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.

Job description:

Metallurgist – Mineralogy

Reporting to the Senior Metallurgist – Mineralogy, metallurgist mineralogy will be responsible for performing daily mineralogical functions using Scanning Electron Microscopy as the primary analytical technique. Although primary responsibilities revolve around routine process mineralogy, the role includes involvement in technical team metallurgy projects including laboratory and plant comminution, flotation and leach testwork.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure effective running of the daily mineralogy functions, which includes:

• Supervision of sample preparation team,
• SEM maintenance and set-up
• Routine mineralogical reporting

Apply mineralogy to identify recovery and grade improvements for the concentrator and hydrometallurgical process flow sheets.

Continuous improvement of systems and data including the necessary QA/QC

Ensure the necessary systems are in place to prevent backlogs, ensure stock levels of critical items are maintained, and routine maintenance is conducted as required

Ensure that the person, immediate environment, team and work performed are accident/incident free.

Improve optical microscopy application and train peers.

Effective reporting/communication of mineralogical findings.

Involvement in other projects relevant to mineralogical understanding of Kansanshi e.g. ore characterization 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.

Compliance with internal procedures.

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.

Computer literate with existing systems.

Must be in possession of a valid first aid certificate.

All academic qualifications and results must be verified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).

EXPERIENCE

Relevant experience in a plant environment or mineralogy laboratory (less than 1 year acceptable)

BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

Systematic approach to routine tasks and problem solving

Teamwork – build relationships based on trust and respect

Bold – internal locus of control

Initiative – self starter

Tenacious – driven

Works with minimum supervision

Results orientated – balance quality and quantity of work

Overtime work when required.

Punctual.

Be free of physical and mental impediments, which hamper the execution of required duties within specified time frames.

• Supervision of sample preparation team
• SEM maintenance and set-up
• Routine mineralogical reporting
• Apply mineralogy to identify recovery and grade improvements for the concentrator and hydrometallurgical process flow sheets.
• Continuous improvement of systems and data including the necessary QA/QC
• Ensure the necessary systems are in place to prevent backlogs, ensure stock levels of critical items are maintained, and routine maintenance is conducted as required
• Ensure that the person, immediate environment, team and work performed are accident/incident free.
• Improve optical microscopy application and train peers.
• Effective reporting/communication of mineralogical findings.
• Involvement in other projects relevant to mineralogical understanding of Kansanshi e.g. ore characterization 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.
• Compliance with internal procedures.

• Scanning Electron Microscopy
• Mineralogy
• Process mineralogy
• Comminution
• Flotation
• Leach testwork
• QA/QC
• Optical microscopy
• Ore characterization
• Mineralogical circuit surveys
• Plant diagnostics
• Computer literate

• 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.
• Computer literate with existing systems.
• Must be in possession of a valid first aid certificate.
• All academic qualifications and results must be verified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).