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 Chief Metallurgist, the Metallurgist II Process Control is responsible to optimize process plant performance via automation and system integration. This role integrates mineral processing fundamentals, and control to complex systems in an easy to understand and manipulate for end-users. This role also involves implementation, monitoring & reporting on the plant advanced process control strategy (expert system) and integrated digital infrastructure which supports data visualisation. In addition, this role will lead advanced analytics, machine learning capabilities and implement action based process control solutions to maximize productivity.
This position not only drives daily overall process plant performance to achieve Company KPIs and best practices it also contributes all systems integration from commissioning to final control narrative and handover/training to stakeholders as Cobre Panama executes staged ramp-up to >100Mtpa and imminent commissioning of the Moly separation circuit. The Metallurgist II Process Control supports other metallurgical disciplines and duties as required by their Supervisor.
Qualifications (required for job) & Knowledge & Experience
- A Tertiary Qualification in Computer Engineering/Sciences, Mineral Processing, or related field.
- A strong commitment to a culture of safety as a value and ability to follow relevant policies and procedures
- Minimum 8 years’ experience of process control experience in large, complex base metal operations.
- Strong leadership and teamwork skills with the ability to prioritize and delegate tasks effectively
- Direct experience in automation and engineering roles in to improve and optimize mineral processing plants.
- Extensive experience with process control systems (e.g. Siemens FLSmidth, KScape platform), data management platform applications (e.g. Osisoft PI Server: AF Vision, Datalink) are all highly regarded.
- High level analytical skills for identifying process shortfalls, bottlenecks and implementing systematic solutions through data visualization and analytics
- Vast understanding of complex metallurgical information, process improvement, and control strategies
- 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.
- Enthusiastic problem solver who can systematically apply novel or innovative techniques to achieve goals
- Desire to automate and optimize processes when opportunity presents.
- Computer fluency and programming knowledge is essential
- Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and communicate effectively with multi-disciplinary colleagues
- Fluency in English is required and proficiency in Spanish highly regarded.
Core Specific Responsibilities & Expected Deliverables
- Operate within and observe all relevant and applicable laws of Panama
- Promote FQM’s code of ethics and company ethos;
- Maintain as well as promote HSE standards and ensure strict compliance within the area of operation;
- Oversee continuous modernization of the existing advanced control platform and the supporting sensor technology, as well as the integrative infrastructure and data sources
- Directly participate in the long term support through continuous monitoring of plant operating parameters and behaviours, implementing control logic strategy, repairing or optimizing
- Ensure real-time monitoring and optimization of advanced process control applications across the facility, with the goal to maximize process stability and minimizing production opportunity loss;
- Guide the development and implementation of new advanced process control strategies and applications, ensuring a modular & scalable standard of “best practice” approach;
- Manage and optimize existing Expert (APC) Control System and not be afraid to challenge standards and seize opportunities to maximize safe production.
- Oversee the development of real-time analytics to monitor process performance throughout the entire value chain, carry out the necessary surveillance and facilitate analysis of production loss events and identification of areas for improvement;
- Maintain a comprehensive itemized business improvement plan, with quantified business value when applicable, and taking care to evaluate and report realized performance gains for major projects executed;
- Contribute to the development of an enterprise-wide digitalization strategy and the implementation of associated technological solution;
- Manage the change of process control philosophy including operator training and developments of protocols
- Ensure proper upkeep of advanced process control documentation & functional descriptions
- Oversee upkeep of hardware/software infrastructure for advanced process control and automation
- Undergo necessary training to improve in-house skills to maintain, troubleshoot, and tune the advanced process control and data management applications;
- Liaise with various stakeholders and update them with progress of ongoing projects, challenges and opportunities
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
This exciting position is based on a remote operational site. Rosters and working hours may vary depending on business requirements. This role is residential and based on a 14 x 7 schedule (e.g. work for 14 days, off for 7 days).
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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