First Quantum Minerals Milling Plant Operator Job in Kalumbila, Zambia

Job Overview

First Quantum Minerals is hiring a Milling Plant Operator for its mining operations in Kalumbila, Zambia. This opportunity is ideal for professionals with hands-on experience in wet processing plants, grinding circuits, mineral processing, flotation systems, and milling operations.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the grinding and classification circuit up to the flotation circuit. The role focuses on maximizing production efficiency, minimizing operational costs, maintaining safety standards, and supporting sustainable mining operations.

Professionals looking for mining jobs in Zambia, metallurgy jobs, mineral processing careers, plant operator jobs, industrial operations jobs, and mining engineering opportunities may find this role highly rewarding.

Job Title

Milling Plant Operator

Company Details

• Company Name: First Quantum Minerals
• Job Location: Kalumbila, Zambia
• Industry: Mining / Mineral Processing / Metals Production
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Department: Milling and Processing Operations
• Work Environment: Mining and wet processing plant environment

Candidates searching for engineering jobs in Zambia, processing plant operator jobs, mine operations careers, and heavy industrial jobs are encouraged to apply.

Job Purpose

The Milling Plant Operator will oversee the field operation of grinding and classifying circuits, ensuring smooth operational flow between crushing, grinding, and flotation stages. The role involves operating, inspecting, troubleshooting, and maintaining plant equipment while meeting production targets and adhering to safety regulations.

The position requires minute-to-minute, hourly, and daily operational monitoring to optimize plant throughput and efficiency.

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Key Job Responsibilities (JD)

The selected candidate will be responsible for:

Milling and Grinding Circuit Operations

• Operate and monitor grinding and classifying circuits efficiently
• Manage operations involving apron feeders, SAG mills, ball mills, hydro-cyclone clusters, flotation surge tanks, conveyors, dust scrubbers, and flash flotation units
• Ensure proper slurry delivery to flotation circuits
• Execute safe plant start-up and shutdown procedures

Equipment Monitoring and Maintenance

• Conduct pre-start checks and routine inspections
• Perform equipment adjustments and cleaning activities
• Identify plant defects and escalate equipment issues immediately
• Assist maintenance teams in completing operational tasks
• Maintain operational reliability and equipment efficiency

Safety and Compliance

• Follow strict Health, Safety, Environment, and Community (HSEC) procedures
• Maintain high housekeeping standards across operational areas
• Report unsafe conditions, hazards, and incidents promptly
• Ensure dust suppression and environmental control systems are functioning properly

Production and Performance Management

• Achieve and exceed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for:
  • Milling throughput
  • Grinding utilization
  • Product particle size consistency
  • Routine inspection compliance
• Maintain accurate operational records and field check sheets

Applicants interested in process plant jobs, mining production careers, operations technician jobs, metallurgical processing jobs, and plant maintenance support jobs will benefit from this role.

Education and Qualification Requirements

Candidates should possess:

• Full Grade Twelve (G12) Certificate
• Certificate in:
  • Metallurgy
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Mineral Processing
  • Related technical or engineering field

Additional technical certifications in plant operations or mining systems may be advantageous.

Experience Requirements

Required Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience operating a wet processing plant
• Proven exposure to:
  • SAG Mills
  • Ball Mills
  • Grinding circuit operations

Preferred Experience

• Flotation process experience is highly desirable
• Experience in plant commissioning and operational ramp-up is an added advantage
• Previous experience in large-scale base metal processing plants is preferred

Candidates with backgrounds in copper mining operations, industrial plant operations, mechanical processing systems, and heavy engineering environments are highly encouraged to apply.

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Required Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong commitment to Safety, Health, Environment, and Community (SHEC) performance
• Excellent understanding of equipment accountability and plant ownership
• Basic mechanical and instrumentation knowledge
• Strong communication skills in written and spoken English
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural and high-performance environments
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities

Key Personal Attributes

Successful applicants should have:

• Strong willingness to learn and develop professionally
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• High attention to operational detail
• Positive attitude and initiative-driven mindset
• Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities
• Physical fitness to handle demanding field-based work
• Passion, persistence, and proactive work ethics

Salary and Benefits

Salary

• Salary Range: Competitive and based on qualifications, technical expertise, and mining industry experience
• Additional performance-related incentives may apply depending on operational targets and company policies

Benefits

Employees may receive:

• Professional mining industry exposure
• Technical skills development opportunities
• Safety and operational training
• Career growth pathways within mineral processing and mine operations
• Supportive multicultural work environment
• Access to employee welfare and workplace safety programs

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Training and Career Development

Selected candidates will benefit from:

• On-site technical training in grinding and flotation operations
• Safety and compliance training programs
• Equipment handling and troubleshooting guidance
• Exposure to advanced mining process technologies
• Long-term career progression opportunities within mineral processing and plant operations

Why Join First Quantum Minerals?

Working with First Quantum Minerals provides a strong platform for career advancement in the global mining sector. Employees gain exposure to large-scale mineral processing facilities, advanced operational systems, and world-class technical standards while contributing to sustainable mining productivity.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare an updated CV highlighting mineral processing experience, wet plant exposure, grinding circuit expertise, flotation experience, safety compliance knowledge, and technical qualifications. Candidates with strong operational discipline and mining plant experience are strongly encouraged to apply through the company recruitment portal.