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:

Purpose of the role

First Quantum is a multinational company that embodies an entrepreneurial spirit and delivers tangible results. Boldness, intelligence, and drive are inherent in the way we operate. We prioritize the well-being of our employees, the protection of the environment, and the support of our communities. We seek to hire a self-motivated and resilient individual who shares these values for the Principal Geologist, Mineral Resources role at our Kansanshi Mining Plc Operations, in Zambia.

The Senior Geologist, Mineral Resources reports to the Geology Manager, Kansanshi and is a key member of the Mine Technical Department and senior site management team.  The incumbent will use their geoscientific knowledge and leadership skills to support, guide and direct Mineral Resource estimates that develop value for mining and processing. The purpose of this role is to translate geological information that is relevant to mining and processing into block model resource estimates for mine planning, conversion into reserves and for the purposes of ore control.

Job & Candidate Requirements:

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Ensure a THINK safety work culture is maintained.Adopt and promote a commitment to technical excellence.Align with Key Performance Area (KPA) framework group guidance and governance.Assist with design and maintenance of multi-disciplinary data collection programmes (e.g. drilling and sampling, mapping, logging, sampling, geophysics, remote sensing, airborne surveys, etc.).Ensure effective and efficient data collection (geological, geophysical, geochemical and geostatistical data) for mineral resource estimates.Assist with planning and directing near mine mineral resource development.Assure data quality -  review, design and implementation robust quality assurance (QA) programmes and protocols.Review, design, implement rigorous quality control (QC) measures to ensure data quality and perform regular data quality reviews.Assure and promote consistent and secure database standards.Analyse and interpret multiple spatial and statistical data sets (geology, geophysics, geochemical and geostatistical) to confirm, improve and expand the geoscientific knowledge base and ensure accurate representation of prevailing geology.Analyse, integrate and link multiple geological-, mining production- and processing datasets.Identify, characterize and incorporate geological-, geophysical-, geochemical and geostatistical domains in resource and ore control estimates for improved accuracy.Model and analyse variograms for spatial continuity prediction and optimal estimation/ simulation parameters.Geological modelling – 3D modelling of lithologic, stratigraphic, structure, mineralisation, weathering, oxidation, alterations.Block model estimation – selection and application of most appropriate/ correct methods for estimation of domains and variables.Ensure alignment of Ore Control and Resource estimates and methods.Actively complete, guide block estimation, assist with mineral resource classification and all key inputs as required for public disclosure in accordance with the CIM standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves – definitions and guidelines as well as the Rules and Policies of the National Instrument NI43-101.  Tasks to be performed under the direction and guidance of the Group Principal Geologist, Mineral Resources and Geology Manager.Assist with developing and improving resource estimates with the objectives of ore control and delivering to plan. Support planning, blasting, mining and processing with relevant and timely geological block model information.Alignment of resource estimates for conversion into reserves – confidence limits etc.Perform risk assessment of estimates and geology for mining and processingReporting - Monthly/ quarterly/ half yearly and annual - data quality performance, mineral resources, internal and external governance and compliance.Assist with preparation of and contribution to technical reports and documentation in accordance with reporting code principles and guidelines (NI43-101, JORC, SAMREC, others)Actively assist in building mineral resource estimation capability & capacity through mentorship and training.Support functional integration along the mine value chain for improvement (planning, mining and processing).Maintain transparent, healthy communication and reporting lines with the group entity to facilitate guidance, alignment and governance.Actively assist and prosper collaboration and cross-pollination.Identify feasible metal opportunities and assists in the development thereof.Ensure effective communication of key performance metrics relevant to the mining geology function.Assist with consideration and incorporation of environmental, social and governance (ESG) variables into work programmes and estimates for sustainability.Evaluate and ensure that work programme activities are aligned and comply with relevant mining, technical and ESG regulations, standards, and industry best practices.Assist with the establishment of robust, clear and transparent corporate social responsibility (CSR) communications to ensure community engagement at the appropriate level/s for effecting work programme execution.

Qualifications Required:

A recognized geoscience tertiary qualification.Membership of a Recognized Professional Organisation (ROPO) as per NI43-101.Competence in accordance with reporting code guidelines (NI43-101, JORC, SAMREC, etc.)A recognised certificate/qualification or training in Geostatistics.

Experience & Skills Required:

To be considered eligible for this role the incumbent will comply with minimum experience requirements, require previous experience in resource modelling/ estimation, demonstrate a high degree of proficiency, sound practical application (Intermediate – Advanced) of technical skills for Mineral Resource Estimation.

A minimum 6 years relevant experience with at least 3 years in a resource estimation role.Copper and nickel base metal geology, mineralization styles and mineral systems and ore forming processes.>5 years Open pit production experienceGeology block modelling and resource estimation

Proven capability and experience in the following key performance areas/ skills:

Data Collection and Analysis (Intermediate-Advanced

Best practice sampling practice and laboratory analytical techniques and methodsGeological/ Geophysical/ Geochemical and Geostatistical data collection and formattingExploratory data analysis and interpretationSpatial data and statistical data analysisDomain identification, analysis and characterization

Data- and Database Management (Intermediate-Advanced

Data quality assurance and control (QAQC)Data verification and validationSecure data storage and sharing (compatibility, integration and interoperability of datasets)General database management and principlesData presentation and visualization (reports, maps, plans, graphs, dashboards, presentations)

3D Geological Modelling (Intermediate-Advanced

Geology knowledge and 3D modelling3D VisualizationSectional interpretations3D Volume modellingMultiple 3D data integration3D Wireframing3D Model validation

Block Model Estimation (Intermediate-Advanced

GeostatisticsVariogram analysis and modellingGeneration of block modelsEstimation parameter setupEstimate method selection and estimationEstimate validationBlock estimate formattingMineral Resource classification- Uncertainty analysis/ classificationAdvanced estimationConditional simulationBlock estimation with Machine LearningEstimation method standardization

Integration areas

Planning – resource-reserve conversion, dilution studies, equipment scheduling, SMU selection and plan optimization studies.Mine production – blasting, digging and loading practices, material handling and production tracking, stockpile design and management, ore blending and ore blending strategies.Geometallurgy - geometallurgical studies, -variables, -domaining, -modelling, mineral processing, ore performance and ore characterization.

Governance and reporting

Technical Report writing and sound understanding of reporting codes and statutory reporting.CSR, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks

Software Proficiency (Expert level)

Microsoft Office suiteDatamine Studio RMSnowden/ Optiro SupervisorISATISLeapfrogMicrosoft Power BIKnowledge of relevant production software (Datamine, Leapfrog, Datashed, Snowden Supervisor or other relevant mining software).

Management and leadership skills, including:

Leadership for motivating, clear goal setting and informed decision makingGood verbal and written communication skillsStrategic thinking for identifying metal opportunity and trends impacting on longer term planningEmotional intelligence including self-awareness and managing emotions of othersCollaboration & IntegrationDelegation, andConflict managementProblem Solving

Inter-personal skills

Clear and effective communicationInterdisciplinary collaboration and integrationEmotional intelligenceConflict managementCustomer service

Behavioural Traits Required:

Ability to work with/ as part of teams within a multi-cultural and diverse environmentIntegrity – demonstrated ability to act with integrity, honesty and ethicallyAdaptability to new ideas and technologyPragmatismA positive attitude with optimism and driveA passion for the development and mentoring of people.

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