Plant Controller - Wet Processing Plant

About First Quantum Minerals

At First Quantum, we empower our employees by fostering a unique culture known as the “First Quantum Way.” We encourage independent thinking, challenging norms, and delivering outstanding results in extraordinary locations.

Role Summary

The Plant Controller is accountable for ensuring safety, stability, and optimal operation of the processing plant throughout assigned shifts. This includes monitoring process performance, coordinating plant activities across areas, responding to operational deviations, and providing real-time production optimization while maintaining compliance with safety, environmental, and standard operating procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate in full compliance with Zambian laws and company standards.
• Uphold strict health, safety, and environmental protocols within the Process Plant.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping standards within the control room environment.
• Lead process plant equipment, staff, and processes to maximize copper and gold output.
• Function as shift leader for field processing Supervisors and Control Room Operators.
• Oversee and regulate plant parameters to surpass key performance indicators including throughput, recovery, and product quality.
• Collaborate with mining teams to anticipate and optimize plant feed rates and ore quality impact on performance.
• Ensure equipment operates strictly according to established operating procedures and strategies.
• Maximize use of the plant’s expert control systems and critical control loops.
• Ensure continuous usage of vital inline instrumentation for real-time performance monitoring and optimization.
• Maintain high standards in managing plant control systems, including alarm management, operating trends, PLC bypasses, and downtime reasoning.
• Execute daily operating orders from leadership and escalate issues that cannot be resolved promptly.
• Ensure Supervisors escalate performance deviations properly to higher management.
• Support oversight during major plant shutdowns, maintenance workflows, and subsequent start-ups.
• Guide Maintenance Supervisors in prioritizing process plant maintenance tasks.
• Coach shift teams, especially Supervisors and Control Room Operators, to drive operational excellence.
• Work closely with maintenance, processing, and technical teams to coordinate and prioritize activities and optimize plant output.
• Diagnose and rectify plant malfunctions and deviations.
• Ensure accurate recording and accountability for production loss incidents.
• Evaluate the impact of decisions across production, quality, cost, and risk to deliver optimal business outcomes.
• Maintain constant availability during shifts to report detailed plant performance.
• Keep a strong field presence and attend all relevant operational meetings.
• Conduct thorough handovers between shifts.
• Generate detailed shift performance reports.
• Manage and reduce operational costs, considering cost-effectiveness in all decisions.
• Support management of water, reagents, energy, and utilities.
• Perform additional related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering, or Process Engineering.
• Proficiency in data analysis and Microsoft Excel.
• Training in Process Control or Distributed Control Systems (DCS) is advantageous.

Experience Requirements

• 5 to 10 years’ experience in concentrator plant operations.
• Minimum of 2 years working in control room operation roles.
• Experience with mine-to-mill processes, crushing, SAG/Ball milling, flotation, thickening, tailings handling, and process water systems.
• Competency in interpreting SCADA trends, alarms, and interlocks.
• Familiarity with data troubleshooting tools like Excel and PI Vision.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Proven application of process control concepts such as setpoints and loop constraints.
• Demonstrated capacity to coordinate shift operations and make sound decisions across multiple process areas.

Desired Behavioral Traits

• Strong safety-first attitude.
• Calm and structured decision-making under pressure.
• Systematic and holistic thinking.
• Proactive communication and accountability.

Operational Requirements

• Computer literacy.
• Availability for standby duties.
• Capability to work at heights and in confined spaces.
• Handling of corrosive and toxic substances.
• Experience with mobile and moving equipment.