Engineer, Process – Operations Optimisation at First Quantum Minerals Ltd

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:

• As a key member of the process operations optimisation team and reporting to the Optimisation Superintendent, the Process Engineer is responsible for driving continuous improvement across both copper and nickel plants at FQM Trident. This role plays a pivotal function in enhancing process efficiency, maximizing metal recovery, and maintaining safety and quality standards across the processing plants. Primary responsibilities include change management, quality control and assurance, and technical and operational contributions to the achievement of production and performance targets, including performance assessment and plant debottlenecking initiatives. The incumbent will also mentor junior staff and promote a culture of excellence and innovation.

Specific Job Responsibility:

• Continuously assess and optimize mineral processing unit operations (crushing, grinding, flotation, and separation) to improve recovery and reduce operational losses.
• Analyse process data and performance metrics to identify trends, deviations, and areas for improvement. Utilize statistical methods for data-driven decision-making.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and change initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall plant performance.
• Develop and present regular reports to management on plant performance, process issues, and improvement initiatives, while maintaining a comprehensive and accessible database of ongoing and completed process optimization projects.
• Lead and facilitate the execution of process change initiatives with minimal disruption to operations.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the plant, encouraging staff to identify and propose process enhancements.
• Lead root cause analyses for non-conformities, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Plan and manage technical projects across the copper and nickel plants, delivering effective solutions for medium to long-term operational challenges
• Ensure strict compliance with all Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) protocols in both concentrators.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and best practices related to process engineering activities.
• Manage the interaction with the Processing Operations team to ensure efficient delivery to customer requirements, with particular focus of the role on facilitating technical interactions between sections.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer and mentor junior engineers to build technical capacity within the team.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Optimisation Superintendent, ensuring alignment with plant objectives.

Job Specific Competencies:

•  Proven expertise in change management, process improvement, and quality control and assurance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive decisions.
• Deep understanding of complex metallurgical information, process improvement and control strategies.
• Good cognitive and analytical skills for identifying process shortfalls and plant bottlenecks.
• Familiarity with advanced process control systems and statistical analysis tools.
• Project management skills to lead process improvement projects.
• Familiarity with safety protocols and environmental regulations.
• Strong technical reporting and documentation skills.

Key Job Attributes:

• Must be thorough and detail oriented
• Self-motivated, dependable, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Culturally aware and capable of working in diverse teams and environments.
• Must be bold, smart and driven. Team-oriented with a collaborative mindset.
• Champions safety by example and promotes regulatory compliance at all times.

Experience & Qualification:

• At least 8 years’ experience in process engineering within a large-scale mineral processing plant.
• Experience with complex flotation circuits and exposure to large concentrator plant greenfield and brownfield projects is advantageous.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a related field. A master’s degree is a plus.
• Proven experience in the use of data analysis, process simulation or statistical software packages is advantageous.
• EIZ membership eligibility