Job Openings Crushing Section Shift Supervisor (Gyratory Crusher)

About the job Crushing Section Shift Supervisor (Gyratory Crusher)

Gyratory Crusher Crushing Section Shift Supervisor

Department

Processing Plant – Primary Crushing & Ore Handling

Job Purpose

To lead and supervise the safe and efficient operation of the primary crushing section, including the gyratory crusher, ROM bin, apron feeders, scalping screens, conveyors, and associated equipment. The Shift Supervisor ensures optimum throughput, minimal downtime, compliance with safety standards, and effective coordination between control room, field operators, maintenance, and upstream mining operations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Leadership & Shift Management
  • Direct, lead, and mentor a team of control room operators, field operators, and ROM pad personnel.
  • Conduct pre‑shift safety briefings and toolbox talks.
  • Allocate tasks and ensure adherence to shift plans and production targets.
  • Ensure adequate manpower coverage and manage shift handovers.
  • Responsible for the efficient operation of a laboratory in accordance with predefined procedures.
  • Ensures that routine samples are analysed and reported on timeously.
  • Maintains the quality of analytical results and ensures that all analytical procedures and schedules are adhered to.
  • Supervises one or more sections in the specific business within laid down standards and regulations.
  • Plans and directs the work of subordinates.
  • Schedules completion dates, monitors progress and evaluates the results of jobs.
  • Assures that work performed follows generally stated objectives and is completed Safely and on time.

Crushing Plant Operational Oversight

Oversee safe operation of:

  • Primary gyratory crusher
  • ROM bin and dump pocket
  • Apron feeders
  • Primary screens and conveyors
  • Ensure continuous ore flow and optimal crusher performance.
  • Review SCADA/DCS operational data and provide decision-making guidance.

Production & Throughput Control

  • Achieve daily and shift‑based production targets for tonnage and product size.
  • Monitor ore blending, ore type changes, and adjust operations accordingly.
  • Reduce bottlenecks and minimize downtime through proactive supervision.

Safety, Risk Control & Compliance

  • Enforce all mine safety procedures, including:
  • Lock-out/Tag-out (LOTO)
  • Permit‑to‑work systems
  • Working-at-heights protocols
  • Machine guarding compliance
  • Conduct safety inspections and hazard identification in the crushing section.
  • Report safety incidents, near-misses, and unsafe behaviours immediately.

Equipment Condition Monitoring & Problem-Solving

Ensure field and control room operators perform regular inspections and checklists.

Monitor:

  • Crusher motor loads, vibration, lubrication, and hydraulic pressures
  • Feeder performance and ore flow
  • Screen efficiency and conveyor health
  • Coordinate immediate corrective actions during equipment failures or trips.
  • Liaise with maintenance teams for breakdowns, planned maintenance, and shutdown planning.

Coordination & Communication

Communicate continuously with:

  • Mining dispatch (ore supply and truck routing)
  • Control room operators
  • Mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation maintenance teams
  • Downstream processing sections (milling/flotation)
  • Ensure smooth transition between shifts with accurate reporting.

Reporting & Administration

  • Prepare shift production reports and downtime logs.
  • Document equipment failures, operational issues, and corrective actions.
  • Complete safety forms, checklists, and incident reports.
  • Ensure accurate entry of data into plant systems and logbooks.

Required Skills & Competencies

  • Technical Competencies
  • Deep understanding of gyratory crusher operation and primary crushing circuits.
  • Knowledge of ore flow principles, ore fragmentation, and zinc ore characteristics.

Good understanding of:

  • SCADA/DCS control systems
  • Conveyor systems
  • Apron feeders and ROM bin behaviour
  • Ability to interpret process data, alarms, and trends.
  • Leadership & Behavioural Competencies
  • Strong leadership presence and ability to manage teams.
  • High level of safety consciousness.
  • Excellent communication and decision‑making skills.
  • Ability to stay calm during breakdowns, blockages, and high‑pressure situations.
  • Strong problem‑solving, planning, and organizational skills.

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Requirements

  • Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent.
  • 5+ years experience in a mineral processing or crushing plant environment.
  • 3+ years in a supervisory or shift leadership role.
  • Strong knowledge of primary gyratory crushing systems.

Preferred

  • Certificate or qualification in Mineral Processing / Plant Operations (NQF Level 4+).
  • Supervisory training (e.g., First Line Management).
  • Experience on a zinc, lead, or base metal mine.
  • Competence in root cause analysis and problem‑solving methods.

Physical & Environmental Conditions

  • Work involves both control room and field presence in dusty, noisy conditions.
  • Exposure to vibrating equipment and large mobile machinery.
  • Must be able to climb stairs, access elevated platforms, and respond to emergencies.
  • Shift work, overtime, and standby required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • Crushing throughput and production efficiency.
  • Crusher uptime and minimized unplanned downtime.
  • Zero harm and compliance with safety standards.
  • Quality and accuracy of shift reporting.
  • Effective supervision and team performance.
  • Housekeeping and operational discipline in the crushing section.

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