Plant Laboratory Engineer (Backfill Specialist)

Wagagai Mining (U) Limited, Uganda's pioneering fully automated large-scale gold mining operation, is seeking a seasoned Plant Laboratory Engineer to temporarily fill a critical role within its production facility. This position demands proficiency in conducting comprehensive chemical and physical analyses to ensure adherence to stringent quality standards and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline, along with at least three years of hands-on experience in a plant laboratory environment. Responsibilities include overseeing routine testing procedures, troubleshooting deviations, maintaining precise documentation, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives. Strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to interpret complex data are essential for success in this role.

Wagagai Mining (U) Ltd (WGG) seeks a dynamic and results-driven individual to oversee its operational activities, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of five years of relevant experience in mining operations, project management, or a closely related field, along with a degree in Mining Engineering, Geology, or a related discipline. Proficiency in mining software, strong analytical skills, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams are essential. Responsibilities include managing exploration projects, optimizing extraction processes, ensuring safety protocols, and maintaining environmental sustainability. The role demands exceptional problem-solving abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.

Experienced professionals in the mining sector are sought to oversee extraction operations, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards while optimizing production efficiency. Candidates must possess a degree in mining engineering, geology, or a related field, along with at least five years of hands-on experience in mine management or a similar role. Proficiency in industry-specific software, such as AutoCAD or Mine Sight, and strong leadership abilities are essential. Responsibilities include supervising teams, conducting risk assessments, and implementing sustainable mining practices to minimize environmental impact.

The Energy & Mining sectors within the Science & Engineering domain encompass diverse technical and operational challenges, emphasizing sustainable resource extraction, innovative energy solutions, and rigorous engineering practices to optimize efficiency and environmental stewardship. Professionals in this field are expected to possess specialized expertise in areas such as geoscience, petroleum engineering, renewable energy systems, or environmental compliance, alongside strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Key responsibilities typically include conducting feasibility studies, designing extraction or energy production processes, ensuring regulatory adherence, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver projects aligned with both business objectives and ecological sustainability goals.

Wagagai Mining (U) Ltd (“WGG”), Uganda’s pioneering fully automated large-scale gold mining operation, is headquartered in Busia. The Company runs a 5,000-tonne-per-day concentrator, a 350-tonne-per-day kyanization plant, a fully automated underground mine, and a gold smelting and refining facility. In response to expanding production requirements, WGG is now seeking applications from highly qualified professionals for the following essential technical roles.

Job Summary: Conducts thorough testing and quality inspections of backfill mix designs to ensure adherence to specifications and standards. Oversee and execute a range of critical responsibilities encompassing strategic planning, operational oversight, and team leadership to drive organizational success. Ensure adherence to established policies, procedures, and compliance standards while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. Collaborate cross-functionally to align departmental goals with broader company objectives, optimizing efficiency and performance. Develop and implement initiatives to enhance productivity, innovation, and employee engagement, while maintaining a strong focus on risk management and cost control. Provide clear direction and mentorship to team members, promoting professional growth and fostering a high-performing work environment.

Design and execute mix-design tests while preparing and curing specimens, performing compressive strength evaluations, measuring slurry density and bleeding, and refining cement-tailings ratios. Additionally, perform on-site quality inspections, analyze collected data, and generate detailed reports to ensure compliance and performance standards are met.

Seeking a highly qualified candidate to deliver exceptional results in a dynamic environment. Essential qualifications include a minimum of three years of relevant experience, demonstrated proficiency in project management, and strong interpersonal skills. The ideal applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field or possess equivalent professional credentials. Additional prerequisites consist of the ability to work independently, exceptional problem-solving capabilities, and familiarity with industry-standard software tools.

Requires a diploma or higher qualification in civil, materials, or mining engineering, along with at least three years of hands-on experience in backfill laboratory settings. Must demonstrate expertise in mix-design testing, specimen preparation, and compressive strength testing. Familiarity with full-tailings cemented paste backfill methods is essential.

Wagagai Mining is committed to equal opportunity employment and actively encourages applications from Ugandan nationals. Those selected will undergo structured training led by international specialists and will have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge automated mining technology.

Design and perform mix-design evaluations to determine optimal material compositions, ensuring compliance with project specifications and industry standards. Conduct comprehensive testing procedures to analyze performance characteristics, including durability, strength, and workability, and document findings to support data-driven decision-making in construction applications. Prepare and cure test specimens according to established protocols to ensure they meet required specifications for subsequent analysis and evaluation. Perform compressive strength testing to assess material durability and performance under pressure, ensuring compliance with industry standards and project specifications. Measure and record slurry density and bleeding levels to ensure accurate monitoring and quality control throughout the process. Optimize the proportions of cement to tailings to enhance mixture performance and structural integrity while ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to project specifications.

On-site quality inspections are performed to meticulously evaluate and ensure adherence to established standards and specifications. This role entails the systematic examination of processes, materials, and finished products to identify any deviations, defects, or areas in need of improvement. Detailed reports are compiled to document findings, and corrective actions are promptly recommended to maintain compliance with quality benchmarks. Strong attention to detail and proficiency in inspection techniques are essential to effectively uphold product integrity and operational excellence.

You will be responsible for examining data sets, interpreting findings, and generating detailed reports to summarize key insights and trends for stakeholders. We conduct comprehensive mix-design testing to evaluate and refine concrete formulations, ensuring optimal performance, durability, and compliance with industry standards. This involves analyzing material properties, adjusting proportions, and validating results through rigorous laboratory and field assessments. Candidates should possess a strong background in concrete technology, familiarity with testing protocols such as ASTM or PASHTO standards, and proficiency in data interpretation. Additionally, experience with mix-design software and a keen attention to detail are essential for achieving precise and reliable outcomes.

Specimen preparation involves meticulously handling, processing, and organizing biological or environmental samples to ensure accuracy and integrity for analysis. This role requires attention to detail, adherence to strict protocols, and familiarity with laboratory safety standards. Responsibilities include labeling, sorting, and preparing specimens for testing, as well as maintaining detailed records of each sample’s handling and storage conditions. Candidates should possess prior experience in specimen management, a strong understanding of aseptic techniques, and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions precisely.

Conducts compressive strength testing to evaluate the structural integrity and durability of materials, ensuring they meet specified performance standards and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

Demonstrates expertise in full-tailings cemented paste backfill systems and applications. A diploma or higher qualification in civil, materials, or mining engineering is required for this role. Requires a minimum of three years of hands-on experience in backfill laboratory procedures. An associate degree is required for this position, demonstrating foundational knowledge in a relevant field. Candidates must possess at least two years of hands-on experience in a related role to ensure practical competency. Strong communication skills are essential to collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders. The ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently under tight deadlines is a key requirement. Familiarity with industry-specific software and tools is expected to perform duties competently. Attention to detail and a commitment to continuous learning are vital for long-term success in this role.

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