Metallurgist - Process Optimization (Gravity Gold Recovery)

About the role

First Quantum is hiring a Metallurgist in Solwezi to provide specialist technical support for gravity gold recovery optimization, metallurgical test work and plant performance improvement. The role focuses on maximizing gravity recovery, reducing gold losses and finding sustainable ways to improve plant performance, with a strong emphasis on data analysis.

Key responsibilities

• Analyse plant data and metallurgical performance trends to find gold recovery gaps and improvement opportunities.
• Monitor and optimise gravity recovery systems, including Knelson and Falcon centrifugal concentrators.
• Run plant surveys, sampling campaigns, metallurgical balances and gold-loss investigations.
• Plan, run and interpret GRG and E-GRG test work using the laboratory-scale Knelson concentrator.
• Evaluate the effect of ore type, grind size, classification efficiency, circulating load and gold liberation on gravity recovery.
• Optimise concentrator settings such as feed rate, feed density, fluidization water, cycle duration, bowl speed and concentrate mass pull.
• Compare theoretical gravity-recovery potential with actual plant performance and set up sampling methods, frequencies and quality control.
• Coordinate assays, screen-fire assays, particle-size analysis and mineralogical investigations, and troubleshoot issues with root-cause analysis.
• Identify and implement technical projects to improve recovery, efficiency and operating costs, and prepare technical reports.
• Support Operations, Laboratory, Maintenance and Engineering teams, train operators and technicians, and comply with health, safety, environmental, quality and gold-security requirements.

Required profile

• Degree or diploma in Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering or a related field, verified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).
• Proven experience in plant optimization and gravity gold recovery; CIL/CIP experience is desired but not essential.
• Experience with GRG, EGRG, cyanide bottle-roll and other metallurgical test work; Gekko systems and Acacia reactor experience is an advantage.
• Strong practical knowledge of gravity concentrators, intensive leaching and gold-room processes, and of comminution, classification and gold liberation.
• Strong analytical, reporting and presentation skills, with a results-driven approach.

Required skills

• High proficiency in Excel, Power BI, PI Vision and SCADA.
• Plant sampling, metallurgical surveys, mass balancing, gold accounting and troubleshooting.

Candidates can apply through the First Quantum careers site or, if already an employee, through their Workday account.