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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)
Reporting into the Technical Superintendent, the Senior Metallurgist, Process Control is responsible for defining, implementing, monitoring, and reporting on the plant's advanced process control strategy, to develop, maintain, and optimize the integrated digital infrastructure which supports data visualisation and analytics. In addition, this role will lead the implementation of advanced analytics, machine learning capabilities, and implement action-based process control solutions to maximize productivity.
Qualifications (required for the job) & Knowledge & Experience:
- A Tertiary Qualification in Extractive Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience, based upon applicable and pertinent process control experience in large, complex base metal operations.
- Direct experience in automation and engineering roles with specific experience in hard rock comminution and base metal flotation.
- Extensive experience with process control systems (e.g. Siemens PCS7, KScape platform), data management platform applications (e.g. Osisoft PI Server, AF, Vision, Datalink, Integrator, and RTDuet), conditional and statistical data analytics (e.g. Power BI, Minitab), and metallurgical optimization tools, all highly regarded.
- Commitment to SHEC performance.
- Excellent cognitive and analytical skills for identifying process shortfalls, bottlenecks and implementing systematic solutions.
- Excellent understanding of complex metallurgical information, process improvement, and control strategies for large-scale, continuous operating mineral processing plants.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and able to assemble data and provide clear and accurate operational performance reports in both an upward and downward direction.
- Computer fluency is essential.
- Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
- Fluency in English is required, and proficiency in Spanish is highly regarded. A willingness to undertake language training is desirable
Core Specific Responsibilities & Expected Deliverables:
- Operate within and observe all relevant and applicable laws of Panama and FQM’s code of ethics and company.
- Maintain as well as promote HSE standards and ensure strict compliance within the area of operation.
- Oversee continuous modernization of the existing advanced control platform and the supporting sensor technology, as well as the integrative infrastructure of all applications and data sources leveraged by the operations team.
- Directly participate in the daily technical support of the Operations, Maintenance, and Metallurgy teams, through regular monitoring of plant operating parameters and behaviours, suggesting adjustments or corrections to the control logic, and recommending opportunities in automation to address performance shortfalls or optimise productivity.
- Ensure real-time monitoring and optimization of advanced process control applications across the facility, to maximize process stability and minimize production opportunity loss.
- Guide the development and implementation of new advanced process control strategies and applications, ensuring a modular & scalable standard of “best practice” approach.
- Oversee the development of real-time analytics to monitor process performance throughout the entire value chain, carry out the necessary surveillance, and facilitate analysis of production loss events and identification of areas for improvement.
- Maintain a comprehensive itemized business improvement plan, with quantified business value when applicable, and take care to evaluate and report realized performance gains for major projects executed.
- Contribute to the development of an enterprise-wide digitalization strategy and the implementation of associated technological solutions.
- Manage the change of process control philosophy, including operator training and development of protocols
- Ensure proper upkeep of advanced process control documentation, functional descriptions, and technical evaluations.
- Oversee upkeep of hardware/software infrastructure for advanced process control and data management applications (Osisoft);
- Coordinate regular training of the team to preserve a high level of in-house skills to maintain, troubleshoot, and tune the advanced process control and data management applications.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of process control metallurgists, and grow the team in line with evolving business needs.
- Liaise with various stakeholders and update them on the progress of ongoing projects, challenges and opportunities
- 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 site. This exciting position is based on-site and will be focusing on driving and delivering operational accountability and ownership across various units at Cobre Panama site. Rosters and working hours may vary depending on business requirements.
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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