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                             

Reporting to the Superintendent, Backend Section: Responsible for all activities related to the operation and maintenance of the High-Pressure Leach (HPL) process. Ensures operation within design specifications as well as compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Performs process troubleshooting and improvement activities. Provides technical support in project implementation and commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

Provide leadership and mentoring for your subordinates, including on-going training and development.Plan and conduct HPL campaigns including but not limited to process parameter settings, monitoring, and adjustment; scheduling; material handling; and product quality control.Perform HPL process troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.Monitor and maintain HPL equipment performance by using CBM/PDM techniques such as vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, and ultrasonic testing.Contribute to the development and implementation of new processes, products, procedures, and technologies that will enhance existing operations or address specific needs.Work closely with the Operations team to develop plans for optimizing production levels while meeting safety and environmental requirements.Support the development of preventative maintenance strategies, schedules, and work orders based on manufacturing experience, knowledge of failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA).Provide expertise during the commissioning phases of new projects and ensure a smooth transition into steady-state operation.Identify training needs and provide coaching to operational staff to improve their skills and knowledge.Collaborates with other departments to gather feedback and make improvements to the HPL process.Carry out routine maintenance and repairs to the Fixed Process Plant equipment rotables, while training subordinate employees.Ensure QA/QC of rebuilds such as welding inspections, fitting and machining tolerance/limits on rotables, including certification of external manufactured in warehouse/or installed on plantIdentify continuous improvement opportunities of re-manufacturing/manufacturing processes and systemsMonitor and maintain in-depth understanding of Rotable life/condition on plant equipment, warehouse and laydown yardsConstantly working with Reliability section on equipment condition, alignment, vibration, temperatures, oils and NDT (wear-rate, 3D Scanning, Crack detection etc.)Promote and comply with the KMP Occupational Health & Safety Policies.Ensure appropriate facilities, procedures and workforce competence to achieve legal compliance, incident prevention and the achievement of tasks in an environmentally sustainable mannerCreating of accurate work scopes, planning and execution with long and short term planningCooperate with the maintenance planners regarding input schedules and accurate Rotable information.Participate in Diagnostic fault finding on rotable failures in the Fixed process plantAbility to use Root- cause analysis tools in investigating breakdowns and sub-standard performance of rotables/remansUpdate SOPs with RCFA/5WHYS and FMEA inputs.Perform any other duties as required by Management throughout KMP plant

Qualifications

Grade twelve (Grade 12)/High School CertificateTrade Certificate or Degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar field.Demonstrated competence in two or more of the following areas: HPAL technology, mechanical maintenance, electrical maintenance, instrumentation & controls, process engineering, chemistry, metallurgy, materials engineering.Ability to perform tasks under pressure.Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Understanding of HPL leaching principles, reactions, and mechanisms.Experience in leading teams.Fluent in English.Eligible for Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ) & Engineering Registration Board (ERB) membership

Experience

Minimum of five years’ experience working in the mining industry specifically in a sulphuric acid environment. Preference would be given to those who have worked in a HPL circuitSolid experience across a broad range of HPL equipment: Autoclaves, Agitators, Mechanical seals, High pressure valves, Gearboxes, Pneumatic Circuits, Hydraulic circuits, Slurry Pumps, Screens, Conveyors, Chutes, Tanks, and Drives.Experience with Oxygen plant: Air Compressors, Oxygen compressors, Liquid Oxygen Pump, Welding processes with a strong focus on continuous improvementInterpretation of Drawings, 3D scanning and PID’sGood understanding of production and maintenance priority of large-scale process equipmentExperience with work permit systems and safe work procedures to control maintenance activities and manage hazards associated with mining industry. Knowledge of risk assessment methodology and applicationAbility to mentor local workforceVery good problem-solving skillsGood communication skills who give clear, concise instructionsPrevious OEM experience with Autoclaves, Pumps, Gearbox OEM, Fabrication, is added advantage

Behavioural Traits

TeamworkBold initiativeThinking safelyUpholding qualityTechnical SkillDriving quantityDriving attendance

Operational Requirements

Standby work requiredOvertime when necessaryExposure to dust, heat and noisePC LiteracyAn understanding of the cultural and political environmentAn understanding of relevant legislation, policies and procedures

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