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, analyze 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