Senior Metallurgist – Mineralogy

About the role

First Quantum is seeking a Senior Metallurgist with a focus on mineralogy to ensure high performance of the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and to develop robust mineralogical databases. The role supports technical teams, drives data quality, and contributes to plant diagnostics.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain SEM availability at 90% through routine set‑up, calibration and preventive maintenance.
• Lead initiatives to streamline SEM data management, create SOPs and ensure traceability.
• Develop and calibrate a mineralogical database aiming for 0% unclassified results in Kansanshi stream analyses.
• Coordinate with the chemistry lab to achieve perfect correlation between mineralogical and chemical data.
• Implement a data management system for organized, accessible information.
• Support sample preparation to obtain high‑quality polished surfaces.
• Train mineralogy team members on microscope operation and data interpretation.
• Participate in ore characterisation projects and mineralogical circuit surveys.
• Assist plant metallurgists and operations teams in using mineralogical results for diagnostics.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Process, Metallurgical Engineering or Geology with proven mineralogy expertise.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in a mineralogical laboratory.
• Membership in the Engineering Institute of Zambia as required by Act No.27 of 1992.
• Laboratory or plant experience in mineral processing and hydrometallurgy is advantageous.

Required skills

• Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) operation, set‑up and calibration.
• Mineralogical database development and calibration.
• Data management system implementation and SOP creation.
• Analytical performance assessment (accuracy, precision, reproducibility).
• Sample preparation for polished microscopy.
• Technical training and knowledge transfer.