Process Control Engineer

PROCESS CONTROL ENGINEER ROLE PROFILE GENERAL Date October 2026 Location Gamsberg Mine Operations Technical / Metallurgical & Process Excellence Job Grade Paterson D4/M4 ROLE CONTEXT Vedanta Zinc International (VZI) operates two major mining complexes in the Northern Cape: We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Process Control Engineer to join our Centre of Excellence team. The role acts as the link between metallurgy, operations, maintenance, and automation teams to ensure that process control systems deliver measurable value and support operational excellence objectives. PURPOSE OF THE ROLE The Process Control Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, optimizing, and sustaining advanced process control strategies that improve plant stability, throughput, recovery, energy efficiency, and operational performance. RESPONSIBILITIES Process Control and Optimization • Develop, maintain, and continuously improve process control philosophies and strategies. • Optimize control loops, regulatory controls, and advanced process control systems across the concentrators. • Monitor process performance and identify opportunities to improve stability, throughput, recovery, and operating costs. • Lead troubleshooting of process control issues impacting plant performance. • Drive implementation of data-driven control solutions and automation initiatives. Advanced Process Control (APC) • Implement and maintain APC applications for grinding, flotation, thickening, dewatering, and other plant areas. • Monitor APC performance and ensure benefits are sustained. • Develop predictive models and performance monitoring tools. • Identify opportunities for machine learning and digital optimization solutions. Process Monitoring and Analytics • Develop dashboards, KPIs, and reporting tools for process performance. • Analyze large process datasets to identify trends, constraints, and optimization opportunities. • Utilize statistical analysis and process modelling tools to support decision-making. • Ensure integrity and quality of process data. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement • Partner with metallurgists, production teams, maintenance personnel, and control system specialists. • Support operational teams through coaching and training on process control principles. • Facilitate cross-functional projects aimed at improving plant performance. • Provide technical leadership during major plant optimization initiatives. Control Systems Management • Support management of process control infrastructure, including DCS, PLC, SCADA, historians, and APC platforms. • Ensure system reliability, cybersecurity compliance, and adherence to engineering standards. • Participate in upgrades, commissioning, and project implementation activities. • Develop and maintain documentation, standards, and operating procedures. Continuous Improvement • Lead and support continuous improvement projects. • Quantify and track value delivered through process control interventions. • Benchmark plant performance against industry best practices. • Contribute to operational excellence and business improvement programs. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Qualifications Essential · Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Control Engineering, or equivalent. · Postgraduate qualification in Process Control, Automation or Data Analytics. · APC, DCS, PLC, or automation-related certifications. Advantageous · Master’s degree Experience Essential • 5-8 years' experience in mineral processing, process control, automation, or industrial optimization. • Experience with concentrator processes such as crushing, milling, flotation, thickening, and filtration. • Experience with advanced process control systems. • Exposure to digital transformation and industrial analytics projects. • Proven track record in process optimization and control system improvements. Advantageous • Mining or base metals processing experience. Technical Competence Competency Required Level Description Mineral Processing Fundamentals 4 Strong understanding of crushing, milling, flotation, thickening and filtration processes. Process Control Engineering 5 Designs and optimizes regulatory and advanced control strategies. Advanced Process Control (APC) 4 Develops and sustains APC applications and optimization initiatives. Process Optimization 5 Identifies constraints and delivers measurable performance improvements. DCS Systems 4 Configures, troubleshoots and optimizes DCS platforms. PLC & SCADA Systems 3 Understands logic, interfaces and data integration requirements. Process Modelling & Simulation 4 Builds models to support operational decision-making and optimization. Data Analytics & Visualization 4 Uses analytical tools to identify performance opportunities and communicate insights. Statistical Analysis 4 Applies SPC, regression analysis and variability reduction techniques. Industrial Historians (PI, Canary etc.) 4 Extracts, validates and analyses process data. Instrumentation Knowledge 3 Understands measurement principles and control instrumentation. Digital Technologies & AI Applications 3 Identifies opportunities for advanced analytics, machine learning and digital optimization. Metallurgical Accounting 3 Understands reconciliation and performance tracking systems. Cybersecurity Awareness 2 Maintains compliance with industrial control system cybersecurity standards. Project Management 3 Executes optimization and automation projects effectively. Root Cause Analysis 4 Leads systematic problem-solving activities. Behavioural Competency Required Level Description Safety Leadership 5 Champions safe work practices and risk management. Accountability 5 Takes ownership of outcomes and commitments. Problem Solving 5 Uses structured methodologies to resolve complex issues. Initiative 4 Proactively identifies opportunities and drives action. Adaptability 4 Responds effectively to changing operational priorities. Resilience 4 Maintains effectiveness under pressure. Customer Focus 3 Supports operational teams to achieve production objectives. Integrity 5 Acts ethically and in accordance with company values. Leadership Competency Matrix Competency Required Level Description Strategic Thinking 3 Aligns process control initiatives with business objectives. Stakeholder Management 4 Builds trust and influences across operational functions. Communication Skills 4 Communicates complex technical concepts effectively. Continuous Improvement 5 Drives a culture of optimization and operational excellence. Change Management 4 Supports adoption of new technologies and ways of working. Team Collaboration 4 Works effectively across operations, maintenance and technical teams. Coaching & Knowledge Transfer 3 Develops technical capability within operational teams. Innovation 4 Challenges existing approaches and implements improved solutions. Results Orientation 5 Delivers measurable operational and financial benefits.