the National Development Plan is a focus on the further beneficiation of our mineral resources. This will require investment in new plants and there will be a need for additional Process Controllers. Typical learners for the qualification are employed in the Mining and Minerals Sector and will be qualified Plant Operators working in a metallurgical plant. The typical learning pathway in mineral processing and beneficiation operations would be to begin with: The reflection on learning pathway towards qualifications in other Sub-Frameworks was identified as a possibility under diagonal articulation. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders: |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for Access to Training: Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA): Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:
Knowledge Modules: Select One (1) Module from Category A Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 48 Practical Skill Modules: Select One (1) Module from Category A Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 32 Work Experience Modules: Select One (1) Module from Category A Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 40 |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Conduct risk assessments in process operations and identify appropriate actions to deal with deviations and mitigate risks.
2. Apply mineral processing fundamental knowledge to operate, monitor, and control the plant. 3. Apply mineral processing technique to operate, monitor, and control the plant. 4. Coordinate troubleshooting activities carried within the mineral processing plant. 5. Facilitate communication process within the operation of the mineral processing plant. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Conduct risk assessments in process operations and identify appropriate actions to deal with deviations and mitigate risks. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Apply mineral processing fundamental knowledge to operate, monitor, and control the plant. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Apply mineral processing technique to operate, monitor, and control the plant. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO 4: Coordinate troubleshooting activities carried within the mineral processing plant. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: ELO 5: Facilitate communication process within the operation of the mineral processing plant. Integrated Assessment: Formative Assessments conducted internally. Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment. Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weakness, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained. Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided. Integrated Summative Assessments conducted Internally Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification, or occupational skills programme, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed. An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated, and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g. applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects. The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA. External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner. For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating: The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules. Or The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge and Application Components. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| International comparability was conducted with countries such as Australia and Zimbabwe. The choice of these two countries was influenced by the availability of learning programmes that covered competencies similar to those covered in the South African qualification.
Australia Certificate IV in Resource Processing, offered by, amongst others, Central Regional TAFE and Ocurrio Pty Ltd.as one of the mining-related qualification. This qualification is aimed at personnel with several years' experience in mineral processing operations and wishing to progress their career into supervisory roles. Although not mandatory, ideally, to enter the qualification, learners must have C Grades in Year 11 English and Maths or equivalent and an Australian Certificate II or Certificate III qualification preferably with units of competency in the resource processing or minerals industry. This qualification reflects the role of individuals such as supervisors or team leaders, working in metalliferous processing facilities or coal preparation and treatment plants, who perform tasks involving a broad range of varied activities, most of which are complex and non-routine. They are responsible for the quantity and quality of the output of others, contribute to the development of technical solutions to non-routine problems, and apply safety management plans to the workplace. The qualification comprises 12 units of learning. 4 of these are core and 8 are electives that can be derived from Group A, B and C as illustrated below: Core Units Group A Group B Group C Similarities: Differences: Differences: Zimbabwe Zimbabwe School of Mines offers a Mineral Processing Certificate of Competency over a year in two blocks (semesters). The qualification is aimed at individuals who are operating as Metallurgists or Lab Technicians, with relevant experience within the plant at supervisory level. Delivery is blended with online study and 3 weeks contact sessions and examinations at the campus towards the end of the block (semester). Outcomes covered in the qualification are listed below: Similarities: Differences : Comparison regarding credits could not be established due to the lack of information in this regard. Conclusion: |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Higher Occupational Certificate: Mine Overseer, NQF Level 5. Diagonal Articulation: Diploma in Engineering Technology in Extraction Metallurgy, NQF Level 6. |
| NOTES |
| Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
Legal requirements Meets organisational, legislated, and regulatory requirements to enter the training programme. Physical requirements: Meets organisational requirements. Criteria for the accreditation of providers Accreditation requirements, against which Skills Development Providers (SDP) and Assessment Centres, will be accredited, is found in the Curriculum Document, as listed below. Curriculum Title and Code: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller: 313912-000-01-00. Encompassed Trade: None. Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA). |
| LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: |
| When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification. |
| NONE |
| PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: |
| 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. |