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:

General Role Purpose (brief description of this job)

Reporting to the Technical Superintendent, the Senior Metallurgist at the Concentrator is accountable for defining, monitoring, & report on the Flotation plant process strategy to optimise metallurgical performance for copper concentrate production. The role has a focus on daily, weekly, and monthly.

Qualifications (required for the job) & Knowledge & Experience

• A Tertiary Qualification in Extractive Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years working as a Metallurgist or equivalent leadership role in large complex metallurgical process operations.
• Direct experience in plant technical metallurgist/engineering roles with specific experience in base metal flotation.
• Previous experience in met-accounting processes is highly regarded.
• Experience in process control systems, process information databases (i.e. PI Process Book), and metallurgical optimization is highly regarded.
• Commitment to SHEC performance.
• 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.
• Computer fluency is essential.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
• Fluency in Spanish is required, and proficiency in English is highly regarded. A willingness to undertake language-training desirable.

Core Specific Responsibilities & Expected Deliverables 

• Operate within and observe all relevant and applicable laws of Panama.
• Maintain HSE standards and ensure strict compliance within the area of operation.
• The role has accountability for the design, implementation and optimisation of the Flotation metallurgical process.
• Consistently deliver and exceed the main KPI recovery, concentrate quality, and tails grade.
• Directly participate in the daily to monthly work activities of the processing plant, serving as technical support to operations personnel to enhance performance.
• Monitor, analyse, and report on process performance indicators (including in-plant sampling & results).
• Work with limited supervision to maintain very high standards of metallurgical analysis.
• Conduct troubleshooting and detailed data analysis (ie using PI) to identify root causes and corrective actions for poor plant performance
• Coordinate field trials and metallurgical test-work to evaluate circuit performance and recommend ways of improving performance.
• Document and maintain a database of all plant trials, including parameter changes and plant responses.
• Maintain and routinely communicate a database of critical metallurgical values.
• Issue to and follow up on Daily Operating Instructions to the shift teams on key process parameters, tasks and considerations.
• Constantly seek out and implement innovative solutions, including testing of new reagents.
• Review plant design, scope and develop justification for capital upgrades.
• Active involvement in the commissioning of new projects.
• Define the flotation process control philosophies and collaborate with the Metallurgist Process Control and Control Engineers to implement, tune and maintain the resultant control systems.
• Define and monitor utilisation of the Flotation 'expert' control system.
• Own the process functionality and utilisation of critical OSA instrumentation & measurements.
• Interact with Mining & Geologists on feed ore quality.
• Ensure strong integration and alignment of technical activities with Flotation operating teams.
• Consistently deliver and exceed expectations.
• Supervise and manage the activities and performance of subordinate staff though development and training programs.
• Contribute to the annual Technical section budget/forecasts.
• Control, report and reduce operational costs.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Behavioural Traits / Personal Characteristics

• Bolder: Flexible, versatile, and prepared to take on challenges as needed.
• Smarter: always looks for efficiencies and better ways of doing things
• Driven: Sets high standards, is motivated and determined.
• Together: communicates well with peers and understand others views.

Operational Requirements

Cobre Panama is a remote site. This exciting position is based on-site and will be focusing on driving and delivering operational accountability and ownership across various units at Cobre Panama site. Rosters and working hours may vary depending on business requirements.

Environmental Responsibilities

• Comply with current environmental regulations in Panama
• Comply with the commitments contained in the Environmental Impact Studies and other additional studies in this regard, which apply to your area and activities.
• Comply with the provisions of the Minera Panama Environmental Management System.

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