Senior Metallurgist, Mineralogy

Job description

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 Summary

The purpose of this position is to maintain the SEM at a high level of performance and maximum availability by performing simple repairs and the calibrations necessary for its proper operation. This role also involves developing and calibrating mineralogical databases to ensure the high quality of results delivered by the mineralogy laboratory. Finally, the role includes supporting all technical teams to foster excellence and facilitate the transfer of expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure that the person, immediate environment, team and work performed are accident/incident free
• Compliance with internal procedures
• Lead initiatives to streamline SEM data management workflows, including the development of SOPs to ensure data consistency, traceability, archiving, and efficient access to information
• SEM maintenance, set-up and calibration to ensure microscope availability at 90% throughout the year, including yearly action plan of maintenance and improvement
• Initiate and lead projects to assess SEM analytical performance, including accuracy, precision, and reproducibility in order to reach international best standards
• Development of a mineralogical database, with the goal of achieving 0% unclassified results in the Kansanshi stream analyses
• Calibration of the databases using the chemistry lab to achieve a perfect correlation between the two analyses
• Implement a data management system to make all data accessible and organized
• Develop and implement improvements to enhance data quality and analytical capabilities
• Supporting the sample preparation team to achieve an excellent polished surface
• Training for members of the mineralogy team on how to use the microscope
• Involvement in other projects relevant to mineralogical understanding of Kansanshi e.g. ore characterisation projects and mineralogical circuit surveys
• Assisting plant metallurgists and operations teams to use mineralogical results for plant diagnostics that include identification of mineralogical reasons for significant fluctuations in recovery and/or grade

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical/Process/Metallurgical Engineering or Geology with demonstrable expertise in Mineralogy. Laboratory or Plant Experience in Mineral Processing and Hydrometallurgy is advantageous. Must be a member of the engineering institute of Zambia as per Act No.27 of 1992.

Experience

• A minimum of 2 years relevant experience in a mineralogical laboratory, with a strong demonstrated knowledge of SEM.
• Experience in data management using Microsoft applications like PowerBI and Excel
• Excellent communication skills to handle daily discussions with peers, management, the technical team and suppliers
• Proven experience in coaching and knowledge transfer

BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

• Systematic approach to routine tasks and problem solving

• Teamwork – build relationships based on trust and respect
• Data driven
• Works with minimum supervision
• Results orientated – balance quality and quantity of work

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Overtime work when required.
• Punctual
• Be free of physical and mental impediments which hamper the execution of required duties within specified time frames