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:

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title: … Control Room Operator – Electric Furnace

Site: … Kansanshi

Department: … Smelter

Section: … Primary Smelting

Position reports to: … Shift Controller – Primary Smelting

Purpose

Safely and efficiently control the Electric Furnace and associated equipment via the plant control system.

Key Responsibilities

This position will be required to adhere to all relevant requirements, policies, procedures and legal regulations pertaining to health, safety, environment and quality, as well as finance, human resources, and any other regulations as required by the company and relevant to the level of the role and responsibilities of the function

Ensure that the Electric furnace and associated equipment are operated efficiently and safely within prescribed limits to achieve production targets.
Monitor and control process parameters & plant equipment through the Distributed Control System (DCS), principally the MSEF and associated equipment
Ensure furnace temperature & level are controlled by regular furnace dip and temperature measurements
Regularly inspect the furnace condition.
Respond to alarms and process disturbances in a timely manner
Operate safety systems such as Emergency Stop Systems in the event of an emergency.
Clearly and accurately communicate the status of the plant to others, eg. field operators, maintenance workers, other control room operators (e.g. ISASMELT CRO and Utilities).
Maintain an accurate operating log-sheet.
Provide field operators with information and instructions as required to enable them to carry out their jobs safely and effectively
Monitor and interpret assay results from process streams
Monitor and interpret process data via the plant process historian system (PI)
Actively seek more information and assistance from other sources as required to diagnose and correct any problems with operating equipment and processes (e.g. maintenance, metallurgists)
Understand and identify all relevant plant equipment, process control systems & emergency systems; be able to explain these clearly to others
When not occupied with core duties, assist other plant operators with routine tasks such as isolations and lock-outs, housekeeping, and sampling
Other duties as directed by the Supervisor

Qualifications

Required:

Grade 12 Full Certificate and previous experience as a Control Room Operator
A Diploma in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering or Equivalent is added advantage

Experience

Work experience either in Isasmelt CRO/ MSEF CRO or both
Any exposure to the DCS system

BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

Attention to detail
Good communication skills and the ability to write clearly and concisely in English
Responsible and punctual approach to work
Discipline and teamwork
Ability to follow instructions and to give instructions where required
Good at implementing changes in operating practice

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

MS Office proficient