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:

Overall Job Purpose

First Quantum is a multinational company that embodies an entrepreneurial spirit for delivering tangible results. Boldness, intelligence, and drive are inherent in the way we operate. We prioritize the well-being of our employees, the protection of the environment, and the support of our communities. The role of the Senior Specialist – Geometallurgy & Process Mineralogy requires a self-motivated and resilient individual who shares these values across our operations.  The primary purpose of this role is to translate and combine metallurgical and geological information of relevance to mining and processing for improved mine planning, ore control, operations and processing.

The incumbent will use their Mineralogical knowledge and leadership skills to support, guide and direct initiatives that develop value for mining and processing. The development and implementation of systems and procedures, monitoring and reporting of key study and operational metrics will be key in setting up site based geometallurgical and process mineralogy functions. Coaching, training and knowledge transfer to technical teams will be important for capacity building.  Additionally, the role has the accountability of the management, operation of the Mineralogy laboratory with a focus on daily, weekly, monthly and long-term outlook of the overall mine value chain.

Specific Job Responsibility

Understand and execute accountabilities of legal appointment under Zambian Mining Regulations;Maintain HSE standards and ensure strict compliance within section;Accountable for the management and operation of the mineralogy and geometallurgy laboratory.Consistently deliver and exceed the main KPI providing insight and guidance on plant feed characteristics, feedback on plant performance via studying modes of mineral losses (weekly, month and yearly).Directly participate in the daily to monthly work activities of the processing plant, serving as technical support to operations personnel to enhance performance.Lead the Geometallurgical program with respect to ore quality, plant behaviour, blending plans and performance.Work closely with Mine Engineering department (Geology, Planning, Mining), Processing and Environment for defining best strategies for metal production in advance.Manage the interaction between Processing and Mining Technical Services (geologists, drill blast designers, geo-tech, strategical planning, etc.) on ore quality, blending plans and performance.Define a practical Process Mineralogy approach to help maximize metal production as well as maintaining high concentrate quality.Constantly seek out and implement innovative solutions, to improve site mineralogy and geo-metallurgy program.Coordinate and manage studies for future ore deposits that Sentinel and Enterprise plans to develop.Ensure strong integration and alignment of technical activities with Plant Metallurgists (Comminution & Flotation) and Operation teams.

Job Specific Competencies

Operate within and observe all relevant and applicable industry standards, guidelines, and regulatory requirements.Use the FQM Group framework for Geometallurgy identified opportunities for integrating key Geomet attributes and provide for spatially predictable extraction. Identify potential improvement through interrogation of mineralogical data trends;Maintain a user-friendly, exhaustive and up-to-date database of all projects;Work with limited supervision to seek continuous improvement;Manage the interaction with the Processing Operations teams to ensure efficient delivery to customer requirements, with a particular focus of the role on facilitating technical interactions between sections;Interact with Perth Mining office on a regular basisMaintain staff development plans, succession plans and training programs, particularly skills transfer and coaching of technical teams.Facilitate data acquisition, warehousing, accessibility, distribution and analytics.Control and reduce operational costs by reviewing laboratory equipment, scope and developing justification for capital projects;Contribute to the annual Technical session budget;Implement FQM Way culture – “Smarter, Bolder, Driven;”Perform any other duties as assigned by the Superintendent Technical or Process Management.

Key Job Attributes

Commitment to SHEC performance;Good leadership and motivational skills;Strong drive and personal sense of ownership and accountability;Strong ability to task assign and build working relations, including a balance of assertiveness and cooperation;Excellent cognitive and analytical skills;Affinity to perform technical research and development;Accustomed to carrying out advanced calculations and possess ability to analyse and understand highly complex and statistical metallurgical data;Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and able to assemble data and provide clear and accurate operational performance reports in both an upward and downward direction;Ability to work autonomously and maintain self-discipline under pressure;Be diligent and thorough in approach;Be enthusiastic and pro-active in manner;Computer fluency is a must;Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;English language fluency.

Experience required to perform in this job

Minimum 10 years working as a Metallurgist, Production Geologist or equivalent leadership role in large complex mineral process operations.Direct experience in Mineral extraction/engineering technical roles with specific experience in base metal grinding and flotation.Previous experience in Mineralogy and Geometallurgy highly required.Experience in process control systems, process information databases (i.e. PI Process Book), and metallurgical optimisation highly regarded.Excellent cognitive and analytical skills for identifying process shortfalls, bottlenecks and implementing systematic solutions.Excellent understanding of complex metallurgical information, process improvement, and control strategies for large-scale, continuous operating mineral processing plants.Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and able to assemble data and provide clear and accurate operational performance reports in both an upward and downward direction.Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional and a multi-cultural environmentProven experience in coaching, mentoring, and training technical teams.Familiarity with relevant industry standards, guidelines, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Degree in Extractive Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Geometallurgy or Geology.Eligibility for membership of the Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ), and to hold relevant legal appointment as defined by the Mining Regulations of Zambia

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