Plant & Heap Leach Superintendent

About the Company

Saudi Gold Refinery is a leader in the refinement and production of gold and other precious metals, operating under strict international and national standards, including those established by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia. With a commitment to responsible sourcing and certified quality, the company upholds LBMA Good Delivery, ISO-aligned practices, and a focus on the growth and safety of its workforce. Its mission aligns with Vision 2030 and aims to drive value along the mining value chain.

Role Overview

The Plant & Heap Leach Superintendent is tasked with ensuring optimal performance and compliance within the gold processing operations. This leadership role focuses on maximizing gold recovery, ensuring unyielding adherence to health, safety, and environmental standards, and fostering operational excellence through robust team management and advanced process expertise. Reporting directly to the Mine Manager, the incumbent steers daily activities to meet and exceed production goals while maintaining a safe and compliant workplace environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Continuously evaluate and modify heap leach parameters—such as solution chemistry and irrigation rates—to increase gold recovery efficiency.
• Enforce implementation of safety procedures and systems, including permit-to-work and hazardous materials management.
• Lead the operational workforce, coordinating shift schedules and managing employee performance appraisals.
• Partner with maintenance departments to schedule and prioritize equipment repairs, minimizing operational downtime.
• Ensure all plant activities and waste management adhere to local environmental regulations and the International Cyanide Management Code.
• Compile and submit detailed production, reagent usage, and incident reports to management on a daily basis.
• Monitor and manage plant budgets for operational inputs while safeguarding process quality standards.
• Develop and deliver technical upskilling and safety training to ensure high competency among plant personnel.
• Coordinate emergency response plans for chemical or technical plant incidents, prioritizing worker safety and asset protection.
• Drive continuous improvement projects targeting process efficiency and cost reduction.

Qualifications & Desired Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field (required).
• Minimum of 10 years of gold processing experience, with at least 5 years holding supervisory responsibilities.
• In-depth understanding of heap leach operations, including cyanidation and carbon adsorption processes.
• Comprehensive knowledge of process safety and environmental standards.
• Demonstrated capability to lead large teams in 24/7 plant operations.
• Strong command of English for technical and business communication.
• Preparedness to work rotational shifts at an industrial plant site.
• Possession of a valid driving license and eligibility to work in Saudi Arabia.
• Master’s degree in Extractive Metallurgy or allied discipline (preferred).
• Experience in automated plant control systems (e.g., SCADA, PLC) is an advantage.
• Certifications in hazardous materials or safety management, familiarity with ISO audits, and proficiency in Arabic are considered assets.

Performance Benchmarks

• Achievement of, or improvement upon, gold recovery and cyanide consumption targets.
• Maintenance of plant availability above 95%, with zero lost-time injuries or environmental violations.
• Completion of required technical training by all operational staff.
• Adherence to departmental budget within a 5% variance range.
• Resolution of audit findings within established deadlines.

Additional Information

• Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply; selection is driven by merit and alignment with Saudization and Vision 2030 objectives.
• The role is located onsite in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with rotational shift requirements.