Processing Principal

We are seeking an experienced mineral processing professional to join the team at Hidden Valley Mine in Papua New Guinea.

• Expatriate opportunity - 16/12 Days Roster FIFO Australia/PNG
• Attractive salary and bonus scheme
• Opportunity to work for an international mining company with a diverse workforce.

Harmony is the largest gold producer by volume in South Africa and is a significant operator of gold tailings retreatment facilities. In Papua New Guinea, Harmony owns and operates the Hidden Valley mine and owns 50% of the Tier 1 Wafi-Golpu copper-gold project. Harmony owns 100% of the Eva Copper project, a near-term copper project in Queensland, Australia. These assets are supported by the Harmony Australasia regional corporate office located in Milton, Brisbane.

This role will be offered as a FIFO opportunity from/to Australia working on a 16/12-day roster.

Reporting to the Manager Processing, and with a team of 4 direct reports, you will provide support to lead the processing department from COS stockpile through to the refinery.

The key responsibilities of this role include:

• Manage processing and metallurgical teams including the assay laboratory contractors.
• Act as relieving Manager Processing when the appointed Manager is not on site.
• Establish and maintain standards and policies for the Processing Department and any associated Contractors or other service providers.
• Ensure timely and effective two-way communication of workplace information required to effectively perform processing functions.
• Promote active participation of employees in identifying and reporting potential environmental hazards. Liaise with environmental and community relations staff regarding issues, incidents or non-compliance within the area of your responsibility.
• Implement and maintain a metallurgical accounting system to account for product, optimize plant operation and allow accurate grade reconciliation.
• Own and execute the metallurgical recovery model(s) used for all planning purposes.
• Collaborate with the Geology department and contribute to the following geological models: Reserve, Geological Framework ST/MT, Resource ST/MT, Ore Control, and Geo-met.
• Contribute to the development of Hidden Valley business plans by providing expertise on processing strategies and tactics, geo-metallurgical models, risk and uncertainty of resource estimation in the planning period and options for the management of ore characteristic variability to ensure optimum plant feed to maximise recovered gold.
• Optimise the metallurgical and environmental performance of the process plant through monitoring, test work, procedural changes, process control and innovation.
• Lead decision making, whilst ensuring that employees are empowered to make decisions on issues within their competency. Monitor decision quality, checking for adherence to policies and standards, and coaching for improvement.
• Support the cost-effective achievement of monthly, quarterly and annual production targets (mill throughput, gold and silver recovery, plant availability) in accordance with the business plans, whilst adhering to company safety, environmental, operational and engineering standards.
• Provide all necessary internal and external reports on safety, metallurgical accounting, operational and environmental performance, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

About You:

You must be an experienced professional who is self-motivated and able to work efficiently and collaboratively in a team environment holding the following qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Mineral Processing, Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering (essential)
• Minimum 10 years' experience with exposure to large scale complex processing plants in a senior supervisory position. Preferably with Merrill Crowe and flotation experience.
• High level planning, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Well developed team building, leadership and coaching skills.
• Experience with Advanced Process Control/Model Predictive Control systems.
• PNG mining industry experience (desirable)

What are the benefits of working for Harmony?

• The opportunity to work for an international mining company with a diverse workforce.
• Work for a company who values their employees and recognises their contribution.
• Excellent safety record.
• Corporate / discounted rates with Medibank and Qantas Club.
• Access to Harmony's benefits discounts scheme.

The successful applicant must be able to meet the requirements for a PNG Work Permit application (organised by Harmony) and a Federal Police Clearance. If you have a current passport or can obtain one as soon as possible, and are confident you have the skills, knowledge, and experience to fulfil this role, then please apply now. Please include a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience align with this role.

To learn more about Harmony, please visit our website

Please note
: All candidates must have the right to live and work in Australia as this will be the travel base for this role. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a comprehensive pre-employment medical screen, including drug and alcohol testing.