Lab Manager – Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) Laboratory - Zambia

Job Description:

Our client, a leading mining company operating an underground mining operation in Zambia, is seeking a skilled Laboratory Manager to oversee its Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) laboratory operations. The company is committed to sustainable mining practices, operational excellence, and delivering high-quality copper and gold products to global markets. The Lab Manager will manage and oversee all activities in the CIL laboratory, ensuring accurate and timely analysis of copper and gold samples to support process optimization, quality control, and operational efficiency. The role involves leading a team of laboratory technicians, maintaining high standards of safety and compliance, and contributing to the company’s metallurgical objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Laboratory Operations: Oversee daily operations of the CIL laboratory, including sample preparation, analysis, and reporting for copper and gold processing.
• Ensure accurate testing of ore samples, carbon activity, and leach solutions using techniques such as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), fire assay, and cyanide leaching analysis.
• Monitor and optimize laboratory workflows to meet production and metallurgical requirements.
• Team Management: Lead, train, and supervise a team of laboratory technicians, fostering a culture of safety, accuracy, and accountability.
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance team skills in CIL processes and analytical techniques.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support professional development.
• Quality Control and Assurance: Ensure all laboratory results meet industry standards and company specifications for copper and gold recovery.
• Implement and maintain quality control protocols, including calibration of equipment and validation of analytical methods.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure traceability of all samples and results.
• Safety and Compliance: Enforce strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations in line with Zambian mining laws and international best practices.
• Conduct regular safety audits and ensure proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials, such as cyanide and acids.
• Ensure compliance with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) regulations.
• Equipment and Inventory Management:
• Oversee maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, including AAS, XRF, and other analytical instruments.
• Manage laboratory inventory, including reagents, consumables, and spare parts, to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze laboratory data to identify trends and provide actionable insights to improve CIL process efficiency and metal recovery.

Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an advantage.Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a metallurgical or analytical laboratory, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Proven experience in Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) processes for gold and/or copper processing.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques such as AAS, XRF, fire assay, and cyanide leaching analysis.
• Strong knowledge of metallurgical laboratory operations and CIL process chemistry.
• Proficiency in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data analysis software.
• Experience with laboratory equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.

If you wish to apply for the position, please send your CV to Lucia Baeza at [email protected]

Please visit www.mining-recruitment-jobs.com for more exciting opportunities.

Lucia Baeza

Executive Talent Consultant

CA Mining

CA Global Headhunters is an international staffing company with a specific focus on recruitment in Africa. Our extensive, diverse candidate network built up over 10 years comprises the most skilled and experienced candidates. We recruit talent of the highest standards across African sectors, including Mining, Oil & Gas, Engineering, Banking, Finance, Legal, Insurance, Commodities, and Agriculture. As African markets continue to grow and develop, so too does our skill and expertise, ensuring that we deliver the best service to both clients and candidates.

Thanks to our access to global networks and resources, we understand our clients’ cultures, operations, business strategies, and industries. We are always on par with the latest technologies and trends which assist us in sourcing the best talent for clients. Whatever stage of the project lifecycle, we can put forward the right candidates with the right skills.