Laboratory Assistant- FTE- 3 years

Anglo American; Kathu; On-site; ZAR 150 000 - 250 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mining company is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to ensure compliance with ISO standards and quality control. The role involves sample preparation, safety adherence, and operating laboratory equipment. Candidates should have a Grade 12/N3 qualification and a valid driver's license. Join a team that values safety and quality in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for learning and growth

Technical training and leadership programmes

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / N3 required.
• SA Drivers Licence Code B is mandatory.
• Overhead crane licence is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Collect and prepare samples for analysis.
• Adhere to health and safety practices.
• Operate laboratory equipment for analysis.

Skills

Safety adherence

Quality control

Data capture

Education

Grade 12 / N3

SA Drivers Licence Code B

Overhead crane licence

Job description

Company Description

We have an exciting position for a Laboratory Assistant to ensure that sample preparation is performed according to ISO Requirements, Anglo Good Laboratory Practices, Kumba Laboratory Technical Standard, and relevant SOP/WI.

Be part of the team.

The team that makes it happen.

Guided by our purpose and our values, we enable both high performance and purposeful action as we aim to “re-imagine mining to improve people’s lives", delivering the metals and minerals that make modern life possible.

Kumba Iron Ore

We produce high-grade iron ore, the key component in steel widely used in construction and manufacturing across the world. Our activities include all aspects – exploration; mining; processing and blending; shipping; marketing and selling. In South Africa, we have mining operations in the Northern Cape province, as well as a head office in Gauteng, and a port operation in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape.

Job Description

As Laboratory Assistant you will provide services as required and your responsibilities will include but not limited to:

Safety, Health, and Environment

• Adhere to all health and safety practices requirements and promote good housekeeping to ensure compliance and an environment where team members can deliver their outputs within a controlled risk environment.
• Active participation in safety initiatives, i.e. SLAM, HPH
• Conduct the required safety interventions before undertaking any tasks.
• Maintain a clear working area, ensure legibility and visibility of safety signs, attend to spillage, and record actions.

Performance and Delivery

• Collect samples from various areas in the plant, including raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products, to ensure quality control and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Receive samples sent by clients and ensure proper labelling and storage to prevent cross-contamination and maintain sample integrity.
• Operate the LDV (laser diffraction particle size analyser) to measure particle size distribution and provide accurate analysis results.
• Dry samples in the drying oven to remove moisture and prevent microbial growth, which could affect the accuracy of the analysis.
• Weigh samples using a balance to determine the exact weight and ensure consistency in the analysis process.
• Split samples using a rotary divider to obtain representative sub-samples for further analysis.
• Sieve samples for PSD (particle size distribution) analysis to determine the size distribution of particles in the sample.
• Crush samples to reduce the particle size and ensure uniformity in the analysis process.
• Mill samples to create a homogenous powder for analysis, beneficial for chemical and elemental analysis.
• Press samples were required to create pellets for X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, a non-destructive method for elemental analysis.
• Lift and handle samples and equipment carefully to prevent accidents and ensure safety in the workplace.
• Monitor the QC (quality control) process to identify deviations or abnormalities and take corrective actions to maintain product quality and safety.
• Capture data accurately and timely to ensure traceability and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Manage waste properly to prevent environmental pollution and comply with disposal regulations.
• Build, manage, and maintain healthy relationships with stakeholders, including supervisors and engineering teams, to achieve sectional goals and ensure smooth operations.
• Report defective equipment to the Plant Call Centre and supervisor immediately to prevent accidents and ensure equipment reliability.
• Avoid performing maintenance tasks that are not authorised to prevent damage to the equipment and maintain safety in the workplace.

This role is in the Processing (PRO) at a Grade P5 level reporting to the Supervisor Laboratory.

Qualifications

• Grade 12/ N3
• SA Drivers Licence Code B- Mandatory
• Overhead crane licence- Advantageous

Experience

• Previous Sishen experience will be beneficial
• Knowledge of laboratory protocols and expertise in operating overhead cranes

Additional Information

What we offer

When you join Anglo American, you can expect to enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package. But more than this, you’ll find yourself in an environment where the opportunities for learning and growth are second to none. From technical training to leadership programmes, we bring out the best in our people. There are plenty of opportunities to move onwards and upwards too. We’re a large, successful multinational company – and we’re still growing all the time.

Who we are?

Anglo American is a global diversified mining business. Our portfolio of world-class mining operations provides the metals and minerals that make modern life possible. We use innovative practices and the latest technologies to discover new resources and mine, process, move and market our products to our customers around the world.

As a responsible miner – of diamonds (through De Beers), copper, platinum and other precious metals, iron ore, coal and nickel – we are the custodians of what are precious natural resources. We work together with our key partners and stakeholders to unlock the sustainable value that those resources represent for our shareholders, the communities and countries in which we operate and for society at large. Anglo American is re-imagining mining to improve people’s lives.

Inclusion and Diversity

Anglo American is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfil their potential.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. You will have the opportunity to upload your CV and other relevant documentation as part of this process.