Senior Metallurgical Engineer – Commination at First Quantum Minerals

At First Quantum, we empower our employees by embracing a distinctive approach rooted in a unique and clearly defined culture – the “First Quantum Way.” At our organization, we foster a distinctive work environment unlike others, and as such, we seek individuals who embrace a more daring and strategic mindset to identify opportunities, resolve challenges, and achieve outcomes effectively. Our organization fosters a dynamic environment where independent thinking and innovative problem-solving are not just encouraged but expected. By challenging conventional approaches, we empower our team to achieve exceptional outcomes in some of the world’s most remarkable destinations. Job description: Overall Job Purpose The Senior Metallurgist – Commination, as a vital contributor to the Processing Technical team and under the direction of the Superintendent Technical, is responsible for establishing, executing, implementing, overseeing, and documenting the Commination plant process strategy to enhance metallurgical efficiency. As the designated authority over the technical operations within the Commination section, The position emphasizes continuous improvement through daily, weekly, and monthly optimizations. Specific Job Responsibility Ensure full compliance with the legal obligations associated with the appointed role as stipulated by Zambian Mining Regulations. Maximizing production while optimizing energy efficiency, achieving the desired grind size for optimal downstream processing—specifically sulphide flotation—and minimizing liner wear and media consumption. This position is responsible for enhancing the Commination process by focusing on crusher and mill liners, metallurgical performance design and efficiency, grinding media management, and optimizing power consumption. Ensure the section consistently upholds HSE standards and strictly complies with all established guidelines. All Safety and Environmental incidents must be addressed and reported without delay to maintain compliance and mitigate risks effectively. Develop and execute the metallurgical process strategy for commination operations. Deliver and surpass key performance indicators (KPIs) on a consistent basis, including operational expenditure (OPEX), particle size distribution (PSD), throughput, float feed PSD, crusher closed-side setting (CSS) optimization, grinding media consumption, cyclone cluster performance, ball loading volumes, pebble generation, commination power optimization, and maintenance of a fully functional expert system. Provide technical assistance to operations personnel on a daily and weekly basis within the processing plant to actively engage in work activities and optimize performance. Job Specific Competencies We are responsible for tracking, evaluating, controlling, and documenting process performance metrics—such as conducting in-plant sampling and analyzing results—to ensure operational efficiency and compliance. Perform comprehensive troubleshooting and in-depth data analysis—leveraging PI Vision within the PI System Data environment—to systematically diagnose root causes and implement corrective measures for underperforming plant operations. Coordinate comprehensive milling surveys, implement plant field trials, and conduct metallurgical test-work to assess circuit efficiency, identifying opportunities for performance enhancements and proposing strategic improvement measures. Maintain a comprehensive database of all plant trials, documenting parameter adjustments and corresponding plant reactions. Maintain an up-to-date and accurate database containing essential metallurgical parameters, including cyclone performance metrics, spigot dimensions, and closed-side settings (CSS), among other critical values. Daily Operating Instructions are issued to shift teams and subsequently followed up to ensure adherence to critical process parameters, trials, tasks, and considerations. Drive the identification and execution of creative, forward-thinking solutions to address challenges and opportunities. Evaluate plant design, assess scope, and prepare comprehensive justifications for capital improvement initiatives. We actively participate in the commissioning of new projects, ensuring thorough oversight and seamless execution throughout the process. Define the philosophies governing commination process control and work alongside the Metallurgist for Process Control and Control Engineers to deploy, calibrate, and sustain the developed control systems. Redefine and oversee the operation of the Commination expert control system. Oversee the coordination between Processing and Mining operations to optimize blasting, grinding, and crushing efficiency. Ensure technical activities are seamlessly integrated and consistently aligned with the objectives of the Commination operating teams. Oversee and ensure the activities and performance standards of subordinate staff members meet established expectations. Assist in the dissemination of technical expertise among team members to enhance collective proficiency. Ensure that cost management is integrated into ongoing decision-making processes. Provide support and assistance with additional tasks as directed by the Superintendent Technical. Effectively implement and apply simulation models and software packages to conduct thorough process evaluations. Key Job Attributes Commitment to SHEC performance; Accomplishes objectives by leveraging strong leadership and motivational abilities to effectively delegate tasks and guide teams toward successful outcomes. Committed to achieving results with a proactive approach, demonstrating personal accountability and a strong sense of ownership in all responsibilities. Demonstrates exceptional capability in delegating tasks, fostering collaborative relationships, and aligning diverse operational functions to cultivate a cohesive team dynamic. Strong aptitude in cognitive reasoning and analytical evaluation is required to discern process inefficiencies, identify operational bottlenecks, and execute metallurgical testing initiatives effectively. Demonstrates a strong aptitude for overseeing technical research initiatives, as well as leading, mentoring, and developing metallurgical engineers and technicians. Proficient in performing sophisticated calculations and skilled in interpreting and comprehending intricate statistical metallurgical data. Demonstrates a robust grasp of intricate metallurgical principles, alongside a proven ability to enhance processes and implement effective control strategies. We are seeking a candidate with strong verbal and written communication abilities, capable of compiling and analyzing data to produce precise operational performance reports, effectively conveying information to stakeholders at all levels. Demonstrates strong personal discipline and resilience while operating in high-pressure situations. Maintain meticulous attention to detail and a comprehensive approach. Display a proactive and enthusiastic attitude at all times. Proficiency in computer applications and systems is essential. Demonstrates adaptability and effectiveness in diverse cultural settings. English language fluency. Proficiency in the required competencies is essential for successful performance in this position. With at least five years of hands-on experience in extensive, intricate metallurgical process operations—particularly those involving commination circuits—you will bring a wealth of practical expertise to this role. Professional Rewriting: We require hands-on experience in technical metallurgical or engineering positions within processing plants, with a particular focus on the crushing and milling of base metals, including SAG and ball mill operations. Required expertise includes proficiency in process control systems, process information databases—such as PI Process Book—and metallurgical optimization. Qualifications Grade 12 Certificate Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Extractive Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, or a closely related discipline. Prospective candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for membership in the Engineering Institute of Zambia (LIZ) and fulfill the legal requirements for relevant appointments as outlined in the Mining Regulations of Zambia. Academic credentials must be duly authenticated by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZARA). Sharing is a fundamental aspect of collaboration and knowledge dissemination. Kindly utilize the icons provided below to distribute this information.

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