Chemist

GENERAL Date August 2026 Location Aggeneys, Northern Cape Operations Black Mountain Mine Job Grade C4 (Paterson) / M8 (Vedanta) ROLE CONTEXT Vedanta Zinc International (VZI) operates two major mining complexes in the Northern Cape: · Gamsberg – a large-scale open ‑ pit zinc mine requiring precise spatial control, accurate volumetric reporting and continuous survey support to enable safe, efficient and compliant mining to optimise profitability and longevity of the operation. · Black Mountain Mine (BMM) – an underground operation where survey accuracy directly influences development alignment, stope design, ore flow reconciliation and statutory compliance. PURPOSE OF THE ROLE The role of chemist is for the management of a section to optimize systems, processes, and procedures, sustaining harmonious, motivated, and good teamwork thereby ensuring effective delivery of section services at the lowest possible unit cost. S/he also has a very distinct staff function in the laboratory and has specific accountability for quality management, staff development and information management in the section. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Overall management of a section within laboratory · Identify the type and nature of samples to be processed. · Ensure adherence to test criteria. · Decide on specific analytical method and equipment to be used in liaison with Laboratory Manager. · Monitor operational effectives (e.g., bottlenecks, incorrect results, and sample turnaround times). · Monitor quality on output of results. · Produce laboratory results reports daily and monthly. · Notify the supervisor of any situation that could cause a work problem (quality, workflow etc.) · Decide on appropriate action when problems occur. · Placing of orders on SAP system. · Planning and scheduling for specific projects · Support the overall business management of the company. · Planning and organising within the section. · Provide quality information to the relevant customers. · Technological development. · Resource allocation for the performance of relevant tests and calibrations. · Monitor stock levels 2. Liaise with customers · Advise customers on relevant issues and provide quality information. · Produce monthly and quarterly report on samples or quality of samples. · Collate and evaluate formal feedback from customer. · Co-ordinate sampling schedules or priorities within section. · Communicate any deviations from SLA. 3. Financial Management · Estimate annual financial requirements for the section. · Assist with preparation of annual budget. Capital and operational expenditure. · Monitor expenditure on monthly basis. 4. Quality Management · Set or review standards or methods used in laboratory for analysis and sampling. · Evaluate different systems and methods for standards/quality of operation/ equipment. · Planning, organising and guidance for method development, method validation. · Together with Quality management team decide on method modifications, new methods. · Planning and organising relevant tests and calibrations. · Produce laboratory reports through statistical process control. · Manage the evaluation of data and compilation of reports in collaboration with Laboratory Manager. 5. Personnel Development Coordination · Identify training needs within section. · Do a regular performance or development review. · Take responsibility of self or career development by setting and achieving personal goals. · Mentor and coach graduates and experiential training students. · Implement new knowledge or information by keeping abreast of developments and introducing change in work processes where appropriate. · Ensure competence of staff through appropriate training and development. · Evaluate the effectiveness of training provided to staff 6. Ensure SHEQ Effectiveness · Develop, document, and maintain technical reports as per the SHEQ requirements of the company. · Maintain appropriate SHEQ / ISO standards within area of operation. · Promote and manage the company / Group SHEQ policies and standards by ensuring compliance by colleagues. · Participate actively in SHEQ meetings, audits and report deviations when required. · Stopping the operation if the working conditions are unsafe or environmentally unacceptable. · Risk Management in the Section. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Qualifications · Relevant Degree/Diploma in Analytical Chemistry. Experience · Minimum 3 years laboratory processing or relevant experience. · Knowledgeable in all procedures used in a mine laboratory. · Technical – relevant technical experience on various instruments (operation and · troubleshooting, emphasis on ICP) · Knowledgeable about method validation and development. · Valid Code B Driver’s License. · Must be able to obtain a Certificate of Medical Fitness. Technical Competence · Physical–Medically and physically fit for role. · Computer literacy · Leadership skills · Good Laboratory Practices, 5S Principles · Statistical Data Evaluation · Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 Standard · Knowledge on Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001) · Knowledge on SHE Standards (ISO 14001 & ISO 45001) · Method development and validation · Operation of various instruments and troubleshooting (ICP-OES, AAS, Auto titrator etc) · Knowledge and experience in various analytical techniques and instrumentation (classical wet chemistry, dissolution of base metals) · Knowledge of QA/QC standards Behavioural · Analytical and Logical · Data integration style decision making · Problem Solving · Good Communication skills · Holistic approach · Planning and organising · Integrity · Creativity · Resilience · Reliable · Punctual · Emotional maturity · Confidence · Quality Orientation · Interpersonal skills · Persuasiveness · Energy and drive Organisational Fit · Alignment with VZI’s values of trust, entrepreneurship, innovation, excellence, integrity, respect and care. · Commitment to operational excellence, zero harm, and community upliftment. · Ability to thrive in a high ‑ performance, CBP ‑ integrated environment.