Diploma in Engineering Technology in Extraction Metallurgy

A qualifying learner at this level is competent in basic metallurgical process operation and problem-solving thus contributing to the needs of the metallurgical industry and mining community. The qualified person will be able to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Technician.

Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) in the case of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted following the policy and guidelines of the institution concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through Recognition of Prior Learning learners may gain access, or advanced placement, or status recognition on the condition that they continue their studies at this institution.

Entry Requirement

National Senior Certificate: National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 4.

This qualification consists of a compulsory module at Level 5 and Level 6 totalling 329 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: Level 5 totalling 171 Credits

• Mechanical Engineering Drawing,12 Credits.
• Chemistry (Practical), 4 Credits.
• Mineral Processing B, 11 Credits.
• Practical Metallurgy: Extraction Metallurgy, 13 Credits.
• Communication Studies, 9 Credits.
• Metallurgy, 6 Credits.
• Chemistry (Theory),10 Credits.
• Physical Metallurgy, 8 Credits.
• Physics Practical, 4 Credits.
• Metallurgy Plant, 8 Credits.
• Mathematics, 12 Credits.
• Statistics, 11 Credits.
• Chemistry, 10 Credits.
• Communication, 9 Credits.
• Mathematics, 12 Credits.
• Computer Skills, 9 Credits.
• Physics (Theory), 12 Credits.
• Mineral Processing, 11 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: Level 6 totalling 158 Credits

• Hydrometallurgy,10 Credits.
• Process Engineering, 14 Credits.
• Process Statistics, 10 Credits.
• Metallurgical Thermodynamics, 12 Credits.
• Mineral Processing, 12Credits.
• Coal Processing and Usage(Theory), 9 Credits.
• Coal Processing and Usage(Practical), 19 Credits.
• Metallurgical Geology, 10 Credits.
• Analytical Techniques, 19 Credits.
• Metallurgical Management, 9 Credits.
• Geology, 7 Credits.
• Nuromerical Method, 10 Credits.
• Pyrometallurgy, 17 Credits.

1. Apply engineering principles to diagnosed and solve well-defined engineering problems systematically.
2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to applied engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve well-defined engineering problems.
3. Perform procedural design of components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs usually within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
4. Conduct investigations of well-defined problems through locating and searching relevant codes and catalogues, conducting standard tests, experiments and measurements.
5. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools including information technology for the solution of well-defined engineering problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraint.
6. Professional and Technical Communication communicate effectively, both orally and in writing within an engineering context.
7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by defined procedures.
8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and apply these to one's work, as a member and leader in a technical team and to manage projects.
9. Independent Learning Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
10. Understand and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of Engineering technical practice.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Know the working principles, applications and control calibration of equipment.
• Interpret information, Investigate and evaluate processes.
• Evaluate the quality of methods, identify technical problems, recommend, implement and maintain corrective action.
• Know the properties of materials and select correct materials for an application.
• Assess/identify adverse or hazardous environmental conditions and apply effective environmental control measures according to specified requirements.
• Record and control projects logistically and supervise operators.
• Control and construct the budget.
• Delegate responsibilities, and communicate effectively verbally and non-verbally.
• Write technical reports and interpret engineering drawings.
• Write operational procedures and make formal presentations.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyse and solve problems through.
• Minor plant research projects.
• Illustrate the ability to work on his/her own within laid down guidelines according to constraints and abilities.
• Provide evidence of self-motivation.

Integrated Assessment

Both formative and summative assessments are integral components of all modules within the programme and have an application to both traditional summative and continuous assessment, ensuring overall applied competence. In order to assess learners' knowledge of the fundamental principles in mathematics and natural sciences underlying extraction metallurgy technology, assessments methods in the form of class tests, assignments, project work and tutorials will be used. Similar assessments methods will also be utilised in determining learners' ability to apply mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences, supported by established mathematical formulae, codified engineering analysis, methods and procedures to solve well-defined extraction metallurgy problems.