Plant Operator (12-month FTE)

Vedanta resources; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 279,000 - 446,000; Full time

Job summary

Vedanta Zinc International is seeking a Plant Operator to safely run the concentrator plant equipment and processes at our Northern Cape operation, ensuring throughput targets and metallurgical recovery are achieved.

You will monitor variables, perform start-ups and shutdowns, conduct inspections, and support maintenance activities while adhering to safety, health, and environmental standards and contributing to continuous improvement in plant performance.

Qualifications

• 2 years of practical experience in a Concentrator Plant.
• Previous experience as a Plant Operator.
• Must obtain a Certificate of Medical Fitness.

Responsibilities

• Operate concentrator circuits in accordance with operating procedures.
• Monitor and control crushing, milling, flotation, thickening, filtration, pumping, and reagents.
• Conduct plant start-ups, shutdowns, and process adjustments.
• Maintain stable operating conditions to optimize throughput and recovery.
• Respond to process alarms, deviations and abnormal conditions.

Skills

Concentrator process operation

Plant monitoring and control

Equipment inspections

Process troubleshooting

Safety management

Computerised process control systems

Education

Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science

Job description

Operations (Pleaseindicate the operation – by ticking the appropriate box)

GB

BMM

Job Grade

Paterson B3/ Vedanta Below M9

ROLE CONTEXT

VedantaZinc International (VZI) operates two major mining complexes in the NorthernCape:

• Gamsberg – a large-scale open ‑ pit zinc mine requiring precise spatial control, accurate volumetricreporting and continuous survey support to enable safe, efficient andcompliant mining to optimise profitability and longevity of the operation.
• Black Mountain Mine (BMM) – an underground operation where survey accuracy directly influencesdevelopment alignment, stope design, ore flow reconciliation and statutorycompliance.

The Plant Operator (B3) is responsible for thesafe and effective operation of crushing, milling, flotation, thickening,filtering, and associated plant processes to ensure optimal mineral recoveryand production targets are achieved.

PURPOSE OFTHE ROLE

To safely operate,monitor, inspect, and control concentrator plant equipment and processes toachieve production throughput, metallurgical recovery, and product qualitytargets while complying with all safety, health, environmental, andoperational requirements.

The Plant Operatorensures that process parameters remain within specified limits, plantequipment operates effectively, production losses are minimized, and risks topeople, assets, and the environment are proactively managed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate concentrator circuits in accordancewith approved operating procedures and standards.
• Monitor and control crushing, milling,flotation, thickening, filtration, pumping, and reagent systems.
• Conduct plant start-ups, shutdowns, andprocess adjustments.
• Maintain stable operating conditions tooptimize throughput and recovery.
• Respond effectively to process alarms,deviations, and abnormal conditions.

2. Process Monitoring and Control

• Monitor process variables including:
• Throughput rates
• Mill load and density
• Reagent consumption
• Water balance
• Recovery and concentrate grades
• Interpret plant trends and operational data.
• Identify process inefficiencies and reportopportunities for improvement.
• Ensure process parameters remain withinprescribed operating limits.
• Conduct routine field inspections ofequipment and process areas.
• Inspect pumps, conveyors, flotation cells,mills, tanks, pipelines, screens, and ancillary equipment.
• Identify leaks, blockages, abnormalvibrations, equipment failures, and housekeeping issues.
• Report defects and initiate correctiveactions where required.

4. Equipment Care and Maintenance Support

• Perform routineoperator maintenance and equipment checks.
• Assist maintenanceteams during planned maintenance and shutdown activities.
• Isolate equipmentaccording to lock-out and tag-out procedures when required.
• Ensure equipmentis maintained in a clean and operational condition.
• Support effortstoi improve equipment reliability and availability.

5. Metallurgical Performance

• Supportachievement of metallurgical recovery and concentrate quality targets.
• Monitorconcentrate and tailings streams.
• Assist withsampling activities as required.
• Report any processconditions that may negatively impact product quality or recovery.
• Implementoperational changes recommended by Metallurgists and Supervisors.

6. Reporting and Communication

• Complete shiftlogs, operational reports, and inspection records accurately.
• Communicateprocess issues, equipment concerns, and production constraintseffectively.
• Escalateoperational risks and deviations promptly.
• Participate incontinuous improvement initiatives and operational excellenceprogrammes.
• Contribute ideasfor enhancing safety, recovery, throughput, cost efficiency, and plantperformance.
• Supportimplementation of new procedures and technologies.

8. Safety, Health andEnvironmental Compliance

• Comply with MineHealth and Safety Act requirements, company standards, and plantprocedures.
• Participate inrisk assessments, safety inspections, toolbox talks, and safetycampaigns.
• Identify andreport hazards and unsafe conditions.
• Ensure compliancewith environmental standards and water management requirements.
• Stop unsafe workthat presents a risk to people, equipment, or the environment.

QUALIFICATIONS,EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Qualifications

• Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science.

Experience

• 2 years of practical experience in a Concentrator Plant.
• Previous experience as a Plant Operator.
• Must be able to obtain a Certificate of Medical Fitness.

TechnicalCompetence

• Concentrator process operation
• Plant monitoring and control
• Equipment inspections
• Process troubleshooting
• Metallurgical awareness
• Safety management
• Computerised process control systems

Behavioural

• Safety focus
• Accountability
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Initiative and ownership

OrganisationalFit

• Demonstrates VZI Values: Care, Integrity,Innovation, Agility, and Ownership.
• Commitment to operational excellence, zeroharm, and community upliftment.
• Maintains safe operations, achievesproduction and recovery targets, ensures equipment reliability througheffective monitoring and inspections, and contributes to the overalloperational excellence of the concentrator plant.