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: 

Control the dense medium separation process in a metallurgical plant. 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
261010  Control the dense medium separation process in a metallurgical plant. 
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  15 
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 reflects the skills, values and knowledge required by people in the field of Mineral Processing who are responsible for controlling the dense medium separation process in a metallurgical plant.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge relating to the controlling and operation of the dense medium separation process.
  • Control the dense medium separation process.
  • Complete the duties pertaining to the controlling of the dense medium separation process. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge relating to the controlling of the dense medium separation process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The occupational safety and health and risk management requirements, and the consequences of non-compliance, are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of controlling the dense medium separation process is explained in terms of achieving production requirements and up and down stream operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The emergency procedures pertaining to the dense medium separation process are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The security requirements pertaining to the dense medium separation process are explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The communication requirements pertaining to the dense medium separation process and the consequences of non-compliance are explained in terms of operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The process flow and interlock systems of the dense medium separation process are explained in terms of operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The operating procedures of the dense medium separation process are explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The operating parameters and control methods and the consequences of not adhering to these are explained in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The factors affecting the optimum performance of the dense medium separation process are explained in terms of operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The principles of dense medium separation process are explained in terms of operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    The actions to be taken, should sub-standard conditions and problems be encountered, are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Control the dense medium separation process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The dense medium separation process system is inspected in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Inspection must include:
  • Availability and use of personal protective equipment and safety equipment.
  • Availability and use of tools and equipment.
  • Condition of safety devices and adherence to safety requirements.
  • Availability and the utilisation of process equipment and consumables.
  • The present status of the process.
  • Potential hazards and risks.
  • Potential security risks or breaches.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The dense medium separation process is monitored, controlled and optimised in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safe and optimum production is maintained through effective communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Work related hazards and associated risks are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The standard operating procedures are adhered to in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Security requirements pertaining to the dense medium separation process are met and security breaches are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Problems encountered are dealt with in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Occupational safety and health procedures towards self and others are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The operation of the dense medium separation process is consistent with environmental policy and other related requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Complete the duties pertaining to the controlling of the dense medium separation process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Good housekeeping practices are ensured in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Data are recorded and reports submitted in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Maintenance requirements are planned and execution monitored in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Preparation for maintenance and the locking out of equipment are ensured to be in accordance with specified requirements. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification 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 qualification 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 by 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. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification 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.

    Critical factors relating to the dense medium separation process:
  • Legal and specified requirements.
  • Achieving specified production requirements.
  • Risk Assessment procedures and actions.
  • Identify the principal components and explain the specification and their functions.
  • Specified communication requirements.
  • Elementary principles of the process.

    Processes and events pertaining to the dense medium separation process:
  • Preparation.
  • Examination.
  • Metal recovery.
  • Monitor and control.

    Causes and effects (Safety and Health):
  • Use of personal protective equipment.
  • Use of tools and equipment.
  • Workplace hazards and associated risks.
  • Housekeeping.

    Procedures and techniques relating to the dense medium separation process:
  • Methods of collecting, analysing, organising, summarising and presenting data.
  • Fault finding and corrective techniques.
  • Handling procedure and controls.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies and standards relating to the dense medium separation process:
  • Safety, health and environmental legislation and regulations.
  • Quality policies, standards and agreements. 
    		•

    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 learner is able to interpret and respond to dense medium separation plant and process conditions by taking appropriate action and/or referring the matter to the relevant persons. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The learner understands the importance of and promotes effective teamwork in the dense medium separation process by adhering to team protocols and actively supporting fellow team members. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage himself/herself and his/her activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to work in accordance with relevant operating procedures pertaining to dense medium separation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to constantly monitor and interpret dense medium separation plant and process conditions by means of visual observation, process control feedback and interaction with fellow workers. 
    		•

    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 learner to interact with process control and other technology applied in a typical metallurgical plant. 
    		•

    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 successful operation of the dense medium separation process depends on the successful integration between upstream, parallel and downstream processes and appreciates his role in that regard. 
    		•

    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 include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • 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.
  • SANS 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  64889   Further Education and Training Certificate: Mineral 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.