Metallurgy Analyst at Anglo American

Job Description:
The purpose of the position is to support the Principals as well as the Metallurgists in achieving their objectives and to manage and oversee the implementation of defined projects against approved scopes of work.

• Adherence to safety standards and procedures. Lead certain safety initiatives within the department. Take responsibility for developing and updating operating procedures for testwork and projects.
• Develop a high-level functional understanding of the unit operations in the business units being supported by the Extractive Metallurgy Group. This entails if necessary being legislatively inducted allowing the incumbent to sample specific unit operations at the business unit. Independently interface and communicate with site metallurgists and/or production supervisors on the status of testwork and/or sampling campaigns. Conduct oneself on-site in such a manner as to uphold the reputation of Extractive Metallurgy in terms of safety and technical excellence.

Laboratory management and testwork support:

• Responsible for the running of the Extractive Metallurgy Testwork Facilities.
• Sample preparation - manage crushing, screening and splitting of feed ores.
• Set up laboratory equipment according to design specifications.
• Monitoring and control of experiments and collection, collation and presentation of key data.
• Wet chemistry support, leaching, precipitation, filtration, sampling, and analysis.
• Manage and control the scheduling, handling, processing and reporting of samples and sample results through the Analytical Facility.
• Responsible for the maintenance, functioning and servicing of the equipment in the Testwork Facilities.
• Train staff members to use the equipment effectively and appropriately. Develop and update the SOP and conduct the PTO.

Measurements:

• Calibrate and operate instruments including troubleshooting
• Analysis of results obtained to ensure required precision and accuracy was obtained
• Be responsible for, managing and maintaining instruments in the Extractive Metallurgy department.

Responsible for planning and conducting detailed technical investigations aligned to the strategic intent of the business unit operation, both at the site and in the laboratory. Includes:

• Data retrieval (SCADA and QTS systems).
• Compilation of testwork and monitoring spreadsheets. o Monitoring of testwork and collection of key data.
• Collating data into electronic formats and preparing graphs that are usable by the metallurgists. o Interpreting data and trends and discussion with metallurgists.

Pilot campaigns and process trials:

• Participate and contribute during pilot plant trials. Part of the shift work team at Extractive Metallurgy, analytical and/or processor.
• Participate and contribute during site surveys or process trials at the operations.

General laboratory support:

• Responsible for planning the resources such as chemicals and equipment required to conduct a specified laboratory or plant sampling campaign.

Qualifications:
Essential

• A minimum of BTech degree in chemistry, metallurgy or chemical engineering

Experience

General laboratory experience, An understanding and competency of the main routine laboratory procedures used in the extractive metallurgy group:

• Running and maintaining and trouble-shooting ICP-OES
• Acid/Base titrations for novel process samples – including method development and verification

Role-Specific Knowledge

• Experience/exposure to metallurgical operations through project work, research and development, or operational exposure, over a period exceeding 3 years, would be considered essential.
• Prior knowledge of hydrometallurgical processes such as atmospheric leaching, pressure leaching, precipitation tests, electrowinning and solvent extraction would also be considered advantageous.

Safety Knowledge:

• Provides a consistent outstanding role model in relation to safety practices with a deep understanding of the importance of safety.

Any other requirements to perform the work effectively:

• Will need to work with a number of team members across different regions in South Africa.
• Will need to have a valid driver’s license.

Closing Date: 17th, April 2022