Geometallurgist

Job Description

Overall Job Purpose:

The Geometallurgist will play a crucial role at Enterprise by integrating geological and metallurgical data to enhance economic optimization of the Nickel mining and processing value chain. To develop and deliver strategy and/or projects and add value towards business objectives through mineralogical studies, investigations, or feedback.

Specific Job Responsibilities

The specific tasks to be performed by the position holder will include;

• Work with Geology and Processing to understand the geological characteristics of the ore deposit, including its mineralogy, ore body geometry, and distribution of valuable minerals and gangue minerals and impact on mineral processing performance, including comminution and flotation.
• Use geomet learnings to inform decisions for short term mine-planning and long term budgeting processes. Communicate these decisions clearly to both departments.
• Coordinate with Kansanshi Mine mineralogy to manage the collection of geological/metallurgical samples and submission of samples for mineralogical investigations by SEM/XRD in collaboration with key stakeholders on site.
• Perform mineralogical studies which include analysis and interpretation of routine XRD/SEM results
• Report findings and perform “ground-truthing” quality control checks on outputs.
• Responsible for ore characterization tests to determine the physical and chemical properties of the ore, such as hardness, grindability, density, and mineral liberation, which inform the selection of comminution (crushing and grinding) processes.
• Research and develop new alloys and systems for extracting metal from ores, while materials engineers research and develop new non-metallic materials with physical characteristics to meet specific requirements.
• Provide continuous improvement by monitoring and analyzing the performance of processing plants and recommending changes or modifications to enhance efficiency and recoveries.
• Effective communication and collaboration with the geologists by providing valuable information about ore variability, which is essential for calculating ore reserves and ensuring economic feasibility
• Identification of risks and opportunities by monitoring and analyzing the performance of processing plants and recommending changes or modifications to enhance efficiency and recoveries through enhanced mineralogical understanding.
• Involvement in other projects relevant to mineralogy understanding Enterprise e.g. SEM, XRF programs.
• Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the supervisor.

Job Specific Competencies

• Competency in all fundamental mineralogical, optical microscopy and analytical technical skills to ensure all work is completely accurately and in a timely fashion.
• Ensure adherence to operational requirements and regulations to avoid unnecessary implications.
• Excellent understanding of process-related mineralogy.
• Basic understanding of geological and mining operation principals advantageous.

Key Job Attributes

• Must have a thorough methodical approach to routine tasks and problem solving.
• Must be highly detail orientated.
• Must be motivated towards continuous improvement of systems and data.
• Must be willing to work with and assimilate experience from colleagues from a variety of skills and national backgrounds.
• Must have strong team ethic and communication abilities.
• Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Ability to supervise a small support team.
• Must have a clean criminal record (essential).

Experience & Qualifications

• Basic knowledge in geology and crystallography is essential to understand the geological features of ore deposits, their spatial distribution, and mineralogy.
• Familiarity with metallurgical processes, such as crushing, grinding, flotation, smelting, and refining, is crucial to bridge the gap between geology and metallurgy.
• Ability to analyse and interpret mineralogical and petrographic outcome data to determine the mineral composition, mineral associations, and texture of ore samples.
• Must be able to understand the pros and cons of the analytical tools and techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and optical microscopy, and more particularly the limitations of each technique in a way to interpret the results
• Ability to plan and manage geometallurgical projects, including setting objectives, timelines, and budgets.
• Demonstrable strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Good Health and Safety knowledge.
• Bachelor’s degree in any geology or metallurgical related field.
• Master’s degree in mineralogy will be advantageous.

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