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: 

Separate material by means of conventional cell froth flotation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
11061  Separate material by means of conventional cell froth flotation 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
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 
This unit standard will be useful to people responsible for separating material by means of conventional cell froth flotation.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge relating to the separation of material by means of conventional cell froth flotation
  • Prepare to separate material
  • Separate material
  • Complete the duties pertaining to the separation process 
    		•

    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:
  • Literacy and numeracy in ABET Level 4 or equivalent
  • The safe handling of applicable hazardous substances
  • The make-up of reagents
  • Sampling material in a metallurgical process
  • Operate centrifugal pumps
  • Operate a pH meter
  • Operate dosing pumps 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    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 
    Demonstrate knowledge of separation of material by means of conventional cell froth flotation. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Demonstrate knowledge relating to the separation of material by means of conventional cell froth flotation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The legal and specified requirements pertaining to a safe, healthy work environment in the separation process and the consequences of not adhering to the above are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The importance of separating material by means of froth flotation in terms of achieving specified production requirements and up-and downstream operational requirements is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Hazards and associated risks, pertaining to the separation of material by means of froth flotation, identified through specified risk assessment procedures and the actions to be taken should they be encountered are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The principal components and functions of the separation system are identified and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Flotation equipment components
  • Auxiliary systems
  • Safety devices
  • Interlock systems
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The specified actions to be taken, should sub-standard conditions and problems pertaining to the separation process be encountered are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The specified security requirements pertaining to the separation of material are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The specified elementary principles of the separation process are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. The specified communication requirements pertaining to the separation process and the consequences of non-compliance are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. The specified operating parameters and control methods and the consequences of not adhering to these are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. The specified factors affecting the optimum performance of the separation process are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. The specified reagents are identified and their functions and purposes are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to separate material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Personal protective and safety equipment is verified, examined and used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Tools and equipment are verified and examined in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Workplace hazards and associated risks are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The flotation system is examined and substandard conditions are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The reagent addition equipment is set to specified dosing rates. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Specified security requirements pertaining to the separation process are explained and met. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Safety and health precautions towards self and others are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Separate material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Personal protective and safety equipment is used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Safe and optimum production is ensured through appropriate communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The start-up of the separation plant is in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The feed is started and the separation process is monitored and controlled in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Tools and equipment are used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Work related hazards and associated risks are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Specified security requirements pertaining to the separation process are met. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Problems encountered are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. The separation process is consistent with environmental policy and other specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Safety and health precautions towards self and others are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Complete the duties pertaining to the separation process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The separation process is stopped in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Personal protective and safety equipment is dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Tools and equipment are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Specified security requirements pertaining to the separation process are met. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Good housekeeping practices are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Preparation for maintenance is in accordance with specified requirements. Specified lock-out procedures are adhered to. 


    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 hazards and risks, sub standard conditions, process problems and to rectify these, illustrates his/her capability to solve problems. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
    Note:
    The ability of the candidate to communicate effectively and to maintain optimum production illustrates his/her capability to work effectively with others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
    Note:
    The ability of the candidate to maintain optimum production whilst adhering to safety procedures, illustrates his/her capability to organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
    Note:
    The ability of the candidate to implement corrective action illustrates his/her capability to collect, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and / or language skills in the modes of oral and / or written presentations.
    Note:
    The ability of the candidate to maintain optimum production through effective communication and his/her ability to adhere to reporting requirements illustrates his/her capability to communicate effectively. 

    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 candidate to adhere to safety, health and environmental requirements illustrates his/her capability to use science and technology effectively. 

    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 explain the importance of the process in terms of achieving production and up and down stream requirements illustrates his/her understanding of the world as a set of related systems. 

    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:

    L egal
  • Relevant Acts: e.g. Mine Health & Safety Act, 1996 (Act no 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act no 50/1991)
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice
  • SABS and other relevant Standards
  • Chief Inspector of Mines` Directives

    Site specific
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA)
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme
  • Managerial Instructions
  • Mine Standard Procedures
  • List of Recorded OH&S Risks
  • Working Guides
  • 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  49044   National Certificate: Mineral Processing, Gold Extraction  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-08-20  Was MQA until Last Date for Achievement 


    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.