Production, Metallurgist - First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Ltd

First Quantum Minerals is seeking a suitably qualified and motivated Production Metallurgist to join its team in Solwezi. The role will support metallurgical production activities, process optimisation, operational performance monitoring, and continuous improvement within the processing plant.

First Quantum promotes a culture that encourages employees to think independently, challenge conventional approaches, solve problems, and deliver results.

About the Role

The Production Metallurgist will optimise the performance of the metallurgical process through effective monitoring, analysis, troubleshooting, and improvement of plant operations.

The successful candidate will work closely with production, engineering, warehouse, procurement, and other operational teams to identify opportunities for improved recovery, efficiency, reliability, and overall plant performance.

Key Responsibilities

Process Optimisation & Metallurgical Control

• Monitor and optimise metallurgical processes to improve plant performance and production efficiency.

• Conduct daily production and metallurgical monitoring activities.

• Analyse process data and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Investigate operational problems and recommend appropriate corrective actions.

• Monitor metallurgical performance and ensure production targets are achieved.

• Identify trends and deviations in plant performance and initiate appropriate interventions.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the processing operation.

Metallurgical Testing & Analysis

• Conduct metallurgical sampling, testing, and analysis as required.

• Monitor process parameters and evaluate their impact on metallurgical performance.

• Analyse production and laboratory data to identify process trends and potential problems.

• Provide technical recommendations based on metallurgical data and process performance.

• Support optimisation trials and evaluate the results of process improvement initiatives.

Plant & Equipment Performance

• Monitor the performance of critical plant equipment and identify factors affecting metallurgical efficiency.

• Work with engineering and maintenance teams to address equipment-related issues affecting production.

• Support investigations into process and equipment failures.

• Participate in operational meetings and provide metallurgical input on plant performance.

• Assist in developing solutions to improve plant availability, throughput, and recovery.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Maintain accurate metallurgical records and operational reports.

• Prepare regular reports and updates on plant and metallurgical performance.

• Monitor production trends and communicate significant deviations to relevant stakeholders.

• Provide technical information and recommendations to management and operational teams.

• Ensure reliable and timely reporting of metallurgical performance data.

Operational Coordination

• Collaborate with engineering, warehouse, and procurement teams to support operational requirements and planning.

• Coordinate with relevant departments to ensure the availability of materials, equipment, and services required for production.

• Support planning activities and contribute to achieving production and operational objectives.

• Participate in meetings and provide technical input on metallurgical and production matters.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• Full Grade 12 Certificate.

• Minimum Diploma in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Experience

The ideal candidate should have:

• Minimum 1 year of relevant experience in a plant/processing environment.

• Experience in metallurgical or mineral-processing operations will be an advantage.

• Strong analytical, data-analysis, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to interpret operational and metallurgical data.

• Good understanding of plant processes and production performance monitoring.

Required Skills and Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.

• Good problem-solving ability.

• Ability to interpret and analyse production data.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to work independently and take initiative.

• Good computer and Microsoft Office skills.

• Commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

The successful candidate should be comfortable working in a mining and mineral-processing environment and be prepared to work closely with plant and operational teams.

The position requires a strong focus on safety, process efficiency, production performance, and continuous improvement.

Job Summary

Employer: First Quantum Minerals
Position: Production, Metallurgist
Location: Solwezi, Zambia
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Reference: JR18249
Industry: Mining / Mineral Processing / Metallurgy
Minimum Experience: 1 year relevant plant experience
Application Deadline: 24th August 2026