Application
This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to conduct leaching process in Metalliferous mining.
This unit is appropriate for those working in operational roles.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare for leaching process | 1.1. Access, interpret and apply leaching process documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 1.2. Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements 1.3. Communicate with other personnel using approved communication methods 1.4. Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities 1.5. Select appropriate type of auxiliary equipment for work activities 1.6. Perform equipment pre-start checks 1.7. Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues, and implement control measures 1.8. Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency 1.9. Use approved dust suppression and extraction methods 1.10. Ensure area is well ventilated |
2. Start-up equipment in sequence | 2.1. Carry out start-up procedures and complete start-up checks according to plant configurations and system requirements 2.2. Confirm plant is operational |
3. Operate and monitor equipment | 3.1. Read, interpret and apply data from equipment indicators to determine leaching efficiency 3.2. Continuously inspect and monitor operations/plant and containment areas 3.3. Adjust equipment to optimise leaching 3.4. Add reagents to achieve operating parameters 3.5. Adjust flows to meet downstream requirements 3.6. Carry out operator level maintenance to maintain condition of equipment 3.7. Complete all required documentation concisely and on time 3.8. Pass on end of shift information to oncoming shift |
4. Shutdown in sequence and/or isolate equipment | 4.1. Shutdown and/or isolate equipment based on process and safety requirements 4.2. Perform post shutdown and/or isolation checks |
5. Conduct housekeeping activities | 5.1. Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials 5.2. Clean and maintain condition of equipment, ensure suitability for use, and address/report issues 5.3. Process records |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:
locates and applies applicable documentation, policies and procedures
implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of the leaching process including:
diagnosing faults, reporting defects and identifying repair requirements
interpreting and applying reports
accurate records maintenance
selecting and using relevant tools and equipment
lifting techniques (manual, cranes and loads)
conducting housekeeping activities
works effectively with others to undertake and complete the leaching process in a way that meets all of the required outcomes including:
using a range of communications techniques and equipment to convey information to others
maintaining written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures
organising work activities to meet all task requirements
communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions
demonstrates completion of the leaching process that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:
inspecting and monitoring operations/plant and containment areas
adjusting equipment to optimise leaching
adding reagents to achieve operating parameters
adjust flows to meet downstream requirements
carrying out operator level maintenance
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of conducting leaching process through:
accessing, interpreting and applying organisation and site requirements and procedures for:
WHS, site safety and emergency requirements
environmental principles
isolation procedures
operational procedures and checks
equipment operating parameters
leaching principles and safety requirements
hazardous substances procedures and consequences of spills
contaminant identification
interpreting metallurgical and technical data
interpreting pumping system and flow charts
identifying reagent types
monitoring sampling
identifying types of ores
Assessment Conditions
An assessor of this unit must satisfy the requirements of the NVR/AQTF or their successors; and Industry regulations for certification and licensing; and,
this unit must be assessed in the context of this sector’s work environment; and,
this unit must be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures, processes and operational manuals directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,
assessment may be conducted in conjunction with the assessment of other Units of Competency; and,
assessment must confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances; and,
assessors must demonstrate the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence as outlined in this Unit of Competency, and through the minimum years of current* work experience specified below in an Industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or,
where the assessor does not meet experience requirements a co-assessment or partnership arrangement must exist between the qualified assessor and an Industry subject matter expert. The Industry subject matter expert should hold the unit being assessed (or an equivalent unit) and/or demonstrate equivalence of skills and knowledge at the unit level. An Industry technical expert must also demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience specified below in the Industry sector, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed; and,
assessor and Industry subject matter expert requirements differ depending on the Australian Qualifications Framework Level (AQF) of the qualification being assessed and/or Industry Sector as follows:
Industry sector | AQF** Level | Required assessor or Industry subject matter expert experience |
Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Construction | 1 | 1 Year |
2 | 2 Years | |
Drilling, Coal Mining and Extractive (Quarrying) | 3-6 | 3 Years |
Metalliferous Mining and Civil Construction | 3-6 | 5 Years |
Other sectors | Where this Unit is being assessed outside of the Resources and Infrastructure Sectors assessor and/or Industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no Industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation. | |
*Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within Industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the Unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to Industry by conducting frequent site assessments across various locations.
**Where a unit is being delivered outside of a Qualification the first numeric character in the Unit code should be considered to indicate the AQF level
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit. Further information is available in the Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package Companion Volume.
Sectors
Metalliferous mining