Data Analyst - Wet Plant Operations

About the Role

At First Quantum Minerals, we foster a unique culture — the “First Quantum Way” — that empowers our employees to think independently, challenge norms, and deliver exceptional results in extraordinary environments. We are seeking a Data Analyst to join our team at the Solwezi Wet Plant, reporting directly to the Senior Project Engineer. This role involves partnering with operational and business leaders to harness data analytics and strategic hypothesis-driven analysis to drive impactful decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Gain thorough knowledge of the different metallurgical processes, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Oversee and optimize control systems related to process operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve recovery rates and concentrate quality.
• Offer technical guidance to maintenance and operations teams while maintaining databases, reports, and monthly statistics.
• Conduct large-scale experiments to build data-driven models addressing business queries.
• Analyze process performance to detect slowdowns and bottlenecks using data insights.
• Develop and keep updated mass balances, process flows, and instrumentation diagrams.
• Apply statistical and visualization methods to enhance various data products.
• Deploy, maintain, and refine statistical and machine learning models within production settings.
• Map data from multiple sources into a unified common data model and ensure stakeholders understand changes during transitions.
• Create real-time dashboards tailored to process requirements.
• Occasionally perform Metal Accounting duties as needed.
• Promote data adoption and compliance by enforcing standards and best practices across analytics functions.
• Ensure data quality and reliability to increase trust and effective use among users.
• Provide support to stakeholders when facing data resource challenges.
• Manage data capture, cleaning, verification, and analysis efforts.
• Maintain data systems and databases in good order.
• Handle sensitive and confidential data consistent with ethical guidelines.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and present findings clearly.
• Set and uphold deadlines effectively.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or related process field.
• Preferred specialization in Machine Learning or Artificial Intelligence.
• At least 5 years of experience working in large-scale processing plants.
• Minimum 2 years in data analytics or data science roles.
• Proficient with data science and machine learning languages and tools such as Python, R, and TensorFlow.
• Familiarity with statistical and data mining techniques including generalized linear models, regression, and random forest algorithms.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving aptitude, and communication skills.
• Experience with simulation and modeling software like JKSimMet or MetSIM is advantageous.

Behavioral Traits Expected

• Effective teamwork and open communication with peers.
• Strong safety awareness.
• Adaptability and boldness to take on challenges proactively.
• Consistent work attendance.
• Innovativeness in seeking efficiency improvements.
• Determined and driven to work well under pressure and uphold high standards.
• Excellent communication skills.