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Job description:
The role of the Junior Metallurgist is to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of all process control measurements and sampling systems across copper cathode, concentrate, and gold circuits. This role focuses on calibration of plant instrumentation, verification of analytical methods, and implementation of QA/QC protocols to support metallurgical accounting and process optimization.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent 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;
Instrumentation Calibration
Develop and maintain a calibration schedule for critical process instruments (density meters, flow meters, pH/ORP probes, level sensors, online analyzers, belt weighers, tankhouse EW instrumentation).
Perform and verify calibrations in collaboration with the instrumentation and maintenance teams.
Document calibration results and maintain traceability to certified standards.
Analytical QA/QC
Implement and monitor QA/QC protocols for laboratory and online analysis.
Validate analytical methods and investigate discrepancies in assay results.
Maintain control charts and ensure compliance with ISO 17025 or equivalent standards.
Metallurgical Accounting Support
Ensure accuracy of mass and metal flow measurements for reconciliation across mine–mill–product streams.
Audit sampling systems and verify representativity for copper cathode, concentrate, and gold circuits.
Support compliance with AMIRA P754 metallurgical accounting principles.
Data Integrity & Process Control
Monitor data quality in plant historians and process control systems.
Identify and resolve issues with drifting sensors or faulty signals.
Support process control improvements through accurate measurement and calibration.
Continuous Improvement
Lead initiatives to reduce measurement uncertainty and improve reconciliation accuracy.
Recommend upgrades to instrumentation and sampling systems.
Prepare calibration and QA/QC performance reports for management review.
Training & Collaboration
Train operators and metallurgical staff on calibration procedures and data integrity.
Work closely with maintenance, laboratory, and operations teams to ensure alignment on calibration and QA/QC standards
QUALIFICATIONS
Grade 12 Certificate
Bachelor’s Degree in Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
All academic qualifications and results must be verified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA)
EXPERIENCE
1–2 years’ experience in mineral processing with exposure to process control and calibration is desirable.
Knowledge of Metal accounting will be advantageous.
Familiarity with plant instrumentation, sampling theory, and analytical QA/QC practices will be advantageous.
Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, PI System) and statistical process control will be advantageous.
BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS
Strong drive and personal sense of ownership and accountability.
Excellent cognitive and analytical skills.
Possess the management discipline and perseverance to develop and implement medium to long term plans.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain self-discipline within a stressful environment.
Exhibitions strong initiative and spirit for continuous improvement.
Self-assertive.
Enthusiastic and pro-active in manner.
Good people and communication skills. Being able to function well in a team environment.
Ability to be flexible and handle multiple priorities.
Thinking safely.
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