Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Materials Preparer Lump Ore)

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Materials Preparer: Lump Ore. Lump Ore Materials Preparers operate, monitor and control a Mineral Processing plant to prepare materials for further beneficiation. They ensure the operational efficiency of the Lump Ore beneficiation process and the processing equipment through physical activities in the plant, and by using a computerised process control system. A qualified learner will be able to: • Monitor and control the mineral beneficiation processes in a Lump Ore beneficiation plant.

The first stages of mineral beneficiation of the so-called "Lump Ore" products include processes of washing, screening, mechanical separation and related processes of preparing the various minerals for transportation to a secondary beneficiation process or, as in the case of coal, the sale of these minerals to end users. A large group of Process Controllers in the industry work in the plants that prepare the materials for further beneficiation or for sales to clients. The Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Materials Preparation) caters for structured development of these Process Controllers. A pre-requisite for this Certificate is the Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Materials Handling). Candidates who enter this qualification will be well versed in all the Occupational Health and Safety issues; they will have experience of working with process control equipment; and they would have been exposed to the operating dynamics of material handling equipment. The learning in this specialised Occupational Certificate will enable them to become competent in working in those operations that prepare minerals during a stage-one process of mineral beneficiation. This includes, but is not limited to, the preparation of minerals such as Coal, Chrome and Manganese. These minerals are of strategic importance to South Africa. Coal is essential for our power generation industry and minerals such as Chrome and Manganese are key input minerals to the steel manufacturing industry. This area of the beneficiation process is very cost sensitive and there is a high premium on ensuring optimum quality and productivity. This Qualification will contribute towards the standardisation of the work done by these Process Controllers and it will create career opportunities where people can gain hands-on experience of working with these critical commodities. Progression from these occupations could lead to work in the Metallurgical field, progression into the production areas, and/or advancement to work in further downstream beneficiation occupations. The Qualification is constructed according to the needs expressed by industry and it will provide portability and career opportunities for Process Controllers working in a number of strategically important mining sectors.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related Curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a Statement of Results or certifying a Work Experience Record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant entry requirements. Entry Requirements: • Successful completion of the Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Materials Handling).

• Monitoring and controlling mineral preparation processes such as separation, de-watering and classification.
• Interpret Lump Ore sample results.
• Measure and monitor instrumentation on the Lump Ore plant, read and interpret the information and take appropriate corrective action.
• Identify and deal with potential up-and down-stream implications and problems in a Lump Ore process.