ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for agglomeration process

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity

1.2. Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details

1.3. Check and test remote control and equipment for correct operation

1.4. Select appropriate type of auxiliary equipment for work activities including availability

1.5. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards

1.6. Identify, address and report environmental issues

1.7. Follow emergency procedures to ensure safety of personnel and plant

2. Start-up agglomeration circuit

2.1. Carry out pre-start checks

2.2. Establish that all agglomeration circuit drives are set to remote and ready for operation

2.3. Ensure that all downstream equipment is operational and ready to receive the agglomerated product

2.4. Ensure that all feed circuits (including specific feed blend requirements) to the agglomeration circuit are available and ready to operate

2.5. Initiate plant operator sequence start

3. Operate and monitor agglomeration circuit

3.1. Read and interpret data from equipment indicators to determine agglomeration circuit efficiencies

3.2. Continuously monitor circuit to identify defects and potential problems

3.3. Adjust equipment within approved operating parameters to optimise performance, maintain efficient agglomeration and to meet product quality targets

3.4. Monitor and adjust the feed rate

3.5. Monitor and control the addition rate of binding agent

3.6. Monitor and control the dosing rate of leaching solution

3.7. Monitor and control the dosing concentration of leaching solution

3.8. Monitor and adjust the drum speed ratio

3.9. Complete all required documentation clearly, concisely and on time

3.10. Pass on end of shift information to oncoming shift

4. Respond to contingencies

4.1. Respond to alarms

4.2. Clear circuit blockages in accordance with site procedures

4.3. Perform manual start-up of individual items of equipment

4.4. Report maintenance issues as required

5. Monitor quality of agglomerate

5.1. Carry out physical tests to check quality of agglomerate

5.2. Organise laboratory tests to check quality of agglomerate

5.3. Respond to test information

6. Shutdown and maintain of agglomeration circuit

6.1. Initiate circuit shutdown

6.2. Perform post shutdown checks

6.3. Isolate equipment

6.4. Clean agglomeration circuit in preparation for maintenance requirements

6.5. Operate agglomeration drum using local control

6.6. Operate automated lubrication system and perform operator maintenance as required

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes the ability to carry out the following, as required to operate an agglomeration circuit:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for operating agglomeration circuits

comply with site safety and environmental requirements

identify, control and report hazards

identify and report equipment maintenance requirements

access, interpret and apply technical and safety information

interpret and apply survey information and plans

operate relevant plant and machinery

communicate and coordinate activities with others

apply diagnostic / fault finding techniques

operate relevant auxiliary equipment

maintain appropriate records

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to operate an agglomeration circuit:

operational safety requirements and equipment

site environment requirements

emergency procedures

mine operational procedures

agglomeration drum operations and components

conveyor operations and components

pump operations and components

plant and equipment limitations and operating parameters

conveyor, pump and agglomeration drum maintenance requirements

isolation standards and equipment isolation procedures

confined space entry procedures

metallurgical and technical data (basic)

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for operating an agglomeration circuit

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient operation of an agglomeration circuit

working with others to undertake and complete the operating an agglomeration circuit that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of operating an agglomeration circuit that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes

consistent achievement of required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete the operation of an agglomeration circuit

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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.

Relevant compliance documentation may include:

legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

government licences to operate

codes of practice

management plans

OHS policy

operational procedures

safe working procedures (or equivalent)

Equipment (feed or downstream) may include:

crushing plants

feed conveyors

discharge conveyors

stacking circuit conveyors

stinger conveyors

agglomeration drum

leach solution delivery pumps

leach solution dosing pumps

binding agent delivery systems

Auxiliary equipment may include:

mobile plant and equipment

lubrication systems

hydraulic equipment

sump pumps

Ready for operation includes:

with no interlocks to prevent the start-up of equipment

with no safety devices activated

with no blockages

with no damage

in working order

Binding agent may include:

cement

hydrated lime

cement kiln dust (fly ash)

bentonite

silicates

high molecular flocculants

required to maintain the required pH of the product discharging the agglomeration circuit

a set ratio to feed ore to agglomeration circuit

Leaching solution may include:

water

cyanide solution

sulphuric acid solution

Alarms may include:

equipment drives such as:

isolator alarms

electrical faults

thermal overloads

variable Speed Drive faults

temperature

safety devices such as:

lanyards

emergency stop buttons

belt drift indicators

belt rip indicators

under speed sensors

blocked chute indicators

dosing rate variations:

high flow

low flow

flow control valve failure

leak detection

delivery pump fault

control system communication faults

Physical tests may include:

strength

stability

structure

moisture content

Laboratory tests include tests for:

agglomeration/percolation properties

submersion

column leach tests

Maintenance may include:

isolation and tagging

restoration after isolation

operational cleaning requirements

work carried out in accordance with approved maintenance manual or schedule