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

• The role has process control accountability for the crushing, grinding, flotation, thickening, reagents, ancillaries, OSA systems and all associated equipment.
• Communicate to operational personnel accurately as required.
• Monitor plant equipment and instruments to ensure proper operation.
• Respond and take corrective actions to plant alarms in a timely manner.
• Record any occurrences during a shift into the log sheets and log books.
• Maintain high safety standards.
• Compliance to HSE requirements and reporting/correcting defects and unsafe conditions to the supervisor.
• Ensure all incidents are reported promptly.
• Ensure that start-up and shutdown procedures in all areas of the plant are executed safely and promptly.
• Operate equipment according to procedures given in the operating strategies and instructions.
• Run the control system in the desired mode at all times, particularly the Expert System, or report & escalate the specific reasons for inability to do so.
• Perform regular checks of all equipment operating trends to ensure optimal operating conditions.
• Diagnose plant defects with field operations and ensure they are immediately escalated to the supervisor.
• Oversee real-time operations to deliver and exceed the KPI’s of crusher and milling throughputs, utilization, flotation feed grind size, recovery, concentrate grade and moisture and routine work compliance.
• Contribute to field operator development by training and coaching in the control aspects of the operations.
• Support software engineering team in the delivery of their tasks.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Job Specific Competencies

• Excellent computer proficiency including Microsoft Office.
• Excellent communication (written and spoken fluency in English) and supervisory skills.
• High competence and holistic understanding of field process plant operations.

Key Job Attributes

• Willingness to learn and progress, open mind to various challenges.
• Attention to detail and time management skills.
• Able to work in a team environment.
• A positive and mature attitude, sense of initiative.
• Passionate, enthusiastic and pro-active.
• Persistent, diligent and through approach.
• Strong commitment to SHEC performance.
• Very strong drive and personal sense of equipment ownership and accountability.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

Experience required to perform in this job

• Minimum 3 years of prior experience in control room operations in mineral processing plant(s), Siemens DCS experience is highly regarded.
• Experience with PI process book.
• Prior experience in plant commissioning and plant ramp-up is desirable.
• Experience in a large, complex base metals processing plant(s) is a plus.

Qualifications

• Full grade twelve (G12) certificate.
• Minimum of diploma in metallurgy, chemical engineering, mineral processing or related field.
• Degree in metallurgy, chemical engineering, mineral processing or related field is advantageous.