Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Preparation/ Concentration/ Hydrometallurgy/ Pyrometallurgy)

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: • Ensure compliance with all Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental requirements to minimise the operational risk in a mineral beneficiation/solid-liquid separation plant. • Operate, monitor, and control mineral beneficiation and process plant, facilities, equipment, and related resources. • Troubleshoot process problems. • Communicate production targets effectively to manage the process. 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: • Honesty • Integrity • Punctuality • Time management • Self-motivation • Responsibility • Accountability • Interpersonal relations • Ethical behaviour • well organised • Self-confidence • Confidentiality

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: • Gold used for jewellery, currency, electronic components, dentistry. • Base metals like copper and aluminium for conductors, zinc for anti-corrosion coatings, cobalt for paint, and lead for battery poles. • Platinum group metals for jewellery and catalysts. • Mineral sand products (titanium etc.) for steel hardening, paint pigments and special alloys. • Lump Ore Beneficiation done to increase the grade of the ore to minimise the cost of subsequent transport and further processing. 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: • Skills Programme(s) for Mineral Processing Plant Operators at NQF Level 2. • Optional (Control Room Operator, at NQF Level 3). • Qualification for Mineral Processing Plant Operator, at NQF Level 3. • Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller, at NQF Level 4. • Plant/Shift Foreman/Supervisor. • Plant Superintendent. The reflection on learning pathway towards qualifications in other Sub-Frameworks was identified as a possibility under diagonal articulation. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders: • Workplace Practitioners. • Assessors and moderators. • Private Training Providers. • Skills Development Facilitators. • Curriculum Development Specialist.

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: • An NQF Level 3 qualification with Communication and Mathematics. Or • An NQF Level 3 Intermediate Occupational Certificate Mineral Processing Plant Operator (Part of pack).

• Conduct risk assessments in process operations and identify appropriate actions to deal with deviations and mitigate risks.
• Apply mineral processing fundamental knowledge to operate, monitor, and control the plant.
• Apply mineral processing technique to operate, monitor, and control the plant.
• Coordinate troubleshooting activities carried within the mineral processing plant.
• Facilitate communication process within the operation of the mineral processing plant.