Chifeng Gold’s Lane Xang Minerals Limited (LXML) operates the Sepon Gold and Copper Operation, located in Vilabouly District, Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR. Since operations commenced in 2003, LXML Sepon has produced over 1.1 million tonnes of copper cathode and over 53 tonnes of gold. In 2022, Sepon produced 6,600 tonnes of copper and 6.7 tonnes of gold. Planned production for 2023 is over 6 tonnes of gold and 7,000 tonnes of copper.

LXML is now positioning itself for future growth. With the transition from a copper-focused operation to a gold-focused operation completed in 2020 and with a number of other feasibility studies, a ramp up in exploration and with merger and acquisition activity underway, the future for LXML and the Sepon operation is unlimited in potential and opportunity.

In support of this growth, we are looking for Plant Metallurgist to join our team to deliver on our growth plans, and be a part of this exciting future.

The role of the Plant Metallurgist is to coordinate all work required by the Processing Team and Senior Process Engineer to ensure all tasks are completed on time and to the required standard. Prepare and coordinate activities to ensure the optimal commissioning of the Gold Processing plant. Ensure sampling points are appropriately identified, metallurgical procedures are in place, and processing personnel are trained to ensure optimal performance of the gold processing plant. Report on metallurgical performance of the plant daily, weekly and monthly, review plant data and provide input, support and strategy for maintaining optimum plant operations with an enhanced focus on performance and efficiency. Prepare and coordinate gold production report, report on routine and non-routine testwork and review key gold processing plant trends and report of deviations while providing remedial actions as required.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Coordinate and lead the commissioning of the gold processing plant and all associated metallurgical activities.
• Monitoring and interpretation of the performance of the various plant areas using the plant data, chemical analyses and information available to maximise performance and minimise costs.
• Familiarisation with the plant metallurgical balance to produce the daily, weekly and monthly reports and information for management.
• Coordinate the operating supervision in the output of the daily strategy sheet in relation to plant performance, bottlenecks, threats and risks.
• Develop testwork programs to increase plant efficiency and troubleshoot areas of plant problems.  Review and recommend projects to overcome issues either by innovation or new technology.
• Ensure that necessary risk assessment processes are followed for all works as required in the processing plant. Contribute technical knowledge/resources to departmental safety plans and objectives.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Tertiary degree in Metallurgy or chemical engineering.
• Organisational ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Project management and time management skills.
• High quality standards.
• Problem solving ability.
• Solid communicator at required levels (management, technical, operational).
• Basic Understanding of English would be well regarded.
• Minimum 2-5 years’ experience specifically with gold production plant.
• Exposure to Crushing, Grinding, Flotation, Pressure Oxidation, CCDs, CIL, Gold room.
• Exposure to formal continuous improvement methodologies will be well regarded.
• Experience working in a similar role.

• Knowledge of IT systems (Microsoft office suite – Excel).
• Knowledge of Pi Process Book is highly regarded.

An attractive salary packages, including a performance-based incentives and other benefits, are on offer for this role.  This is a great opportunity to join an exisiting world class mining operation and contribute towards the ongoing development of the biggest and best mining company in the Lao PDR.

Phonsinuan Village, P.O. Box 4486, Vientiane, Lao PDR Tel:  +856 21 268 200, NalaoVillage, Kaisone District, Savannakhet Tel:  +856 41 212686