Cyanide Champion

Role overview

AngloGold Ashanti (Ghana) Limited is advancing the redevelopment of the Obuasi Gold Mine into a modern, highly efficient and sustainable long-term mining operation. The underground mine is being upgraded to run with full mechanisation and is expected to average up to 5,000 tonnes of ore mined per day. Against this background, the company is looking for a proactive, experienced professional to take ownership of cyanide-related matters as Cyanide Champion.

Purpose of the role

This position carries responsibility for leading cyanide compliance and awareness activities across the mine, with reporting accountability to the Senior Manager, Processing. The role ensures that International Cyanide Management Institute (ICMI) principles are followed, particularly within the Process Department, and supports awareness and training initiatives for employees and surrounding communities.

Key duties

• Drive health, safety and environmental improvement initiatives across the operation, including housekeeping practices.
• Confirm that the correct personal protective equipment for cyanide handling is available when required.
• Support the Training Officer in delivering employee training that meets the requirements of Legal Instrument LI 2182, Regulation 219, and related Ghanaian codes.
• Own team environmental responsibilities and track environmental performance.
• Hold formal team reviews and escalate weaknesses found in environmental procedures.
• Investigate environmental incidents in assigned areas and prepare reports with practical recommendations for the Departmental Manager and Environmental Manager, or their delegate.
• Support employee training in line with ICMI compliance obligations.
• Prepare, maintain and deliver plant induction training for employees and visitors, with emphasis on cyanide awareness.
• Coordinate all pre-training and post-training activities, including logistics, training records and assessment of trainee performance.
• Serve as the main custodian for cyanide-related matters and documentation for AGAG Obuasi STP.
• Maintain stock levels in cyanide emergency cabins and restock items when needed.
• Coordinate cyanide procurement and receipt for AGAG Obuasi STP.
• Work with cyanide auditors to help the company remain compliant with ICMI requirements.
• Supervise the activities leading to AGAG Obuasi STP certification under the ICMI code.
• Act as custodian of the AGAG Obuasi STP cyanide sparging facility.
• Report cyanide-related issues, stock movements and non-conformances to the Senior Metallurgist in the Process Department and follow up on corrective actions.
• Support the development and revision of cyanide-related SOPs and related documents.
• Ensure cyanide-related instruments are functional and properly calibrated.
• Work with key stakeholders, including the community and sustainability teams, on regular sensitisation efforts about cyanide use.
• Partner with the Plant Training Supervisor on onboarding of new employees and other training activities for the department.
• Review the effectiveness of cyanide training materials and activities, and update them as needed.
• Contribute to budgeting and cost control for the sparging facility and PPEs.

Requirements

• BSc or Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or Chemistry.
• Trainer certification, particularly in cyanide handling.
• Basic First Aid certification.
• Working knowledge of the ICMI code and certification process; existing certification will be an advantage.
• At least 2 years of experience working with a cyanide sparging, mixing and storage facility.
• At least 2 years of experience in a recognised process plant.
• Strong computer literacy.
• Ability to understand the risks associated with process plant reagents and gold room activities.
• Good communication skills.
• Self-motivated, target-driven and committed to improving existing practices.
• High sense of accountability.

Additional information

This position is based in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana. Applicants were instructed to complete the online application form through the provided application process. The stated closing date for applications was 04 March 2021.