At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

Overall Job Purpose

Ensuring the most effective day to day mill operation by working closely with operations and maintenance groups.  This includes troubleshooting of operating problems (including through designed testwork), ensuring that recommendations are implemented and that the most effective working plans in the comminution process are adhered.

Specific Job Responsibility

Look after the operation of every equipment of the comminution process (Crushers, conveyors, screens, hydro-cyclones, pumps, grinding mills, etc.) to maximise productivity and maintain target grind to flotation while ensuring equipment integrity and product quality.Prepare and monitor daily grinding media requirement in consideration of ore forecast by geology and mill conditions.Keep an up todate knowledge of operating parameters of all front end equipment in terms of crusher CSS, trommel and screen size opening and cyclone spigot size to ensure compliance to target product sizes.Up todate data collection and analysis to provide sound, reasoned and fact based technical support to plant operations.Ensuring that duties of front end metallurgist and technicians are performed according to accepted standards and regulations.Providing a day-to-day management support to the business.Ability to co-ordinate events like sampling surveys and inspections whenever necessary.

Job Specific Competencies

Leading the identification of aspects of front end operations on a daily basis that may provide opportunities for improvements in operational efficiency, safety, or environmental stewardship, evaluating options for taking advantage of these opportunities, and recommending and implementing the best option. Implementing of standard operating procedures on every front end equipment.Define operating parameters to suite the ore forecast for the day.Support all shift operators to ensure all target KPIs are met.Interact with process and engineering department personnel to ensure global plant performance is most effective and safe.Producing written reports summarizing the findings of investigations, inspections and subsequent recommendations.

Key Job Attributes

Ability to communicate effectively.Ability to work long hours.Ability to walk around plant and ready to get dirty.Potential to resolve problems efficiently.Must be responsible, focused and self-motivated.Maintain a good working relationship with operators and tradesmen.

Experience required to perform in this job

The Plant Metallurgist will require knowledge, skills and experience in the following areas:

Proficiency in Microsoft office.Excellent supervision skills.At least 5 years’ experience in the operation of crushers, screens, grinding mills, cyclones and auxiliary equipment.Familiarity with crusher and grinding process control.Knowledge of other data processing software for comminution is a plus.

Qualifications

Grade 12 Certificate with a minimum of 5 passesDegree in Mineral Processing or equivalent Chemical Engineering.BSc. Degree in Metallurgical Engineering will be an added advantage.All qualifications should be certified by ZAQA

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