R&D Operator at Tharisa

Purpose of Role

The R & D Operator carries out the accountability and responsibility for the safe achievement of metallurgical targets in his/her section. The incumbent will execute and control the physical operational work in his/her section.  The position often takes on manual labour duties in order to operate his/her section and maintain a clean and safe working environment.  The effective operation of gravity/flotation sections require the R& D Operator to be mentally technically advanced in order to make decisions frequently with regard to the control of the section.

Role Context

• Adherence to the shift production plan
• Accountable and responsible for the safe achievement of metallurgical targets in the section
• Execute and control the physical operational work in the section
• Optimize efficiency and recoveries to produce quality products that meet the required specifications
• Liaise with junior metallurgist with regard to process variables changes in the section
• Process control within defined recipe
• Coach and instruct to explain how the work should be performed, focusing on improving, changing and optimizing practices
• Record and analyse stoppages and equipment.
• Primary focus is on effective and safe operation of the section to optimize efficiencies and recoveries and maintain quality of produced products
• Participate on root cause analysis process
• Ensure adherence to all safety (i.e. create awareness of hazards and behaviour);
• Correct non-compliance to objectives and safety standards
• Comply to safety rules, policies and procedures
• Completion of necessary documents (i.e. Risk assessments, inspection sheets, job cards, etc.)
• Contribute in pre-shift safety and work discussions;
• Creating conducive employee relations climate in the team
• Communicate failures/breakdowns and deviations in process or equipment to the Junior Metallurgist
• Assist support services during breakdowns in order to limit downtime while ensuring adherence to safety standards
• Ensures quality test-work (Projects) are executed
• Conduct sample preparation as per standard and safe procedure.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Grade 12/ NQF Level 4
• NQF 4-5 Skills Programs
• Mineral processing level 4

Job specific experience:

• One year experience as an Attendant in a metallurgical Process Operation;
• One year experience as an Operator in a metallurgical Process Operation including PGM floatation experience.