Senior Process Controller - Mineral Processing

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Skills development

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, seeks a Senior Process Controller to ensure safe, efficient operation of mineral processing plants, optimize parameters, and support production targets.

The role requires a National Certificate or Diploma in Chemical Engineering or related field, 5+ years in process control, experience with DCS/PLC, and strong analytical skills. Rotational shifts and relocation to Upington are expected.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in chemical engineering or metallurgical tech.
• Experience in mineral processing or chemical plant environments.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor process control systems to ensure safe, efficient plant operation.
• Analyze process data to optimize recovery, grade and throughput.
• Respond to alarms and upsets, diagnosing issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with engineers and maintenance to troubleshoot and implement improvements.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, SOPs and environmental regulations.

Skills

5+ years exp

DCS/PLC

Mineral processing

Instrumentation

Safety/compliance

Education

National Certificate/Diploma in Chemical Eng/Metallurgical tech

Tools

DCS systems

PLCs

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the mineral processing sector, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Senior Process Controller to join their facility in Upington, Northern Cape . This role is pivotal in ensuring the efficient and safe operation of mineral processing plants, maintaining optimal operating parameters, and contributing to production targets. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of various processing circuits, instrumentation, and control systems, along with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced individual to contribute to a vital part of the mining value chain in a region known for its mineral wealth. You will be working hands-on within the operational plant environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor process control systems to ensure plant operations run safely, efficiently, and within specified parameters.
• Analyze process data and performance indicators, making adjustments as necessary to optimize recovery, grade, and throughput.
• Respond promptly to alarms and process upsets, diagnosing issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with metallurgists, engineers, and maintenance teams to troubleshoot operational problems and implement improvements.
• Ensure adherence to all safety protocols, environmental regulations, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) within the plant.
• Maintain accurate operational logs and production records.
• Assist in the commissioning and testing of new equipment and process modifications.
• Provide guidance and training to junior process controllers and plant operators.
• Participate in shift handover meetings, ensuring clear communication of operational status and any ongoing issues.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within the processing plant in Upington, Northern Cape .

Requirements

• Relevant National Certificate or Diploma in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Technology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience as a Process Controller or Operator in a mineral processing or chemical plant environment.
• Proven experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
• Strong understanding of mineral processing principles (e.g., crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, solid/liquid separation).
• Knowledge of instrumentation and control loops.
• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work rotating shifts and in a plant environment.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Familiarity with safety procedures in a high-risk industrial setting.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Upington, Northern Cape area.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, shift allowances, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a provident fund, and opportunities for skills development. The company promotes a safe and collaborative working environment, with potential for career progression within the operations department. This role provides stable employment within the essential mining services sector .