Chief Metallurgist
First Quantum Minerals
- Kalumbila, North-Western Province
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Define and implement the metallurgical process strategy.
- Consistently deliver and exceed the main KPI's of throughput, recovery, power and reagent consumption through monitoring and optimisation.
- Consistently deliver and exceed the main KPIs of metallurgical accounting and technical reporting - (i) accuracy and (ii) timeliness.
- Directly participate in the daily & weekly work activities of the processing plant, serving as a technical support to operations personnel to enhance performance.
- Monitor, analyse, control and report process performance indicators (including in-plant sampling & results).
- Maintain comprehensive technical documentation for crushing, grinding, and flotation processes, including equipment specifications, operating procedures, and change records.
- Collaborate with the metallurgical team to conduct detailed process simulations and tests to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Conduct regular metallurgical testing and analysis, including mineralogical studies and particle size distribution assessments.
- Collaborate with the laboratory team to ensure accurate and timely sample analysis and data interpretation.
- Investigate and resolve process issues and deviations promptly to minimize production disruptions.
- Take accountability for the monitoring and optimisation of the Process plant’s performance.
- Work in collaboration with Commercial team to manage the concentrate quality component of the concentrate shed inventory and dispatch management system.
- Work in collaboration with Commercial team on routine accounts and report on processing reagent stocks, ensuring appropriate levels are maintained at all times.
- Maintain health, safety and environmental standards and ensure strict compliance within the nickel plant.
- Coordinate the proper and thorough completion of loss tracking systems to ensure high integrity of production loss and asset performance reporting.
- Develop and execute the site metallurgical accounting procedures, providing accurate and auditable production reconciliations and reporting systems.
- Conduct troubleshooting and detailed data analysis to identify root causes and corrective actions to optimize plant performance.
- Coordinate milling/flotation surveys, plant field trials and metallurgical test-work to evaluate circuit performance and recommend ways of improving performance.
- Document and maintain a database of all plant trials, including parameter changes and plant responses.
- Maintain and routinely communicate a database of critical metallurgical values.
- Ensure strong integration and alignment of technical activities with process operations team.
- Issue to and follow up on daily operating parameters to the shift teams on key process parameters, tasks and considerations.
- Constantly seek out and implement innovative solutions, including testing of new reagents.
- Review plant design, scope and develop justification for capital upgrades.
- Active involvement in the commissioning of new projects.
- Interact with Mining team & Geologists on feed ore characteristics and work closely with the geology and Geo metallurgy functions on ore types of definition, control and feed options.
- Supervise and control the activities, standards of performance of subordinate staff.
- Ensure cost management is part of on-going decision making.
- Perform any other duties as assigned by the Senior Superintendent.
- In-depth knowledge of metallurgical principles, mineral processing, and flotation circuit design.
- Strong understanding of complex metallurgical information, process improvement and control strategies.
- Proficiency in process control systems, data analysis tools, and simulation software.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex technical issues.
- Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in metallurgical safety.
- Experience with plant trials, test work, and statistical analysis.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
- Strong communication and leadership abilities.
- Excellent literacy and numeracy skills.
- Good cognitive and analytical skills for identifying process shortfalls, bottlenecks and implementing metallurgical testing.
- Project management skills to oversee equipment upgrades and process improvement projects.
- Must be thorough and detail oriented
- Must be dependable and self-motivated
- Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to interact with people of different cultures.
- Must be bold, smart and driven.
- Must be able to work under pressure and multi-task.
- Must be adaptable and a team player.
- Work safely and to regulations - setting an example for all personnel.
- 14 years in complex metallurgical operations
- 4 years in a similar role
- Direct experience in plant metallurgist roles with specific experience in base metal flotation.
- Experience in process control systems, process information databases (i.e., PowerBI, PI Process Book) and metallurgical optimization practices required.
- Demonstrated site-based experience in nickel flotation is a plus.
- Previous experience in talc flotation circuits is advantageous.
- Involvement in the commissioning and ramp up of a processing plant is desirable.
- . Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred.
- Manual SADC class B driver’s licence preferred.
- EIZ membership eligibility
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