At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.
Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.
Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.
Job description:
General Role Purpose (brief description of this job)
Senior Metallurgist Accounting & Strategic Planning provides valuable information about plant operation, recovery rates, mass and energy balances, and areas of material gains and losses. It is a continuous process required to make necessary operational and metallurgical-based decisions as well as to effectively communicate Key Performance Indicators. This role requires the development and training of the national direct reports and technical leadership to provide consistent, accurate (short and medium term) reports, forecasts, and associated reconciled to key stakeholders.
As a key member of the process team, the Senior Metallurgist – Accounting and Strategic Planning is responsible for the effective and efficient generation of all short & medium term production planning and forecasting works, including associated reconciliations. These reports relate to the process operation and involve the balancing of critical process streams from crusher feed to concentrate shipments. Duties also include (but are not limited to): power consumption and forecasting, integration of other key variables or parameters as required into the metallurgical accounting system and database. In addition, manage the required critical plant sampling for monthly reconciliations as well as support internal QA/QC, as well as communicating/present performance reports to senior management and other duties as required and specified by their Manager.
Qualifications (required for the job) & Knowledge & Experience
A Tertiary Qualification in Extractive Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering or related field.
A minimum of 8 years of progressively relevant work experience in base metal processing facilities
A strong commitment to safety leadership and the ability to follow relevant policies and procedures
Strong metallurgical experience with the ability to effectively resolve complex technical problems, and utilize and create specialized computer applications (multi-element mass balancing, modelling and simulation, statistical processing, etc.)
Strong time-management, organizational, reporting, and presentation skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively. Ability to set schedules, milestones, deadlines, and achieve them
Previous experience and highly skilled in metallurgical accounting, material balancing software, and database management systems
Excellent analytical skills for identifying process shortfalls, bottlenecks, and implementing systematic solutions.
Understanding of complex metallurgical information, process improvement, and control strategies for large-scale mineral processing plants.
Ability to provide clear and accurate operational performance reports in both an upward and downward direction.
English/Spanish verbal and written communication skills
Ability to assemble data and provide clear and accurate operational performance reports in both an upward and downward direction.
Computer fluency is essential, especially with Microsoft Office-based programs and data analysis software (MS Excel, Power BI, Minitab, etc.
Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, including collaboration with other technical departments to ensure that Cobre Panama is prepared for future processing requirements
Core Specific Responsibilities & Expected Deliverables
Operate within and observe all relevant and applicable laws of Panama
Maintain HSE standards and ensure strict compliance within the Process Plant & Metallurgy Department
Deliver accurate and representative production planning: Annual Budget, 5-year & LOM plan, and any other medium to long-term forecasts as required (i.e. 2+10, 5+7, 7+5 and 10+2)
Integration of new equipment (screening plant, Moly Circuit) into all necessary short and medium-term material balancing & associated production reports
Liaise with and provide technical support to other operational departments (mining, geology, finance) to generate accurate and representative production plans
Train and develop colleagues in short-term and long-term accounting and production planning
Develop SOP’s for all necessary production planning for effective knowledge transfer
Execute plant surveys, material balancing campaigns to evaluate circuit performance, and recommend ways of improving existing balancing and accounting systems.
Conduct troubleshooting and analysis to identify root causes and corrective actions to improve production planning.
Perform other related duties as required.
Behavioural Traits / Personal Characteristics
Bolder: Flexible, versatile, and prepared to take on challenges as needed.
Smarter: always looks for efficiencies and better ways of doing things
Driven: Sets high standards, is motivated, and determined.
Together: communicate well with peers and understand others' views.
Operational Requirements
Cobre Panama is a remote work site. This exciting position is based on-site and will focus on driving and delivering operational accountability and ownership across various units. Rosters and working hours may vary depending on business requirements, and the current roster for this role is 10 days on-site and 4 days OFF (hybrid 5/2)
Environmental Responsibilities
Comply with current environmental regulations in Panama
Comply with the commitments contained in the Environmental Impact Studies and other additional studies in this regard, which apply to your area and activities.
Comply with the provisions of the Minera Panama Environmental Management System.
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Skills Required
- Tertiary qualification in Extractive Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering or related field
- Minimum 8 years progressively relevant experience in base metal processing facilities
- Strong commitment to safety leadership and ability to follow policies and procedures
- Extensive metallurgical experience resolving complex technical problems and using/creating specialised applications (mass balancing, modelling, simulation, statistical processing)
- Highly skilled in metallurgical accounting, material balancing software, and database management systems
- Strong time-management, organisational, reporting and presentation skills with ability to set schedules and meet deadlines
- Excellent analytical skills to identify process shortfalls, bottlenecks and implement solutions
- Ability to provide clear and accurate operational performance reports upward and downward
- Fluent verbal and written English and Spanish
- Computer fluency, especially MS Excel, Power BI, Minitab and other data analysis software
- Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and collaborate with technical departments
- Willingness and ability to work on-site at a remote mine (Cobre Panama) on rostered schedule (10 days on-site, 4 days off)
What We Do
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. is a global mining company producing copper and nickel, as well as gold and cobalt. Our growing portfolio of operations and projects spans four continents and employs around 20,000 people. We are well-known for our ‘can do’ attitude and specialist technical, project management, engineering, construction and operational skills, which allow us to develop and successfully run complex mines and minerals processing plants. We strive to go beyond the goals set by other companies. After 25 years of operations we are now one of the world’s top 10 copper producers and we focus on providing a tangible benefit from everything we do for employees, investors and the many communities that host our operations. From our initial operation reprocessing tailings facilities in Zambia, to the recently completed giant Cobre Panama operation, we have recorded many significant commercial and technical achievements over the past two decades. By 2021, the combined output of our mines will be more than 800,000 tonnes of copper per year.
