Project Metallurgist

Sibanye Stillwater Australia, a subsidiary of Sibanye Stillwater Limited (a multinational mining and metals processing group), is a leading mining, tailings management, and economic rehabilitation company. Our flagship Century project in Queensland stands as Australia's largest tailings remining and processing operation.

A rewarding opportunity currently exists for a Project Metallurgist to join our Sibanye Stillwater Australia team based on site at the Century Mine (Lawn Hill). This position will be offered on a 15 days on /13 days off FIFO roster.

Purpose:

• Identify and deliver improvement projects and testwork programs
• Improve the short-medium term metallurgical and operational performance of the processing plant by providing technical support to and generating improvement ideas for the site operations teams
• Provide coaching and support for the Plant Metallurgists and Metallurgical Technicians

Key accountabilities shall include:

• Implement process improvement ideas and deliver metallurgical projects in order to meet budget and forecast deliverables;
• Support the metallurgical and operational teams to optimise throughput, recovery, concentrate grade & investigate unwarranted process deviations;
• Review and analyse longer term plant trends and mineralogical data;
• Performing diagnostic tests and sampling / surveys as required;
• Participate in shutdown tasks including Ball Mill inspections, flotation cell inspections, cyclone checks and sampler inspections;
• Consistently consider the financial impact of all actions to ensure proactive participation in and assisting the Processing team to manage costs effectively;
• Actively participate in safety related activities and improvements including safety meetings, risk assessments, CONTAM sampling, development of JHAs / SWIs.
• Inspection of the work areas to identify hazards and implement controls;
• Actively engage / participate in shift and end of swing handovers ensuring information is shared between all parties;
• Take responsibility for own learning and development to enhance effectiveness in the current role and develop a plan for future professional/career development;
• Follow procedures as outlined in the written safe work instructions (SWIs) / procedures and by senior staff;
• Maintain and foster an exceptional work ethic; 
• Take the initiative to continually improve your work, the overall business and promote the goals of the organisation;
• Work effectively and collaboratively with immediate colleagues and others in cross-functional relationships;
• Any other reasonable tasks as requested by Senior Metallurgists or Metallurgy Superintendent

Applicants should possess the following:

Technical Skills

• Metallurgical accounting and material balancing
• Flotation (base metals preferred)
• Grinding and classification (including exposure to modelling)
• Plant sampling and surveys
• Trouble shooting / problem solving / decision making 
• Data analysis and report writing
• Time management and ability to set priorities
• Project management.

People Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills & able to communicate at various levels (management, technical, operational and external service providers)
• Team player with the ability to maintain internal and external relationships
• Self-motivated
• Adaptable to change
• Ability to work unsupervised / independently.

Knowledge:

• Competent in Microsoft Office products
• Competent in PI Process Book and PI Data Link or similar SCADA systems
• Competent with Met Lab practices and equipment including sample prep, particle sizings (screen sizings, cyclosizing, laser sizing), grinding and flotation tests and filtration
• Exposure to process control systems and loop tuning
• Understanding of maintenance practices and asset management
• Conversant with change management and continuous improvement principles
• Familiar with business / support systems (i.e. Pronto, Donesafe, document management systems).

Experience:

• At least 3 years of site-based experience in a similar role (or as a graduate)
• Experience in FIFO operations and remote site conditions (preferred)
• Commissioning / ramp up experience (desirable).

Education, Qualifications, Tickets, Licences:

• Tertiary qualifications in Extractive Metallurgy, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• Current First Aid / CPR Certificate
• Current C Class Driver licence
• Working at Heights (desirable)
• Confined Space Entry (desirable).

Benefits of working at Sibanye Stillwater Australia:

• Competitive remuneration with performance-based incentives.
• Residential dwelling and utilities provided.
• A dynamic workplace with career progression opportunities.
• Part of a multinational mining and metals processing group.

For more information on Sibanye Stillwater, please refer to our website: https://www.sibanyestillwater.com/     

Sibanye Stillwater Australia encourages applications from Indigenous Persons, particularly from members of the Communities surrounding the Century operations in Doomadgee, Burketown, Normanton, Karumba, and Mornington Island.