Background

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.

Purpose

The holder of this position will comply with all health, safety, environmental, quality, and statutory requirements in line with First Quantum Minerals (FQM) policies and Government regulations. The role supports operational excellence within the Flotation Tails and Sulphide Circuits at Kansanshi Processing Plant, Solwezi, Zambia.

The Artisan Maintenance Fitter will maximize plant availability by maintaining the integrity and reliability of Flotation Tails and Sulphide plant equipment to support copper and gold production targets. The position reports to the appointed Maintenance Supervisor and is responsible for delivering high-quality maintenance services safely, efficiently, and within required timelines.

Key Responsibilities

The position holder will be responsible for:

• Full compliance with mandatory PPE requirements when working in Flotation Tails and Sulphide circuits, including reflective work suits, safety goggles, safety boots, hard hats, and any other required PPE.
• Performing assigned mechanical maintenance tasks safely, efficiently, and to OEM and FQM standards.
• Ensuring adherence to Safety and Environmental Management Systems, policies, procedures, JSAs, Standard Maintenance Procedures (SMPs), Planned Task Observations (PTOs), and housekeeping standards.
• Diagnosing mechanical faults using observation and specialized tools such as vibration pens, temperature guns, and other diagnostic equipment.
• Participating in preventive maintenance (PMs), breakdown repairs, and proactive inspections on Flotation Tails and Sulphide equipment including flotation cells (rotors, stators, dart valves), slurry centrifugal pumps, thickener mechanisms, agitators, pipelines, valves, compressors, blowers, gearboxes, and drive systems.
• Supporting maintenance activities on tailings systems including underflow pumps, launders, cyclones, pipelines, and associated wear components.
• Coordinating closely with Maintenance and Process teams to achieve Safety, Production, and Cost KPI targets.
• Supporting and mentoring new employees to ensure compliance with established maintenance standards and procedures.

Qualifications & Experience

• Craft Certificate in Mechanical Fitting from a recognized institution (higher qualifications will be an added advantage).
• Grade 12 School Certificate.
• Fully paid-up member of EIZ (Craftsperson).
• Valid Zambian Class C driver’s license (added advantage).
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in fixed plant maintenance, preferably within Flotation, Sulphide, or Tails processing environments.
• Proven experience in installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of flotation cells, slurry pumps, thickeners, agitators, compressors, pipelines, valves, gearboxes, and drive systems.
• Experience in structured problem-solving techniques such as 5 Whys or root cause analysis.
• Experience in thickener drive hydraulics and tailings pumping systems will be an added advantage.
• Forklift and overhead crane operation experience will be advantageous.

Behavioral Traits

• Bolder – Willing to accept new challenges and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Smarter – Focused on efficiency, reliability, and long-term operational excellence.
• Driven – Committed to quality workmanship and continuous improvement.
• Together – Team-oriented and able to build strong working relationships.
• Demonstrates the THINK process on site.
• Competent in mechanical fitting.
• Physically fit for mechanical maintenance duties.
• Able to interpret and develop basic mechanical drawings.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as within a team.

• Full compliance with mandatory PPE requirements when working in Flotation Tails and Sulphide circuits, including reflective work suits, safety goggles, safety boots, hard hats, and any other required PPE.
• Performing assigned mechanical maintenance tasks safely, efficiently, and to OEM and FQM standards.
• Ensuring adherence to Safety and Environmental Management Systems, policies, procedures, JSAs, Standard Maintenance Procedures (SMPs), Planned Task Observations (PTOs), and housekeeping standards.
• Diagnosing mechanical faults using observation and specialized tools such as vibration pens, temperature guns, and other diagnostic equipment.
• Participating in preventive maintenance (PMs), breakdown repairs, and proactive inspections on Flotation Tails and Sulphide equipment including flotation cells (rotors, stators, dart valves), slurry centrifugal pumps, thickener mechanisms, agitators, pipelines, valves, compressors, blowers, gearboxes, and drive systems.
• Supporting maintenance activities on tailings systems including underflow pumps, launders, cyclones, pipelines, and associated wear components.
• Coordinating closely with Maintenance and Process teams to achieve Safety, Production, and Cost KPI targets.
• Supporting and mentoring new employees to ensure compliance with established maintenance standards and procedures.

• Mechanical fitting
• Troubleshooting mechanical faults
• Preventive maintenance
• Breakdown repairs
• Proactive inspections
• Interpreting and developing basic mechanical drawings
• Structured problem-solving techniques (e.g., 5 Whys, root cause analysis)
• Vibration analysis (using vibration pens)
• Temperature measurement (using temperature guns)
• Operation of specialized diagnostic equipment
• Operation of flotation cells, slurry pumps, thickeners, agitators, compressors, pipelines, valves, gearboxes, and drive systems
• Maintenance of tailings systems (underflow pumps, launders, cyclones, pipelines)
• Thickener drive hydraulics (advantageous)
• Tailings pumping systems (advantageous)
• Forklift operation (advantageous)
• Overhead crane operation (advantageous)

• Craft Certificate in Mechanical Fitting from a recognized institution
• Grade 12 School Certificate
• Fully paid-up member of EIZ (Craftsperson)
• Valid Zambian Class C driver’s license (added advantage)