Senior Specialist, Rod Mill

Job Title

Senior Specialist, Rod Mill

Reporting to

Manager Beneficiation-WET

Business Unit/Function

MWSPC

Department

Beneficiation Wet

Direct Reports

Manager Beneficiation-WET

Budget/Size

Grade

Job Family

Production Operations

Sub Family

Grinding & Size Reduction / Beneficiation Operations

Position Type

Regular

Role Profile Number

Job Purpose

To ensure safe, reliable, and optimized operation of the Rod Mill circuits, focusing on achieving required grind size, throughput, and efficiency targets. The Rod Mill Specialist leads monitoring, troubleshooting, process control, and continuous improvement activities within the grinding area to support overall beneficiation plant performance.

Key Accountabilities

1. Rod Mill Operation & Control

Monitor and control rod mill parameters (mill load, power draw, feed rate, water addition, discharge size).

Maintain stable operational conditions to meet target grind size and slurry density.

Ensure optimal utilization of grinding media (rods) and assist with media charging planning.

1. Process Optimization

Analyze trends from DCS, historian data, and on-site measurements to improve throughput and milling efficiency.

Recommend adjustments to operational parameters based on ore characteristics and plant conditions.

Identify bottlenecks and propose improvement actions to enhance grindability and circuit performance.

1. Equipment Inspection & Reliability Support

Perform routine field checks on mills, lubrication systems, pumps, cyclones, and classifiers.

Report abnormal conditions, vibrations, leaks, and wear patterns.

Support maintenance teams with shutdown planning and equipment troubleshooting.

1. Performance Monitoring & Reporting

Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly operational reports.

Track KPIs such as power consumption, grind size, circulating load, and rod consumption.

Evaluate equipment performance deviations and recommend corrective actions.

1. Safety, Environment & Compliance

Ensure all work activities comply with HSE regulations and PTW requirements.

Participate in risk assessments, HAZOP, and incident investigations.

Update SOPs, WI, and JSA documents related to rod mill operations.

1. Technical Support & Expert Guidance

Provide technical support to operations teams regarding grinding principles, ore hardness variation, and circuit adjustments.

Coordinate with Metallurgy, Process Engineering, and Control Systems teams for process improvements.

1. Team Collaboration & Training

Mentor operators and junior specialists on mill operations, monitoring techniques, and troubleshooting.

Promote a culture of teamwork, communication, and operational discipline.

1. . Innovation & Continuous Improvement

Lead small-scale trials (rod charge optimization, water distribution, classifier adjustments).

Support MOC (Management of Change) approvals and implementation.

Propose initiatives for energy savings, resource efficiency, and reduced media consumption.

1. Stakeholder Engagement

Work closely with maintenance, process, and production teams for coordinated and efficient operations.

Communicate operational constraints and improvement opportunities to management.

Minimum Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mineral Processing, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.

Minimum Experience:

• 5 years of experience in grinding circuits (Rod Mill / Ball Mill) within a beneficiation or mineral processing plant.

Ma’aden High Performance Competencies:

Operational Excellence

Analytical Thinking

Technical Mastery

Safety & Compliance

Continuous Improvement

Change Management

Collaboration & Leadership

Skills:

Technical Skills

• Grinding & Comminution Fundamentals

• Rod Mill & Grinding Media Management

• Process Control (DCS / SCADA)

• Cyclone & Classification Systems

• Lubrication & Mill Support Systems

• Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis

Analytical & Reporting Skills

• Data Interpretation & Trend Analysis

• Performance KPI Monitoring

• Technical Reporting & Documentation

Safety & Compliance

• HSE Awareness

• PTW System Knowledge

• Audit Readiness

Leadership & Communication

• Team Mentoring

• Clear Communication with Field Operators & Engineers

• Cross-functional Collaboration

Continuous Improvement

• Lean / Six Sigma Mindset

• MOC Participation

• Innovation & Optimization Approach