This appointment sits at the intersection of metallurgy, control systems, and data science, offering genuine influence over both day-to-day operational performance and long-term digital strategy.
The Opportunity
You will lead the development, deployment, and optimisation of advanced APC strategies across the full concentrator circuit (crushing, grinding, flotation, dewatering, and tailings), while championing modern digital solutions such as real-time analytics, digital twins, machine vision, and AI/ML models.
Working closely with operations, digital teams, OEMs, and system integrators, you will ensure sophisticated control systems translate into measurable metallurgical, safety, and commercial outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Advanced Process Control & Digital Leadership
- Lead APC strategy design and optimisation to maximise copper recovery, grade, and throughput
- Integrate real-time data platforms, digital twins, and AI/ML-driven control solutions
- Develop and maintain soft sensors, virtual analysers, and prescriptive control models
- Partner with IT and external vendors to ensure robust, secure digital infrastructure
- Apply AI/ML techniques (predictive modelling, neural networks, fuzzy logic) in live operations
- Integrate machine vision systems (froth cameras, size analysers) into control strategies
- Diagnose complex metallurgical challenges through advanced data analysis
- Monitor, validate, and recalibrate digital models to maintain accuracy and value
- Mentor metallurgists, process control engineers, data scientists, and operators
- Build a culture of innovation, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement
- Drive cross-functional collaboration across operations, maintenance, and technical services
- Ensure strong safety leadership and compliance across all activities
- Support control system upgrades, migrations, and capital project delivery
- Review control system design, programming, and commissioning activities
- Develop and execute a long-term APC and digital transformation roadmap
- Provide clear, actionable reporting to senior operational and executive stakeholders
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline
- Postgraduate qualifications highly regarded
- 10-15 years' experience in large-scale mineral processing operations
- 7+ years in senior or leadership roles focused on APC and digital solutions within a copper concentrator
- Demonstrated success delivering APC systems (MPC, expert systems, fuzzy logic); Metso OCS4D experience advantageous
- Strong hands-on experience applying AI/ML in operational environments
- Proven ability to integrate DCS, historians, LIMS, online analysers, and machine vision platforms
- Advanced knowledge of process control, loop tuning, instrumentation, and troubleshooting
- Programming experience in Python, R, or equivalent
- Strategic, analytical, and commercially astute
- Strong communicator capable of influencing at all organisational levels
- Proven mentor in multicultural, remote-site environments
- Values-led with a strong safety and performance focus