Jop Purpose:
To ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the crushing circuit within a gold processing plant by applying expert knowledge in crushing technologies, optimizing equipment performance, minimizing downtime, and mentoring local personnel. The Crushing Specialist plays a critical role in achieving production targets, maintaining equipment integrity, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the plant.
Job Description:
Operational Excellence
- Ensure optimal performance of crushing circuits to achieve daily and monthly production targets.
- Monitor feed rates, product size distribution, and equipment efficiency to maximize throughput and minimize downtime.
Equipment Reliability
- Oversee routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting of crushing equipment.
- Coordinate with maintenance teams to plan and execute corrective actions and shutdowns.
Safety & Compliance
- Enforce strict compliance with safety procedures and site regulations within the crushing area.
- Identify operational hazards and implement controls in line with environmental and regulatory standards.
Process Optimization
- Analyze operational data to identify bottlenecks and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Work closely with metallurgists and process engineers to optimize crushing circuit performance.
Commissioning & Upgrades
- Support commissioning of new crushing equipment and upgrades to existing systems.
- Participate in design reviews and provide technical input for plant expansions and modifications.
Performance Monitoring & Analysis
- Monitor KPIs, analyze trends, and benchmark crushing performance against targets.
- Recommend and implement changes to operating parameters to improve throughput and product quality.
Technology & Innovation
- Stay updated on new crushing technologies, automation systems, and wear materials.
- Propose technical upgrades to enhance reliability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
Root Cause Analysis
- Lead investigations into recurring equipment failures and performance issues.
- Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Training & Knowledge Transfer
- Train, mentor, and coach operators and technicians in crushing operations and maintenance best practices.
- Develop structured training programs and conduct on-the-job training.
- Maintain training records, competency assessments, and certification tracking.
Safety Leadership
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, PPE usage, LOTO procedures, and safe work practices.
- Lead incident reporting, investigations, and implementation of corrective actions.
- Support emergency preparedness, drills, and continuous safety improvement initiatives.
Cost & Efficiency Improvement
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction through improved maintenance practices, energy efficiency, and reduced wear part consumption
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Coordinate with maintenance, planning, procurement, HSE, and HR teams to improve workflow efficiency and training alignment.
- Share best practices across departments and sites.
Personnel Management
- Lead and coordinate crushing maintenance and operations teams in the fixed plant.
- Ensure proper shift coverage and rapid response to breakdowns.
- Monitor team performance using KPIs such as MTTR, MTBF, and equipment availability.
- Provide coaching, performance feedback, and support professional development.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Job Requirements
Minimum Experience & Qualifications
- 1012 years of hands-on experience in mechanical maintenance within mineral processing or heavy industrial environments.
- 810 years of direct experience with crushing equipment (jaw crushers, cone crushers, conveyors, screens).
- Experience in gold or base metal processing plants is highly preferred.
- Strong exposure to continuous operations, high-tonnage throughput, and safety-critical environments.
- Proven ability in troubleshooting and maintaining crushing systems, including hydraulics, lubrication, and drive systems.
- Experience with preventive and predictive maintenance programs, vibration analysis, and root cause failure analysis (RCFA).
- 58 years of supervisory or team-leading experience in maintenance, preferably in shift-based or multi-disciplinary operations.
- Sound knowledge of HSE regulations, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and confined space procedures.
Job-Specific Technical Skills
- Mechanical maintenance and overhaul of crushers, conveyors, and screening equipment.
- Strong knowledge of hydraulic systems, lubrication systems, and vibration analysis.
- Experience with CMMS, root cause analysis, and maintenance planning.
- Ability to prepare technical reports and interact with OEMs.
- Proven team leadership and supervisory capability.
Generic Skills
- Leadership and people management with a focus on coaching and performance development.
- Clear verbal and written communication in English.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
- Effective time management and ability to prioritize tasks.
- Excellent collaboration and cross-functional teamwork skills.
- Adaptability and commitment to continuous improvement.
- High attention to detail and quality of work.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and reporting tools.
