Plant Operator (12-month FTE)

Plant Operator ROLE PROFILE GENERAL Date December 2025 Location Aggeneys, Northern Cape Operations (Please indicate the operation – by ticking the appropriate box) GB BMM Job Grade Paterson B3 / Vedanta Below M9 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. The Plant Operator (B3) is responsible for the safe and effective operation of crushing, milling, flotation, thickening, filtering, and associated plant processes to ensure optimal mineral recovery and production targets are achieved. PURPOSE OF THE ROLE To safely operate, monitor, inspect, and control concentrator plant equipment and processes to achieve production throughput, metallurgical recovery, and product quality targets while complying with all safety, health, environmental, and operational requirements. The Plant Operator ensures that process parameters remain within specified limits, plant equipment operates effectively, production losses are minimized, and risks to people, assets, and the environment are proactively managed. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Plant Operations Operate concentrator circuits in accordance with approved operating procedures and standards. Monitor and control crushing, milling, flotation, thickening, filtration, pumping, and reagent systems. Conduct plant start-ups, shutdowns, and process adjustments. Maintain stable operating conditions to optimize throughput and recovery. Respond effectively to process alarms, deviations, and abnormal conditions. 2. Process Monitoring and Control Monitor process variables including: Throughput rates Mill load and density Flotation performance Reagent consumption Water balance Recovery and concentrate grades Interpret plant trends and operational data. Identify process inefficiencies and report opportunities for improvement. Ensure process parameters remain within prescribed operating limits. 3. Plant Inspections Conduct routine field inspections of equipment and process areas. Inspect pumps, conveyors, flotation cells, mills, tanks, pipelines, screens, and ancillary equipment. Identify leaks, blockages, abnormal vibrations, equipment failures, and housekeeping issues. Report defects and initiate corrective actions where required. 4. Equipment Care and Maintenance Support Perform routine operator maintenance and equipment checks. Assist maintenance teams during planned maintenance and shutdown activities. Isolate equipment according to lock-out and tag-out procedures when required. Ensure equipment is maintained in a clean and operational condition. Support efforts to improve equipment reliability and availability. 5. Metallurgical Performance Support achievement of metallurgical recovery and concentrate quality targets. Monitor concentrate and tailings streams. Assist with sampling activities as required. Report any process conditions that may negatively impact product quality or recovery. Implement operational changes recommended by Metallurgists and Supervisors. 6. Reporting and Communication Complete shift logs, operational reports, and inspection records accurately. Conduct detailed shift handovers. Communicate process issues, equipment concerns, and production constraints effectively. Escalate operational risks and deviations promptly. 7. Continuous Improvement Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence programmes. Contribute ideas for enhancing safety, recovery, throughput, cost efficiency, and plant performance. Support implementation of new procedures and technologies. 8. Safety, Health and Environmental Compliance Comply with Mine Health and Safety Act requirements, company standards, and plant procedures. Participate in risk assessments, safety inspections, toolbox talks, and safety campaigns. Identify and report hazards and unsafe conditions. Ensure compliance with environmental standards and water management requirements. Stop unsafe work that presents a risk to people, equipment, or the environment. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Qualifications · Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science. Experience · 2 years of practical experience in a Concentrator Plant. · Previous experience as a Plant Operator. · VTS level 1. · Valid Code B Driver’s License. · Must be able to obtain a Certificate of Medical Fitness. Technical Competence · Concentrator process operation · Plant monitoring and control · Equipment inspections · Process troubleshooting · Metallurgical awareness · Safety management · Computerised process control systems Behavioural · Safety focus · Attention to detail · Accountability · Teamwork and collaboration · Problem-solving · Effective communication · Adaptability · Initiative and ownership · Continuous improvement mindset Organisational Fit · Demonstrates VZI Values: Care, Integrity, Innovation, Agility, and Ownership. · Commitment to operational excellence, zero harm, and community upliftment. · Maintains safe operations, achieves production and recovery targets, ensures equipment reliability through effective monitoring and inspections, and contributes to the overall operational excellence of the concentrator plant.