Senior Process Operator - Gold Processing Plant

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 248,000 - 358,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly wage

Overtime pay

Retirement fund

Medical aid

Shift allowances

Annual leave

Career progression

Health and safety focus

Employee assistance

Team incentives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Operator for a gold processing plant in Vereeniging, Gauteng. The role involves hands-on operation and monitoring of crushers, mills, flotation cells, and CIL circuits to ensure safe, efficient production.

The successful candidate will have 5+ years of mineral processing experience, a relevant technical qualification, and a proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize processes while maintaining strict safety and environmental standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of process operator experience in gold mining or mineral processing.
• Strong knowledge of gold extraction, including comminution, flotation, and CIL/CIP.
• Ability to read PFDs and operational manuals.
• Proactive problem-solving and effective teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor processing plant equipment (crushers, mills, thickeners, filters, flotation cells, CIL/CIP).
• Control and adjust process variables (flow, density, reagents, pH) for optimal recovery and quality.
• Perform routine inspections and report issues to supervisors.
• Conduct basic maintenance and troubleshooting to minimize downtime.
• Collect process samples and interpret results for adjustments.
• Maintain accurate logs of production and quality parameters.
• Participate in shift handovers with clear status communication.
• Assist in training junior operators and new staff.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives to reduce costs.

Skills

NQF 4/5 Mineral Processing

5+ years experience

Gold extraction

Plant equipment

Process control

PFDs interpretation

Safety compliance

Teamwork & communication

Shift work

Education

NQF Level 4/5 Mineral Processing or Chemical Operations

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key operator in the Mining and minerals sector, is looking for an experienced Senior Process Operator to join their established gold processing plant in Vereeniging, Gauteng. This role involves the hands‑on operation and monitoring of various mineral processing equipment, including crushers, mills, flotation cells, and CIL (Carbon-in-Leach) circuits. The Senior Process Operator will be responsible for ensuring efficient and safe operation, maintaining process parameters, troubleshooting equipment issues, and contributing to overall plant performance. This is a vital position requiring a deep understanding of gold extraction processes and a commitment to operational excellence. The successful candidate will possess a strong work ethic, a proactive approach to problem‑solving, and the ability to work effectively within a team environment in a demanding industrial setting. This role offers a stable career opportunity within a significant South African industrial hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor processing plant equipment, including crushers, mills, thickeners, filters, flotation cells, CIL/CIP circuits, and associated pumps and conveyors.
• Control and adjust process variables (e.g., flow rates, densities, reagent additions, pH) to achieve optimal gold recovery and product quality.
• Perform routine inspections of equipment, identify potential issues, and report them promptly to supervisors.
• Conduct basic maintenance and troubleshooting of processing equipment to minimize downtime.
• Collect process samples for laboratory analysis and interpret results to make necessary operational adjustments.
• Adhere strictly to all health, safety, and environmental procedures and regulations.
• Maintain accurate operational logs and records of process performance, including production quantities and quality parameters.
• Participate in shift handovers, ensuring clear communication of operational status and any outstanding issues.
• Assist in the training and mentoring of junior operators and new team members.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.

Requirements

• A relevant technical qualification (e.g., NQF Level 4/5 in Mineral Processing or Chemical Operations) or equivalent practical experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience as a Process Operator in a gold mining or mineral processing plant environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of gold extraction processes, including comminution, flotation, and CIL/CIP.
• Proficiency in operating various types of processing plant equipment.
• Basic understanding of process control systems and instrumentation.
• Ability to read and interpret process flow diagrams and operational manuals.
• Strong commitment to safety and environmental compliance.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
• Physical fitness to perform the duties of the role, including manual handling where required.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage and potential for overtime pay.
• Participation in the company's retirement fund and medical aid scheme.
• Opportunities for skills development and further training in advanced process operations.
• Shift allowances and other site-specific allowances.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• A stable and secure working environment within a major industrial company.
• Opportunities for career progression within the plant operations team.
• Focus on employee health and safety with robust support systems.
• Access to company facilities and employee assistance programs.
• Team-based performance incentives.