Job Description
Company: First Quantum Minerals
Site: Kansanshi Mining Plc
Location: Solwezi, Zambia
Department: Smelter Engineering
Section: Instrumentation & Control
Job Title: Artisan – Instrumentation
Reports To: Supervisor – Instrumentation
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Mining / Engineering / Industrial Maintenance
Education Level: Grade 12 + Qualified Instrumentation Technician
Experience Required: Minimum 3 Years
Professional Requirement: Registered with EIZ (Engineering Institution of Zambia)
Certification: All academic certificates must be verified by ZAQA
Job Overview
First Quantum Minerals is seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Artisan – Instrumentation to join its Smelter Engineering team at Kansanshi Mining Plc in Solwezi, Zambia. The role focuses on installation, calibration, testing, and maintenance of industrial instrumentation systems within a large-scale mining and processing environment.
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Job Purpose
The primary purpose of this role is to safely execute field instrumentation installation, calibration, and commissioning activities while ensuring compliance with company standards, safety regulations, and operational efficiency in a high-performance mining environment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities (Job Description)
1. Instrumentation Installation & Commissioning
The Artisan will:
- Install new instrumentation equipment in accordance with safety and quality standards.
- Ensure minimal disruption to plant operations during installation.
- Perform testing and commissioning of instrumentation systems with team members.
2. Calibration & System Accuracy
Responsibilities include:
- Calibrating all field instrumentation to required accuracy and resolution.
- Ensuring correct configuration of parameters for optimal system functionality.
- Maintaining high precision in measurement and control systems.
3. PLC & SCADA Systems Operation
The role involves:
- Understanding control philosophies of PLC and SCADA systems.
- Operating instrumentation and control systems during installation.
- Ensuring correct coding of parameters in PLC and SCADA systems.
- Supporting HMI display configuration and functionality.
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4. Maintenance & Preventive Systems
The Artisan will:
- Adhere to planned and preventative maintenance schedules.
- Ensure reliability and efficiency of instrumentation systems.
- Support troubleshooting and repair of system faults.
5. Safety, Compliance & Quality Assurance
Responsibilities include:
- Strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Ensuring compliance with company and legal safety standards.
- Maintaining quality standards in all technical tasks.
6. Operational Support Duties
The role includes:
- Working under supervision for specialized tasks.
- Supporting plant operations as required.
- Performing additional duties assigned by the Supervisor.
7. Working Conditions & Operational Requirements
The position requires:
- Standby duties and overtime when necessary
- Working at heights and in confined spaces
- Exposure to dust, heat, and noise
- Strong safety awareness at all times
- Computer literacy and technical documentation handling
Required Qualifications and Education
Applicants must have:
- Minimum Grade 12 certificate or equivalent
- Qualification as a Certified Instrumentation Technician
- Registration with Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ)
- Certified academic documents verified by ZAQA
Experience Requirements
Candidates should have:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience as an Instrumentation Technician
- Experience in industrial mining or processing plant environments
Technical Experience Requirements (Preferred)
- DCS and SCADA systems experience (Citect SCADA preferred)
- Knowledge of PLC systems (Siemens S7 series preferred)
- Understanding of Ethernet networks
- Experience with Fieldbus systems (Profibus, Modbus)
- Knowledge of Siemens LV control systems and SIMO Code systems
- Experience with IGBT-controlled PWM variable speed drives
Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Strong technical instrumentation skills
- Ability to interpret control systems and engineering diagrams
- Knowledge of automation and industrial control systems
- Strong problem-solving and fault-finding abilities
- High safety awareness and compliance mindset
Behavioral Attributes
- Strong teamwork and collaboration
- Bold initiative and proactive mindset
- Commitment to safety-first culture
- High-quality workmanship standards
- Strong technical discipline and reliability
Salary and Benefits
- Competitive mining industry salary (based on experience and qualifications)
- Exposure to advanced mining and processing technologies
- Stable employment within a global mining organization
- Opportunities for technical career progression
- Training and upskilling in automation and instrumentation systems
Training and Development
Selected candidates may receive:
- Advanced PLC and SCADA training
- Instrumentation calibration and control system training
- Safety compliance and mining operational training
- Industrial automation and electrical systems development
- Hands-on experience with large-scale mining processing plants
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How to Apply
Applicants already employed with First Quantum should apply via the internal MINE Careers portal. External candidates should follow company recruitment procedures through official channels or contact site recruitment offices.
Important Note
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further recruitment stages.