Fresh Job Vacancies at Mintek

Job description

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

•  Assume the responsibility of Leader on selected MPD’s bench scale tests and pilot plant campaigns.
• Assist with the construction, commissioning and operation of pilot plants and laboratory test equipment of either Flotation or Comminution Group.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and participate in the execution of pilot plants.
• Assist chief investigators to meet the technical objectives of projects and contribute to technical problem solving.
• Train contract workers and operators in the safe and correct use of equipment and in the execution of laboratory and pilot plant-procedures.
• Independently manage unit operations that form part of larger projects. This include planning,staffing, operation, quality control and reporting on those unit operations.
• Perform basic calculations related to the execution of laboratory experiments and pilot plant operations.
•  Assume responsibility for calibration of equipment, pH electrodes etc..
• Ensure that data is correctly logged and monitor the accuracy of data that is reported.
• Ensure that all SHEQ matters are fully complied with at all times.
• Ensure that equipment is used correctly and responsibly to avoid, or minimize, damage thereof.

Execution, People and planning

• Performs highly complex laboratory data acquisition, manipulation, reduction and analysis.
• Compiles data and computes results, ensuring quality control and compliance with protocols, and provides comprehensive analysis of results to researchers.
• Sets-up, calibrates, operates and maintains sophisticated equipment and facilities.
• Reviews experimental and test results to ascertain their validity and the reliability of the data and to ensure proper functioning of the equipment.
•  Participates in the design of experiments and may develop and coordinate specific aspects of the research.
• Selects, modifies and adapts equipment, facilities and instrumentation to specific project requirements.

Minimum requirements

• Minimum: BTech degree in Chemical Engineering / Extractive Metallurgy is required.
• Ideal: MTech in Chemical Engineering / Extractive Metallurgy
• Minimum experience: On-the-job training gained after graduation.
• Ideal experience: 3 years’ experience in the operation of relevant mineral processing unit operations such as flotation test work, sample preparation, comminution bench scale tests, milling circuits, operation of crushers, flotation processes.
• Or more than 5 years broad-based experience across mineral processing environment.

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Job description

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

• Performs a range of automatic operations, requiring the use of machines or electronic equipment.
• A number closely related process operations, e.g. filtering, drying, splitting, screening, milling and mounting of samples in epoxy resin using mineralogical sample preparation equipment.
• Understanding of sampling theory.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Using and taking readings from standard measuring devices such as scales and balances.
• Can operate a range of the equipment across a workgroup.
• Process sample by hand sorting, screening, blending, manual reduction of large rocks, drying and bagging.
• Process samples through simple processing equipment, e.g. screens, mills and filter presses. 
• Check the operability of equipment to ensure that these are ready for use.
• Operate all equipment safely based on training and some written SOP’s.
• Ability to identify and deal with performance deviations and troubleshooting, e.g. arrange for the equipment to be fixed.
• Work must be done without deviation from given standard procedures (written or taught), so as to ensure that the same results would be obtained by someone else following the same procedure.
• Display understanding of the general purpose of the process, e.g. filtration is a physical separation process used to separate solid material from liquids (water), screening is undertaken to understand the particle size distribution of a sample, sample loss can result in inadequate sample etc.
• Apply knowledge and training to own work such that standards are maintained, e.g. if the equipment is damaged it could affect the outcome therefore wait for the equipment to be fixed before proceeding.
• Undertake basis data handling of results, including adding, subtracting, dividing, summing averaging etc of data.
• Reporting verbally or by filling in log sheets- Including basic mathematical calculations, reports may be computerised or in hardcopy form.
• Development of sample preparation methods and implementation of process improvements.
• Stock control of sample preparation consumables.

Custodian of a Laboratory / Process or Plant Equipment.

• Conduct or facilitate basic maintenance of mineralogical sample preparation equipment.
• Process samples through laboratory scale equipment, e.g. mill, screen, filter, including weighing of samples.
• Conduct maintenance of laboratory equipment used (after training), e.g. cleaning equipment and replacing seals in mill pots.
• Ensure that all equipment settings are appropriate and are recorded so that repeat work can use the same settings
• Possess and display operating knowledge of a wide range of simple equipment in the group and must know how the equipment settings affect the performance (e.g. crusher settings etc).
• Report test results using report books, log sheets, spreadsheets etc.  These may be simple hardcopies or may be computer based depending on the operational need.

Facilitating Group Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Discussions.

• Ability to troubleshoot for both sample preparation operations and related equipment.
• Have the knowledge and expertise necessary to lead a team of operators in problem solving and decision-making. 
• Impart the knowledge and expertise necessary to lead a team of operators in problem solving and decision making.
• Be the member of an operator team to whom the other members most often turn for technical and procedural advice.
• Ensure predictability of results by the application of standard procedures. Work must be done without deviation from given standard procedures (written or taught), so as to ensure that same results would be obtained by someone else following the same procedure. 
• Ensure that equipment is used in such a way that results will be repeatable, i.e. take cognisance of equipment settings and record them. 
• Ensure that SOP’s and other standards are followed, and where applicable apply knowledge and training to work undertaken e.g. make sure that sample mass loss is reduced to an acceptable level during processing.

Accountable for Efficiently Utilising Time, Materials, Consumables, and Space.

• Assist with managing productivity of staff, space and consumables etc, e.g. scheduling of mineralogical sample preparation instruments with other operators, efficient sample handling; working out how to minimise backlogs in sample preparation; and organising equipment storage in laboratories etc. 
• Assist with managing productivity and output of staff reporting to the position or accepts responsibility for large cost consequences, e.g. keeping an oven on overnight when no samples need to be dried.

Proficiency in Identifying Fundamental Rules or Principles Governing Relationships Between Objects and Applying Them to Problem Solving.

• Able to discover practical empirical relationships between process conditions and results (e.g. typical deviations in quality of samples produced from different particle sizes and different instrument operating conditions). 
• Applying this knowledge to proactively prevent problems.
• Understands why tasks and procedures are performed and how performance standards contributes to the team’s results
• Possess knowledge of a relatively wide range of equipment and unit operations, and through experience must know how to control performance standards, e.g. the effect of different equipment settings, the effect of variations in the way sample preparation is performed. 
• Understands the purpose of processes affecting and leading to another process (e.g. milling is to increase liberation etc), of procedures (e.g. to ensure correctness and safety) and of good performance (e.g. that sample loss during splitting or screening can cause inaccurate results).

Quality Control

•  Assist with quality checking the work of a variety of lower-level positions.

Human Resources Management

• Act as coordinator of a small team and co-ordinate the activities, including on the job task allocation and direction.
• Observe time keeping rules and leave procedures, following training.
• Supervise, coach, train, and mentor other O level employees.
• Performance management, including appraisals and contracts

Adhere to SHEQ Requirements

• Conform to all relevant SHEQ procedures, guidelines and rules.
• Ensure that workplace inspections are conducted to ensure compliance and SHEQ briefings are regularly conducted on new issued.
• Practice good housekeeping and safe working procedures at all times, under general guidance and supervision of a superior, including safe stacking of samples, correct disposal of waste solid samples, keeping roads, walkways etc clear of samples.
• Keep workplace and communal facilities clean and tidy at all times.

Minimum requirements

• BTech / BSc in Earth Sciences/Metallurgical Engineering/Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum: On-the-job training gained after graduation with laboratory experience.
• Ideal: 2-3 years’ experience in the operation of relevant mineralogy processing unit operations.

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Job Description

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

• Assist Head/Divisional manager to maintain and expand on project work from the mining/ metallurgical industry and related research agencies, in line with Division’s current business plans, by providing competence and professional expertise, and interacting with clients, collaborators and potential partners.
• Ascertain needs of clients and the industry and propose appropriate project work, both research and commercial oriented.
• Lead and execute projects in which interactions with technical expertise and stakeholders (internal and external) are required at an advanced level. This will involve algorithm/software development to extract appropriate information and modeling, simulation and interpretation of mineral behaviour in processing and other environments using primarily, mineralogical inputs.
• Execute projects so as to meet the time scheduling agreed to with client/stakeholder, contain costs for the Division and deliver valid conclusions with technical efficiency and professionalism.
• Comply with the internal administration requirements of Mintek and MNL with respect to labour and machine time capture, business governance, professional reporting, project planning and management.
• Develop protocols/workflows for optimal operation and performance of specialised imaging equipment.
• Ensure that QES procedures are followed and project work is executed to produce valid conclusions and with maximum overall efficiency - technically and financially.
•  Ensure that the documentation of work and procedures is appropriately captured and produce advanced professional level reports, publications, conference contributions.

Minimum requirements

• Minimum: MSc / MEng in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering (Electronic/electrical) or equivalent
• Ideal: PhD
• 3- 5 years or more experience in the field of data and image (2D/3D) analysis applications using 
  commercial/open source platforms (e.g. Matlab, Python, R, Image J, VG StudioMax, Aviso, etc.).
• Coding and/or modelling experience, preferably with mineralogical/metallurgical/chemical data.