Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit of competency covers the ability to safely extract a range of precious metals from their host matrices in readiness for analysis. The unit also covers the ability to select and/or modify laboratory methods to suit particular ores and to ensure total recovery. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory personnel working in the mineral assay industry sector. Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. These can be found at the end of this unit of competency under the section 'This competency in practice'. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
||
MSL954002A |
Prepare mineral samples for analysis |
|
OR |
||
MSL973011A |
Perform fire pouring techniques |
Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Classify ore samples and select fluxing method |
1.1. Review client request to identify sample/analysis requirements, preparation methods and equipment involved 1.2. Inspect samples, compare with specifications, record and report any discrepancies 1.3. Conduct visual and simple chemical tests to identify the type of sample and sulphide concentrations 1.4. Review client sample/analysis history and identify possible chemical interferences 1.5. Decide whether non-standard fluxing is required 1.6. Select sample weight and flux to optimise precious metal recovery and purity |
2. Prepare for precious metal recovery |
2.1. Identify hazards and enterprise controls associated with the sample, preparation methods, reagents and equipment 2.2. Examine the recommended preparation method to identify the critical steps that will affect the quality of analytical results 2.3. Plan parallel work sequences to optimise the throughput of multiple sets of samples 2.4. Assemble all required equipments, materials, reagents and check they are fit for purpose |
3. Recover precious metals from ore sample |
3.1. Weigh required amounts of sample and flux components to achieve an acceptable button and fluid slag 3.2. Select the type and size of pot to suit sample method and client requirements 3.3. Mix charge to ensure homogeneity and optimal collection of precious metal 3.4. Set and monitor furnace temperature/time to ensure complete fusion 3.5. Separate slag and button with minimal loss of lead collector 3.6. Maintain sequencing in order to track samples, buttons and prills throughout the recovery process 3.7. Separate lead collector from the required precious metal and check for contamination, losses and evidence of other precious metals 3.8. Minimise personal exposure to hazards and the release of collectors to the work environment 3.9. Collate laboratory documentation and the prepared sample and present for analysis |
4. Troubleshoot and correct failed recovery |
4.1. Monitor all stages of recovery for indicators of potential loss 4.2. Recognise undesirable recovery conditions and decide whether the process requires correction 4.3. Choose an appropriate corrective action and restart the process 4.4. Document any adjustments made to standard methods and re-sequencing of samples 4.5. Seek advice when problems are beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge |
5. Perform daily maintenance of assay equipment |
5.1. Segregate and dispose of wastes in accordance with enterprise requirements 5.2. Grade and inspect pots using established criteria prior to storage for re-use 5.3. Inspect furnaces for cracks, unserviceable components and remove slag 5.4. Inspect and clean extractive systems 5.5. Report defective equipment and consumable requirements to appropriate personnel |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
Required skills include:
|
Required knowledge |
Required knowledge includes:
|
Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
|
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. |
|
Overview of assessment |
|
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Assessors should ensure that candidates can:
|
Context of and specific resources for assessment |
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment. This unit of competency may be assessed with:
Resources may include:
|
Method of assessment |
The following assessment methods are suggested:
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly. Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work like environment. |
This competency in practice |
Industry representatives have provided the case study below to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and show its relevance in a workplace setting. Mineral processing A fire pourer has noticed a large amount of fine lead shot in the bottom of a pot and seeks advice from the fire assayer. The assayer examines the pot closely and notices a lime green slag colour on the inside of the pot and on the lead button. He/she identifies this as a possible 'chromite' problem and explains that the darker the lime green colour is, the higher the chromium contamination. He/she explains to the pourer that there are two ways of dealing with this problem. The first is to reduce the sample weight to ~5g (for >10% chromite) or to develop its own special flux that has low litharge and silica to ensure that the sample is properly reduced. Because there is no history of regular chromite problems with this particular client's samples, he/she decides that a special flux is not warranted and tells the pourer to reduce the charge weight and to ensure that the components are very well mixed. He/she gives the pourer clear instructions for conducting the repeat assay and documents how the sample was treated. |
Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
|
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
|
Codes of practice |
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used |
Standards , codes , procedures and /or enterprise requirements |
Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:
|
Samples |
Samples may include:
|
Client requests /documentation |
Client requests/documentation may include:
|
Assay equipment |
Assay equipment may include:
|
Hazards |
Hazards may include:
|
Safety equipment and procedures |
Safety equipment and procedures may include:
|
Fluxes |
Fluxes may include:
|
Pots |
Pots may include:
|
Sequencing of pots in a rack |
Sequencing of pots in a rack may include:
|
Collectors |
Collectors may include:
|
Criteria for an 'acceptable' button |
Criteria for an 'acceptable' button could include:
|
Separation of collectors |
Separation of collectors may include:
|
Contamination |
Contamination may be caused by:
|
Documentation |
Documentation may include:
|
Indicators of potential loss and the corrective action |
Indicators of potential loss and the corrective action may include:
|
Waste |
Waste may include:
|
Occupational health and safety (OHS ) and environmental management requirements |
OHS and environmental management requirements:
|
Unit Sector(s)
Unit sector |
Testing |
Competency field
Competency field |
Co-requisite units
Co-requisite units |
||