Mine Recruitment

Flotation Operator, Nickel Processing

First Quantum Minerals · Kalumbila · posted 2026-09-30

First Quantum Minerals Careers · Found 13 Aug · Checked today

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Job Overview To be responsible for the effective and efficient field operation of all grinding and classifying circuit up to the flotation circuit to maximize production and minimize costs, while ensuring operational sustainability. The role has a focus on minute-hourly-daily basis. Specific Job Responsibility The role has field equipment accountability from the apron feeders, sag mill, ball mill, hydro-cyclone clusters, flash flotation unit, flotation surge tank, conveying systems, dust scrubbers and all associated equipment delivering slurry to the flotation circuit. Carry out thorough pre-start checks, equipment inspections, adjustments and cleaning. Maintain high housekeeping and safety standards. Compliance to HSE requirements and reporting/correcting defects and unsafe conditions to the supervisor. Ensure all incidents are reported promptly. Ensure that start-up and shutdown procedures in all areas of milling are executed safely and promptly. Operate equipment according to procedures given in the operating strategies and instructions. Deliver and exceed the KPI’s of milling throughput, grinding utilization, product particle size and routine work compliance. Ensure dust control is achieved effectively. Conduct all routine tasks, including field check-sheets and equipment inspections in a timely and accurate manner. Diagnose plant defects and ensure they are immediately addressed. Identify equipment that requires correction and immediately escalate to superiors. Support maintenance in the delivery of their tasks. Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor. Job Specific Competencies Strong commitment to SHEC performance. Very strong drive and personal sense of equipment ownership and accountability. Basic understanding of mechanical and instrumentation equipment. Written and spoken fluency in English. Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office. Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment. Key Job Attributes Willingness to learn and progress, open mind to various challenges. Attention to detail and time management skills. Able to work in a team environment. A positive and mature attitude, sense of initiative. Passionate, enthusiastic and pro-active in manner. Persistent, diligent and through approach. Physically fit, as the role is physically demanding at times. Experience required to perform in this job Minimum 3 years of prior experience in operating a wet processing plant, particularly in a grinding circuit (SAG, Ball mill exposure). Flotation experience is highly regarded. Prior experience in plant commissioning and plant ramp up desirable. Experience in a large, complex base metals processing plant(s) is a plus. Qualifications Full grade twelve (G12) certificate. Certificate in metallurgy, chemical engineering, mineral processing or related field. Visit our website and register for instant job alerts at careers.first-quantum.com Follow us for the latest news at LinkedIn If you are already a First Quantum employee and have access to the First Quantum network, log into First Quantum MINE > Careers to apply internally for this opportunity. If you are an employee without network access, contact your Site Recruiter. First Quantum Minerals Ltd. is a global mining company producing copper and nickel, as well as gold and cobalt. Our growing portfolio of operations and projects spans four continents and employs around 20,000 people. We are well-known for our ‘can do’ attitude and specialist technical, project management, engineering, construction and operational skills, which allow us to develop and successfully run complex mines and minerals processing plants. We strive to go beyond the goals set by other companies. After 25 years of operations we are now one of the world’s top 10 copper producers and we focus on providing a tangible benefit from everything we do for employees, investors and the many communities that host our operations. From our initial operation reprocessing tailings facilities in Zambia, to the recently completed giant Cobre Panama operation, we have recorded many significant commercial and technical achievements over the past two decades. By 2021, the combined output of our mines will be more than 800,000 tonnes of copper per year. Email us at careers@fqml.com

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