The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to apply basic scientific principles and techniques in describing equipment for mineral and chemical processing.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:

identify appropriate techniques and equipment used for mineral and chemical processing

function of each type of equipment

steps in the processing of particular minerals and chemicals including flow diagrams

identify relationship of the processing of particular minerals and chemicals to metals production

Relationship to other units

This unit may be assessed concurrently with MCMPM518A Specify basic metal extraction processes from minerals

Assessment method and context

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the elements, performance criteria, skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Assessors should gather sufficient, fair, valid, reliable, authentic and current evidence from a range of sources. Sources of evidence may include direct observation, reports from supervisors, peers and colleagues, project work, samples, organisation records and questioning. Assessment should not require language, literacy or numeracy skills beyond those required for the unit.

The assessee will have access to all techniques, procedures, information, resources and aids which would normally be available in the workplace.

The method of assessment should be discussed and agreed with the assessee prior to the commencement of assessment. Assessment will need to occur in a situation where mechanical testing is undertaken.

Resource implications

This section should be read in conjunction with the range of variables for this unit of competency. Resources required may include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

select appropriate scientific principles to suit specific mineral processing and metals production applications

apply scientific principles to particular processing situations

refer solutions to the original aim of the application.

quote solutions in appropriate units, using appropriate significant figures.

quote limitations of solutions, due to assumptions, scientific principles and techniques used

present solutions referring to the original aim of the application

Required knowledge:

Competency includes sufficient knowledge of:

basic scientific principles (as given in the range statement) including:

limitations of selected scientific principles

basic mineral and chemical processing techniques and technologies, including software and hardware associated with implementing scientific principles in mineral and chemical processing situations related to metals production

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.

Sources of information may include:

reference texts,

manufacturer's catalogues

industrial and professional magazines and journals,

colleagues

websites,

phone, email and fax information gathering

Equipment in mineral and chemical processing plants can include equipment for:

Transport and storage of materials

Heat transfer

Solids drying

Phase dispersion and separation

Gas solid operations

Liquid liquid operations

Liquid solid operations

Solid solid operations

Size reduction and size enlargement

Bulk solid handling

Packaging of solids and liquids

Chemical reactors

Waste management

Process safety

Energy generation and utilisation

Scientific techniques and principles include:

Principles of mineral processing

Principles of chemical processing

Function of each type of equipment

Flow diagrams

Processes for particle size change

Processes for separation of materials

Processes for mixing of materials

Processes for chemical change