First Quantum Minerals
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:
Job title: … Production Supervisor – Primary Smelting
Site: … Kansanshi
Department: … Smelter
Section: … Primary Smelting
Position reports to: … Superintendent – Primary Smelting operations
Direct reports: … Control Room Operator – Isasmelt Control Room Operator – MSEF Operator – Isasmelt & Electric furnace
Shift controller – Primary smelting Shift controller – Feed system
Purpose
Assist the Superintendent – Primary Smelting operations in directing and controlling the shift operations of the Materials Handling Plant, S3 filter plant, Isasmelt ™ Furnace; Waste Heat Boiler (WHB) and associated off-gas collection system and Matte Settling Electric Furnace (MSEF).
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
• Provide direction and control to the shift controllers – Primary smelting and Feed system
• Ensure that the concentrate feed blend to the Isasmelt™ furnace is correctly maintained within specified parameters
• Ensure that reagents (coke, limestone, reverts) to the MSEF & reagents (coal, silica, limestone, reverts) to the IsasmeltTM are added within specified limits.
• Ensure that the furnace products (matte, slag and off-gas) are within the required control ranges.
• Ensure that shift throughput concentrate targets are achieved.
• Ensure that the waste heat boiler water quality is maintained within specified limits
• Ensure that the critical operating parameters are kept under control
• Prepare, issue, close and cancel work permits in Primary smelting area
• Supervise the control room operators and other field operators in the Section to achieve shift production targets safely
• Monitor and interpret assay results from process streams
• Monitor and interpret process data via the plant process historian system (PI)
• Maintain safety, house-keeping and discipline in the Section
• Actively seek more information and assistance from other sources as required to diagnose and correct any problems with operating equipment and processes (e.g. maintenance, metallurgists)
• Understand and identify all relevant plant equipments, process control & emergency systems; be able to explain these clearly to others
• Liaise closely with his counterpart in the Secondary Smelting Section
• Liase closely with shift maintenance for smooth running of the plant
• Monitor plant operations and ensure operating procedures are strictly followed
• Maintain an accurate operating log-sheet using computerised or other systems
• Provide training and development opportunities for all direct reports on an ongoing basis, with a particular focus on Zambian employees
• Other duties as directed by the Supervisor
Qualifications
Required:
- Grade 12.
- Tertiary Qualification in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering or Equivalent
Experience
- At least 2 years of supervisory experience in copper smelting in particular with ISASMELT and/or Electric furnaces, boiler operations, materials handling equipment, crusher and larox filter.
BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS
- Good at responding to changes to operating conditions
- Good communication and leadership skills
- Systematic monitoring and assessment skills
- Discipline and teamwork
- Attention to details
- Ability to follow and to give instructions where required