Senior Processing Plant Operator - Gold Extraction

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 520,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Bonuses based on performance

Career progression opportunities

Safe working environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Processing Plant Operator for a gold production facility in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will operate and monitor crushers, mills, thickeners, filters, and CIL/CIP circuits, ensuring safe, efficient gold recovery and compliance with all regulations.

Ideal candidates have at least 5 years in gold processing plants, with familiarity in SCADA and instrumentation.

Qualifications

• Matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
• Technical qualification in Chemical Operations, Mineral Processing, or Engineering would be advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years experience as a Processing Plant Operator in gold plants (CIL/CIP).
• Experience operating mills, thickeners, filters, and leaching circuits.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor processing plant equipment including comminution and gold recovery circuits.
• Perform routine checks and report abnormalities or maintenance needs.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Monitor process parameters and adjust to maintain optimum performance.
• Collect process samples for laboratory analysis and interpret results.
• Troubleshoot issues and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Maintain accurate operation logs and production records.
• Assist in commissioning of new equipment and process changes.
• Follow SOPs and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Participate in safety meetings and uphold safety culture.

Skills

5+ years experience

Safety-conscious

SCADA familiarity

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

Matric certificate

Technical certification (Chemical Operations/Mineral Processing/Engineering)

Tools

SCADA systems

Process instrumentation

Gold processing equipment

Job description

Our client, a major gold producer, is seeking a highly experienced and safety-conscious Senior Processing Plant Operator to join their operational team in the Nelspruit, Mpumalanga region. This role is critical for the efficient and safe operation of the gold extraction and refining processes. You will be responsible for operating and monitoring various plant equipment, including crushers, mills, thickeners, filters, CIL/CIP circuits, and elution/refining circuits, ensuring optimal performance and product recovery. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of mineral processing principles, particularly those related to gold recovery, and a proven ability to troubleshoot operational issues. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a key part of the mining value chain within a well-established and reputable organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor processing plant equipment, including comminution, solid-liquid separation, and gold recovery circuits.
• Perform routine checks and inspections of equipment, identifying and reporting any abnormalities or maintenance needs.
• Ensure that plant operations comply with all safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Monitor process parameters (e.g., flow rates, densities, chemical dosages) and make necessary adjustments to maintain optimal performance.
• Collect process samples for laboratory analysis and interpret results to guide operations.
• Troubleshoot operational problems and implement immediate corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Maintain accurate operational logs and records, documenting production data and process deviations.
• Assist in the commissioning of new equipment and process modifications.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) diligently and contribute to their continuous improvement.
• Participate in safety meetings and contribute to a strong safety culture within the plant.

Requirements

• Matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
• A relevant technical qualification or certification in Chemical Operations, Mineral Processing, or Engineering would be advantageous.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience as a Processing Plant Operator, with significant experience in gold extraction plants (CIL/CIP).
• Proven ability to operate and monitor equipment such as mills, flotation cells, thickeners, filters, and leaching circuits.
• Understanding of gold cyanidation and recovery processes.
• Familiarity with process control systems (e.g., SCADA) and instrumentation.
• Strong focus on safety and adherence to operational procedures.
• Good problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
• Ability to pass a medical examination and a fitness test for underground or specific plant environments if required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and performance-based bonuses.
• The company provides excellent opportunities for skills development and career progression within the processing division.
• Employees benefit from a safe and professional working environment, with access to modern processing facilities.
• Our client is committed to fostering a positive and supportive work culture.
• This position is based in the scenic Nelspruit area.