Milling & Flotation Supervisor

Job Purpose

The Milling & Flotation Supervisor is responsible for supervising and coordinating milling and flotation plant operations to ensure safe, stable, and efficient liberation and recovery of zinc-bearing minerals, in line with production targets, metallurgical performance requirements, and mine safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

Safety, Health & Statutory Compliance

• Enforce compliance with Mine Health and Safety legislation, site rules, and standard operating procedures.
• Conduct pre‑shift safety meetings, toolbox talks, and task risk assessments.
• Ensure safe application of lock‑out/tag‑out, isolations, and permit‑to‑work systems during maintenance.
• Identify, report, and correct unsafe conditions and behaviours.
• Participate in incident investigations and implement corrective actions.

Milling Operations Supervision

• Supervise daily operation of milling circuits including:
• SAG / ball mills (as applicable)
• Hydrocyclones and classification systems
• Feeders, conveyors, lubrication systems
• Ensure correct feed rates, mill loads, grind sizes (P80), and mill stability.
• Monitor milling performance to ensure optimal liberation for flotation.
• Minimise downtime due to blockages, overloading, or poor operating practices.

Flotation Operations Supervision

• Supervise flotation circuits including:
• Conditioning tanks, flotation cells, and froth launders
• Regrind mills (where applicable)
• Ensure correct reagent dosing, air rates, pulp densities, and froth control.
• Monitor concentrate grade, recovery, and mass pull.
• Work closely with metallurgical staff to optimise flotation performance.

Production & Metallurgical Performance

• Achieve daily and shift throughput targets.
• Monitor and record key performance indicators such as:
• Throughput and plant availability
• Grind size (P80)
• Zinc recovery and concentrate grade
• Identify operational deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Support continuous improvement and optimisation initiatives.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Lead, allocate, and supervise milling and flotation operators and attendants.
• Ensure personnel are trained, competent, and authorised for their duties.
• Enforce discipline, attendance, and performance standards.
• Coach and develop employees through on‑the‑job training.
• Manage contractors working within the milling and flotation areas.

Maintenance Coordination

• Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation teams.
• Ensure plant is correctly prepared for planned and breakdown maintenance.
• Report equipment defects, abnormal conditions, and repeated failures.
• Support shutdown planning, execution, and start‑ups.
• Promote good housekeeping and spillage control in the plant.

Administration & Reporting

• Complete accurate shift reports covering production, metallurgical performance, breakdowns, and safety issues.
• Ensure effective shift handovers.
• Maintain operational records and support metallurgical reporting.
• Participate in daily and weekly production meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Grade 12 / NQF Level 4
• Milling / Flotation or Mineral Processing Supervisor Certificate (or equivalent)
• Competent person appointment (as per mine requirements)
• Medically fit for mine work

Advantageous

• Certificate or Diploma in Mineral Processing or Metallurgy
• Supervisory or leadership training
• First Aid and basic safety certifications

Experience Requirements

• 5–8 years experience in mineral processing operations
• 2–3 years experience in a supervisory role

Proven experience in:

• Milling and flotation circuits
• Base metal processing (zinc advantageous)
• Shift‑based concentrator operations

Technical Competencies

• Milling and flotation plant operation
• Understanding of comminution and flotation principles
• Metallurgical performance monitoring
• Basic mechanical and process troubleshooting
• Production and shift reporting

Behavioural & Leadership Competencies

• Strong safety leadership and visible commitment
• Decision‑making under pressure
• Good communication and coordination skills
• Attention to detail and operational discipline
• People management and team development capability