Technician: Process Mineralogy Group

Mintek has an exciting career opportunity for a Technician; Process Mineralogy position within the Mineralogy division. The candidate will be responsible for performing operational tasks and should have an empirical understanding of the work's purpose. Additionally, the candidate should be able to conduct highly complex and advanced technical sample preparation laboratory analyses. The candidate should ensure that work is integrated and necessitates in-depth knowledge of the specialist area (sample preparation). Furthermore, the candidate will be engaged in research activities, analysing and evaluating research data to support established research efforts.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

• Performs a range of automatic operations, requiring the use of machines or electronic equipment.
• A number closely related process operations, e.g. filtering, drying, splitting, screening, milling and mounting of samples in epoxy resin using mineralogical sample preparation equipment.
• Understanding of sampling theory.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Using and taking readings from standard measuring devices such as scales and balances.
• Can operate a range of the equipment across a workgroup.
• Process sample by hand sorting, screening, blending, manual reduction of large rocks, drying and bagging.
• Process samples through simple processing equipment, e.g. screens, mills and filter presses.
• Check the operability of equipment to ensure that these are ready for use.
• Operate all equipment safely based on training and some written SOP's.
• Ability to identify and deal with performance deviations and troubleshooting, e.g. arrange for the equipment to be fixed.
• Work must be done without deviation from given standard procedures (written or taught), so as to ensure that the same results would be obtained by someone else following the same procedure.
• Display understanding of the general purpose of the process, e.g. filtration is a physical separation process used to separate solid material from liquids (water), screening is undertaken to understand the particle size distribution of a sample, sample loss can result in inadequate sample etc.
• Apply knowledge and training to own work such that standards are maintained, e.g. if the equipment is damaged it could affect the outcome therefore wait for the equipment to be fixed before proceeding.
• Undertake basic data handling of results, including adding, subtracting, dividing, summing averaging etc of data.
• Reporting verbally or by filling in log sheets- Including basic mathematical calculations, reports may be computerised or in hardcopy form.
• Development of sample preparation methods and implementation of process improvements.
• Stock control of sample preparation consumables.

Custodian of a Laboratory / Process or Plant Equipment.

• Conduct or facilitate basic maintenance of mineralogical sample preparation equipment.
• Process samples through laboratory scale equipment, e.g. mill, screen, filter, including weighing of samples.
• Conduct maintenance of laboratory equipment used (after training), e.g. cleaning equipment and replacing seals in mill pots.
• Ensure that all equipment settings are appropriate and are recorded so that repeat work can use the same settings.
• Possess and display operating knowledge of a wide range of simple equipment in the group and must know how the equipment settings affect the performance (e.g. crusher settings etc).
• Report test results using report books, log sheets, spreadsheets etc. These may be simple hardcopies or may be computer based depending on the operational need.

Facilitating Group Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Discussions.

• Ability to troubleshoot for both sample preparation operations and related equipment.
• Have the knowledge and expertise necessary to lead a team of operators in problem solving and decision-making.
• Impart the knowledge and expertise necessary to lead a team of operators in problem solving and decision making.
• Be the member of an operator team to whom the other members most often turn for technical and procedural advice.
• Ensure predictability of results by the application of standard procedures. Work must be done without deviation from given standard procedures (written or taught), so as to ensure that same results would be obtained by someone else following the same procedure.
• Ensure that equipment is used in such a way that results will be repeatable, i.e. take cognisance of equipment settings and record them.
• Ensure that SOP's and other standards are followed, and where applicable apply knowledge and training to work undertaken e.g. make sure that sample mass loss is reduced to an acceptable level during processing.

Accountable for Efficiently Utilising Time, Materials, Consumables, and Space.

• Assist with managing productivity of staff, space and consumables etc, e.g. scheduling of mineralogical sample preparation instruments with other operators, efficient sample handling; working out how to minimise backlogs in sample preparation; and organising equipment storage in laboratories etc.
• Assist with managing productivity and output of staff reporting to the position or accepts responsibility for large cost consequences, e.g. keeping an oven on overnight when no samples need to be dried.

Proficiency in Identifying Fundamental Rules or Principles Governing Relationships Between Objects and Applying Them to Problem Solving.

• Able to discover practical empirical relationships between process conditions and results (e.g. typical deviations in quality of samples produced from different particle sizes and different instrument operating conditions).
• Applying this knowledge to proactively prevent problems.
• Understands why tasks and procedures are performed and how performance standards contributes to the team's results.
• Possess knowledge of a relatively wide range of equipment and unit operations, and through experience must know how to control performance standards, e.g. the effect of different equipment settings, the effect of variations in the way sample preparation is performed.
• Understands the purpose of processes affecting and leading to another process (e.g. milling is to increase liberation etc), of procedures (e.g. to ensure correctness and safety) and of good performance (e.g. that sample loss during splitting or screening can cause inaccurate results).

Quality Control

• Assist with quality checking the work of a variety of lower-level positions.

Human Resources Management

• Act as coordinator of a small team and co-ordinate the activities, including on the job task allocation and direction.
• Observe time keeping rules and leave procedures, following training.
• Supervise, coach, train, and mentor other O level employees.
• Performance management, including appraisals and contracts.

Adhere to SHEQ Requirements

• Conform to all relevant SHEQ procedures, guidelines and rules.
• Ensure that workplace inspections are conducted to ensure compliance and SHEQ briefings are regularly conducted on new issued.
• Practice good housekeeping and safe working procedures at all times, under general guidance and supervision of a superior, including safe stacking of samples, correct disposal of waste solid samples, keeping roads, walkways etc clear of samples.
• Keep workplace and communal facilities clean and tidy at all times.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BTech / BSc in Earth Sciences/Metallurgical Engineering/Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum: On-the-job training gained after graduation with laboratory experience.
• Ideal: 2-3 years' experience in the operation of relevant mineralogy processing unit operations.