Senior Process Controller - Mineral Processing

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift allowances

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Training and career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Senior Process Controller at a major mineral processing plant in East London, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on monitoring and optimizing metallurgical processes to improve recovery, throughput, and cost-efficiency on site.

The successful candidate will oversee grinding, flotation, dewatering circuits, work with DCS/PLC instrumentation, and mentor operators while maintaining safety and environmental standards in a challenging mining environment.

Qualifications

• National Certificate or Diploma in Mineral Processing, Extractive Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Process Controller or Operator in a mineral processing plant.
• Proven experience with flotation circuits and reagents is essential.
• Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).
• Strong understanding of metallurgical principles and process variables.
• Excellent observational skills and ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor mineral processing plant circuits (crushing, milling, flotation, thickening, filtration).
• Adjust process parameters to optimize recovery, concentrate grade, and throughput.
• Identify and troubleshoot operational issues; implement timely solutions.
• Maintain process logs and shift reports.
• Ensure safety procedures and environmental regulations are followed.
• Calibrate and maintain instrumentation; report malfunctions.
• Collaborate with metallurgists and engineers on process improvements.
• Mentor and train junior operators.
• Participate in safety meetings and promote safe culture.

Skills

Mineral processing knowledge

Process control

Flotation circuits

DCS/PLC familiarity

Safety compliance

Shift work ability

Education

National Certificate in Mineral Processing

Diploma in Mineral Processing

Diploma in Extractive Metallurgy

Diploma in Chemical Engineering

Tools

DCS

PLC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant mining operation located in East London, Eastern Cape, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Process Controller to join their mineral processing plant. This role is essential for the day-to-day operation and optimization of the plant's metallurgical processes, ensuring efficient recovery of valuable minerals. The Senior Process Controller will monitor and adjust process parameters, troubleshoot operational issues, and contribute to improving plant performance in terms of recovery, throughput, and cost-effectiveness. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of mineral processing circuits, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and dewatering, as well as experience with process control systems and instrumentation. This is an on-site position, offering a hands-on opportunity within a dynamic operational environment. We are committed to maintaining high operational standards and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Your expertise will directly impact the plant's productivity and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor various mineral processing plant circuits (e.g., crushing, milling, flotation, thickening, filtration).
• Adjust process parameters to optimize mineral recovery, concentrate grade, and throughput.
• Identify and troubleshoot operational issues, implementing timely and effective solutions.
• Maintain process logs, records, and prepare shift reports.
• Ensure adherence to safety procedures and environmental regulations.
• Perform regular checks on plant equipment and instrumentation, reporting any malfunctions.
• Calibrate and maintain process control instrumentation as required.
• Collaborate with metallurgists and engineers to implement process improvements.
• Assist in training and mentoring junior operators.
• Participate in safety meetings and contribute to a positive safety culture.

Requirements

• A National Certificate or Diploma in Mineral Processing, Extractive Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Process Controller or Operator in a mineral processing plant.
• Proven experience with flotation circuits and associated reagents is essential.
• Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).
• Strong understanding of metallurgical principles and process variables.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and make sound decisions.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Must be physically fit and able to work shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• A strong commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, shift allowances, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid, retirement fund, and opportunities for further training and career advancement within the processing department. This full-time position provides a stable working environment within a reputable mining operation in East London. We foster a culture of teamwork, safety, and operational excellence. Join our dedicated team and play a key role in optimizing our mineral processing operations.