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

To be accountable for definition, implementation, monitoring & reporting of the Nickel plant process strategy to optimise metallurgical performance with a focus on daily-weekly-monthly optimisation, providing technical reports on plant performance and improvement projects. The role will also support the management of daily, weekly and monthly metallurgical accounting processes and the preparation of an annual budget and forecast updates.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take accountability for the monitoring and optimisation of the Process plant’s performance.
• Maintain health, safety, and environmental standards and ensure strict compliance within the nickel plant.
• 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.
• Maintaining of fully functional “expert” system to ensure efficient operation.
• 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 technical support to operations personnel to enhance performance.
• Monitor, analyse, control, and report process performance indicators (including in-plant sampling & results).
• Coordinate the proper and thorough completion of loss tracking systems to ensure high integrity of production loss and asset performance reporting.
• Work in collaboration with Commercial to manage the concentrate quality component of the concentrate shed inventory and dispatch management system.
• Work in collaboration with Commercial on routine accounts and report on processing reagent stocks, ensuring appropriate levels are maintained at all times.
• Develop and execute the site metallurgical accounting procedures, providing accurate and auditable production reconciliations and reporting systems.
• Conduct troubleshooting and detailed data analysis (i.e., using PI) to identify root causes and corrective actions to optimize plant performance.
• Coordinate milling 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.
• Issue to and follow up on daily operating instructions 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.
• Define process control philosophies and collaborate with the operations team to implement, tune and maintain the resultant control systems.
• Monitor the process functionality and utilisation of critical OSA instrumentation & measurements.
• Interact with Mining team & Geologists on feed ore characteristics.
• Ensure strong integration and alignment of technical activities with process operating teams.
• 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 supervisor.

Qualifications Required:

• Full grade twelve (G12) certificate.
• A degree in extractive metallurgy, mineral processing or related field.
• Master’s degree in extractive metallurgy, mineral processing or related field is advantageous.
• Manual SADC class B driver’s licence preferred.
• EIZ membership eligibility.

Experience & Skills Required:

• At least 5 years’ experience in large, complex metallurgical process operations in similar role.
• Direct experience in plant technical metallurgist/engineering roles with specific experience in base metal flotation.
• Demonstrated site-based experience in nickel flotation is required.
• Experience in process control systems, process information databases (i.e., PI Process Book), and metallurgical optimization required.
• Previous experience in talc removal circuits is advantageous.
• Involvement in the commissioning and operation of a plant is desirable.
• Excellent literacy and numeracy skills.
• Strong I.T skills.
• Strong understanding of complex metallurgical information, process improvement and control strategies.
• Good cognitive and analytical skills for identifying process shortfalls, bottlenecks and implementing metallurgical testing.
• Data analytics.
• Basic health and safety knowledge including job safety analysis.

Behavioural Traits Required:

• 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 a fast learner.
• 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.
• Willing to do shift work.