Instrument Technician

Ikwezi Mining; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Ikwezi Mining in South Africa seeks a skilled Instrumentation Technician to maintain, calibrate and repair plant instrumentation and control systems in the coal wash operation. You will ensure accurate production data, perform preventative maintenance, and support automation improvements.

The role covers PLCs, HMIs, SCADA when applicable; fault finding on VSDs, controllers and electrical panels; install safety systems, document reports, asset records, and maintain high housekeeping and safety

Qualifications

• Minimum 4–6 years in coal processing or wash plant instrumentation and control.
• Experience with belt scales, weighbridges, VSDs, and plant electronics.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and loop diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and calibrate plant instrumentation, including belt scales and weighbridges, etc.
• Maintain and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems and perform fault finding.
• Repair electrical/electronic systems including VSDs and control panels.
• Install and service proximity detection, radio, GPS/telemetry systems and safety devices.
• Produce maintenance reports, calibrations records and update asset databases.

Skills

Fault finding & diagnostics

Instrument calibration procedures

Process control systems

Strong troubleshooting mindset

Education

National Diploma / N6 / Trade Test in Instrumentation Engineering

Electrical Engineering (Process Control / Light Current preferred)

Tools

PLC systems

HMI systems

SCADA interfaces

Test equipment (multimeters, calibrators)

Job description

Role Purpose:

To maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation and control systems within a coal wash plant, ensuring optimal plant performance, accuracy of measurement systems, and compliance with safety and operational standards.

Key Responsibilities:

a. Instrumentation Maintenance & Calibration

• Maintain and calibrate plant instrumentation, including:
  • Belt scales and weighbridges
  • Density meters, flow meters, level and pressure instruments
• Ensure accurate measurement and reporting of production data
• Conduct routine inspections and preventative maintenance

b. Control Systems & Automation

• Maintain and troubleshoot:
  • PLC systems (Programmable Logic Controllers)
  • HMI systems (Human Machine Interfaces)
  • SCADA interfaces (where applicable)
• Assist with control logic fault finding and system optimisation
• Support plant automation and process improvements

c. Electrical & Electronic Systems

• Maintain and repair:
  • Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)
  • Motor control circuits
  • Plant electronic control panels
• Diagnose faults in electrical and electronic systems

d. Communication & Safety Systems

• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot:
  • Proximity Detection Systems (PDS)
  • Two-way radio communication systems
  • GPS and telemetry systems (if applicable)
• Ensure all safety systems are fully operational and compliant

e. Fault Finding & Breakdown Support

• Perform advanced fault finding on plant instrumentation and control systems
• Respond to breakdowns and minimise plant downtime
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions

f. Valves & Pneumatics

• Maintain and repair:
  • Solenoid valves
  • Pneumatic control systems
• Ensure proper operation of actuated valves and control loops

g. Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with mining regulations and safety standards
• Adhere to lock-out and isolation procedures
• Maintain high housekeeping and safety standards

h. Reporting & Documentation

• Complete maintenance reports, job cards, and calibration records
• Maintain asset registers and instrument databases
• Track and report recurring faults and system performance

Minimum Requirements

Education

• National Diploma / N6 / Trade Test in:
  • Instrumentation Engineering OR
  • Electrical Engineering (Process Control / Light Current preferred)

Experience

• Minimum 4–6 years’ experience in:
  • Coal processing / wash plant environment
  • Instrumentation and control systems
• Proven experience with:
  • Belt scales and weighbridges
  • PLCs and HMIs
  • VSDs and plant electronics
  • PDS and radio systems
  • Solenoids and pneumatic systems

Technical Skills

• Strong fault-finding and diagnostic capability
• Knowledge of:
  • PLC programming (advantageous)
  • Instrument calibration procedures
  • Process control systems
  • Electrical schematics and loop diagrams
  • Familiar with test equipment (multimeters, calibrators, communicators)

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license
• Medically fit for mining environment