Process Plant Head – Gold Mine

Role Overview

The Process Plant Head is responsible for overseeing all processing plant operations at the gold mine. This vital leadership role ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective gold recovery while maintaining strict compliance with company standards, environmental regulations, and best practices in gold processing.

The incumbent will lead day-to-day plant operations, optimize metallurgical performance, manage plant personnel, and collaborate closely with the Mining, Maintenance, and HSE teams to consistently achieve production targets.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership

  • Lead all core process plant operations, including crushing, grinding, leaching (CIL/CIP), elution, and gold recovery.
  • Ensure the plant operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Consistently deliver production targets (throughput, recovery, and unit cost) in line with overarching business objectives.

2. Process Optimization

  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to actively enhance gold recovery rates and plant performance.
  • Monitor metallurgical performance metrics and implement real-time optimization strategies.
  • Ensure effective reagent consumption management and strict operating cost control.

3. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

  • Promote a proactive, strong safety culture across the entire plant and ensure full compliance with HSE policies.
  • Lead incident investigations when necessary and implement prompt corrective actions.
  • Ensure strict environmental compliance across all processing operations, specifically regarding tailings and water management.

4. Team Leadership & Development

  • Lead, mentor, and develop the process plant team, including supervisors, engineers, and operators.
  • Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement.
  • Support succession planning and capability development programs for the local workforce.

5. Maintenance & Reliability

  • Work closely with the Maintenance team to ensure high plant availability and equipment reliability.
  • Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs to safeguard operations.
  • Minimize unscheduled downtime through highly effective planning and inter-departmental coordination.

6. Stakeholder Management

  • Seamlessly collaborate with Mining, Geology, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and HSE teams.
  • Report plant performance data and key operational metrics clearly to senior management.
  • Support external and internal audits, regulatory inspections, and compliance reviews.

Role Requirements

Education

  • Required: Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.

Experience

  • Overall: Minimum 12–15 years of experience in gold processing operations.
  • Leadership: At least 5–7 years in a senior leadership or managerial role within a process plant.
  • Technical Focus: Deep, hands-on experience in CIL/CIP gold processing plants is essential.
  • Setting: Prior experience in remote site or FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) operations is highly preferred.

Technical Skills

  • Deep knowledge of gold extraction processes, circuitry, and plant optimization techniques.
  • Solid experience in metallurgical accounting and performance monitoring.
  • Strong familiarity with modern tailings management and environmental compliance frameworks.

Leadership & Behavioral Competencies

  • Proven capability to lead, inspire, and manage large, diverse technical teams.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make high-stakes decisions under pressure.
  • Results-driven mindset with a clear focus on continuous improvement.
  • Excellent communication, reporting, and stakeholder management skills.

Interested candidates are invited to send their updated CV to:
t.arief@peoplesearchinternational.com and ridha@peoplesearchinternational.com 
Subject:
 Process Plant Head – Gold Mine