Technical Specialist : De Beers at Anglo American

T&S Processing’s purpose is to ensure that we realize the full potential of the resource endowed to us as a key part of the full value chain. The T&S Processing function is accountable for thought leadership in the field of processing, process optimization and technical specialization in the various unit processes across the business in order to maximize the potential of the endowment and capital deployed. T&S Processing is accountable to be operationally relevant through the deployment of value accretive or risk mitigated solutions in operating business units.

The De Beers Technical Specialist will support operational staff at the Processing Facilities to optimize metallurgical performance, while also assisting the Principal Process Engineer in the role out of Geometallurgy and enhanced Mineral Residue Facility management within the De Beers Group.

Furthermore, the role will be responsible for the below:

Performance & Delivery

• Drive the roll-out of Geometallurgy within the De Beers Group through implementation of a standardized De Beers-specific Guideline for Geometallurgy
• Champion the roll-out and integration of Realtime Sensing into the control systems of the De Beers Processing Facilities.
• Assist the De Beers Principal Process Engineer in the drive for full implementation of the Global Industry Standard for Tailings Management (GISTM) within the De Beers Group Mineral Residue Facilities (MRFs).
• Stay on top of the monthly reporting on Mineral Residue Facilities critical controls, while also taking part in the quarterly and annual assurance processes for the MRFs.
• Drive the overall Dry-Fines / Water Savings programme with the various role-players in the De Beers Group.
• Identify key improvement / optimization initiatives based on the information within the Digital Assets of the De Beers Group Processing Facilities.
• Work with the onsite Technical & Production Teams to prioritize the required interventions.
• Perform Root Cause Analysis to identify the required actions to prevent repeat incidents.
• Compile project management documentation to address the selected interventions (scope, time, budget).
• Drive the execution of the corrective actions using sound project management principles (this will require travel and extended periods at the Processing Facilities to ensure the corrective actions are implemented).
• Direct the work of Service Providers and Consultants for defined work packages.
• Export the learnings / corrective actions to the Ore Processing Facilities within the De Beers Group.
• Provide progress updates within the agreed reporting system of T&S Processing.
• Ongoing engagement with onsite stakeholders impacted by initiatives.
• Arrange and deliver Metallurgical Centres of Excellence Workshops for the De Beers Group, culminating in an annual De Beers Metallurgical Conference.

Safety, Health & Environment

• Provides consistent outstanding behavior in relation to safety practices with a deep understanding of the importance of safety.
• Always ensure that the required and appropriate risk assessments have been performed, and action items from these risk assessments have been addressed, prior to the execution of the identified corrective actions at an operation.

Qualifications:

• Required: A Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering.

Specific Knowledge Requirements:

• Diamond Processing flowsheet knowledge.
• Knowledge of the AngloAmerican Operating Model.
• Knowledge of Optimization Practice as per the AngloAmerican Operating Model.
• Versed in PMBOK or a similar project management approach.
• Experience with Geometallurgy development and implementation.
• Experience with Mineral Residue Facility operation and management.
• Knowledge of the Global Industry Standard for Tailings Management (GISTM).
• Experience with Advanced Process Control systems.

Additionally:

• Regular regional travel in Southern Africa will be required to see through the execution of projectized interventions at the De Beers Ore Processing Facilities. International travel for MRF assurance activities will also be required.
• The position will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa.