The Role
The Laboratory Superintendent is responsible for leading and managing all laboratory operations at the Sabodala Mine, including the metallurgical laboratory supporting the Whole Ore Leach (WOL) and Sulphide Treatment Plant (STP), as well as oversight of the contractor-operated ALS Laboratory for assay analysis. This role ensures the delivery of metallurgical testwork, accurate, timely, and high-quality analytical data and reports to provide insight from testwork to support plant performance. The Superintendent will lead a team of supervisors and technicians, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective laboratory operations aligned with company standards and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Management :
- Lead and manage the metallurgical laboratory team, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Provide oversight and performance monitoring of the ALS Laboratory, ensuring service level agreements and quality standards are met.
- Develop and implement training and development plans for laboratory staff.
- Communicate departmental goals and align team efforts with site-wide objectives.
Testwork Programme :
- Plan, coordinate, and supervise bench-scale metallurgical testwork programs for WOL and STP operations.
- Ensure timely and accurate delivery of assay results to stakeholders including Processing, Geology, Exploration, and Mining.
- Optimize laboratory workflows, analytical methods, and sample turnaround times.
- Establish best practice and standards for the laboratory and enforce adherence by all staff.
- Conduct root cause investigations for anomalies and non-conforming results.
Safety Management :
- Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
- Conduct regular risk assessments, audits, and inspections of laboratory operations.
- Oversee safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
- Maintain high standards of laboratory housekeeping and equipment hygiene.
Budgeting and Cost Control :
- Prepare and manage the laboratory budget, including reagents, consumables, and equipment maintenance.
- Monitor and control costs, ensuring efficient use of resources and alignment with budget targets.
- Lead CAPEX planning and execution for laboratory improvements and equipment upgrades.
Strategic Planning and Reporting :
- Develop and implement strategic plans for laboratory capability enhancement.
- Produce regular reports on laboratory performance, costs, and inventory usage.
- Maintain accurate records of sample throughput, testwork results, and equipment maintenance.
Key Requirements
Education :
- Technical diploma or degree in Chemistry, Metallurgy, or related field; or equivalent experience.
Relevant experience :
- Minimum 10 years of experience in mining laboratory operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or superintendent role.
- Strong knowledge of sample preparation, fire assay, wet chemistry, and instrumental analysis (e.g., AAS, ICP).
- Experience managing contractor relationships and service-level performance.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety and continuous improvement.