Metallurgist – Primary Smelting First Quantum Minerals Ltd (FQM)

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: Metallurgist – Primary Smelting

Site: Kansanshi Mining Plc

Department: Smelter Process

Section: Primary Smelting Technical

Position reports to: Superintendent Technical – Primary Smelting

Grade: 15

Direct reports: N/A

Purpose

Assist the Superintendent Technical – Primary Smelting in:

Carrying out process and operating improvement projects.
Improving process and operating safety, productivity and cost.
The Primary Smelting Section consists of a Materials Handling Plant, an Isasmelt ™ Furnace; Waste Heat Boiler and associated off gas collection system and a Matte Setting Electric Furnace.

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.

Monitor, analyse and report on the operation of plant equipment items and processes in the Primary Smelting Section using a range of tools, information and systems
Carry out data analysis and process calculations using computer-based systems
Write technical reports and give technical presentations to internal and external audiences
Generate production reports using computer-based systems such as the plant data historian (PI)
Generate operating plans to achieve production targets
Assist in the maintenance and further development of the PI system
Identify process and equipment problems; suggest strategies, changes and modifications to solve these problems
Carry out site-based sampling and test-work as directed by the Superintendent – Technical
Identify opportunities for equipment and process improvements
Assist with (and manage) projects to improve plant operations and safety
Assist operators and maintenance workers with fault-finding and problem solving
Offer technical advice and process information to operators and maintenance workers to assist in achieving plant safety and production targets
Assist in keeping the plant Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) up-to-date
Develop operating procedures, risk assessments, safe work instructions and other similar documents as required
Provide technical supervision and assistance during plant shutdowns
Manage and maintain refractory monitoring systems
Other duties as directed by the Superintendent – Technical

Qualifications

Minimum university-level qualification in either Process Engineering, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy or equivalent

Experience

Required:

Operating experience in a process plant, in particular a copper smelter
Skilled user of standard computer applications such as Microsoft Excel
Familiarity with engineering drawings
Advanced level of literacy and numeracy

Desirable:

Familiarity with typical process plant equipment such as pumps, machines and instrumentation
Familiarity with safety systems, permit systems and procedures in a process plant environment
Familiarity with the PI system
Familiarity with VBA coding

BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

Fast learning and open to gain experience in new/different fields
High level of communication skills and the ability to write clearly and concisely
Critical thinking and data analysis
Ability to follow instructions and to give instructions where required
Good at implementing changes in operating practice
Systematic monitoring and assessment skills
Hard working and self-driven

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

High level of knowledge of plant equipment items and process
Problem solving
Troubleshooting and root cause analysis
Reporting on plant and process data
Prepared to work occasionally in noisy and dusty/gaseous environments
Team player