PITTONG, VICTORIA, 3360
CHEMICAL PLANT OPERATOR
ANNUAL SALARY $76k to $90k

Company Overview:

SUVO STRATEGIC MINERALS is Australia's only hydrous kaolin producer, operating the Pittong Kaolin mine and processing plant located approximately 40 km west of Ballarat, Victoria. We are committed to sustainable innovation, transforming industrial
waste and low-carbon resources into world-first, green cement solutions.

POSITION:

The CHEMICAL PLANT OPERATOR will improve productivity, reliability, and safety at Suvos Pittong hydrous kaolin processing operations through effective process control, maintenance coordination, and personnel supervision. The role ensures continuous and efficient plant operation while maintaining strict quality, environmental, and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

- Operate, monitor, and control continuous and batch processes for kaolin ore processing, refining hydrous kaolin products, and blending additives to meet production and quality targets.
- Maintain plant performance and reliability by ensuring all equipment and systems operate safely, efficiently, and within
set parameters.
- Conduct inspections, sampling, and quality testing to verify compliance with product specifications (moisture, particle size, brightness, slurry density).
- Support maintenance teams through inspection reporting, fault identification, isolation procedures, and
shutdown/start-up operations.
- Uphold Suvos safety culture through active participation in toolbox talks, compliance monitoring, and incident
investigation.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on process optimisation, waste reduction, and plant capacity enhancement.
- Maintain accurate operational records and data in ERP/SAP systems for production, raw materials, and inventory tracking.

Main Tasks

Process Operations

- Operate process plant equipment (crushers, classifiers, pumps, dryers, filters, conveyors,



and blending units) inaccordance with standard operating procedures.
- Control preparation, measurement, and feeding of raw kaolin ore, reagents, and filtration media to maintain processbalance and efficiency.
- Adjust process variables (temperature, flow, pressure, solids content) via control systems to ensure consistent product quality.
- Perform in-process quality checks and take corrective actions to address deviations in product specifications or equipment performance.
- Blend kaolin and process additives for final product formulations.

Inspection & Maintenance

- Conduct regular patrols and visual inspections of plant and equipment to identify wear, leaks, or abnormal conditions.
- Participate in commissioning and decommissioning of plant systems before and after shutdowns, completing pre-startand isolation checklists.
- Assist maintenance personnel in performing minor servicing and routine maintenance tasks to improve reliability andreduce downtime.
- Maintain housekeeping and 5S standards across all operational areas to ensure a clean, safe, and efficient workenvironment.

Safety, Compliance & Supervision

- Lead and participate in daily safety toolbox talks; enforce site safety rules and correct PPE usage.
- Report safety hazards, incidents, and near-misses, and support investigations with accurate documentation.
- Train and mentor team members in safe work procedures, operational best practices, and compliance with Suvos environmental and safety requirements.




- Authorise isolation of high- and low-voltage electrical systems where required for secure maintenance activities.
- Record plant readings, test results, and performance data for process analysis and reporting.
- Maintain and update SOPs, checklists, and log sheets to reflect plant upgrades and procedural improvements.
- Input daily production, raw material usage, and stock data into ERP/SAP and reconcile monthly inventories.
- Identify and implement process improvements to increase throughput, reduce waste, and optimise energy and resource usage.

Skills, Qualifications & Competencies

- Proven experience in chemical, mineral, or industrial process plant operation (preferably kaolin, clay, or mineral refining).
- Strong understanding of continuous and batch process control systems (DCS/PLC).
- Practical knowledge of equipment such as classifiers, dryers, pumps, filters, conveyors, and heat exchangers.
- Ability to interpret process data, laboratory results, and instrumentation readings to make informed operational decisions.
- Working knowledge of safety systems, isolation procedures, and permit-to-work practices.
- Proficiency in SAP or similar ERP systems for production reporting and stock management.

Personal Attributes:

- Safety-focused and quality-driven mindset.
- Strong communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities.
- Problem-solving aptitude for diagnosing process and equipment issues.
- Attention to detail with accurate recordkeeping and reporting skills.
- Ability to work under pressure in a 24/7 plant environment.

Desirable Qualifications:

- Certificate or Diploma in Chemical Engineering, Process Plant Operations, or Industrial Chemistry or relevant experience.
- Confined space, working at heights, and lock-out/tag-out training.
- Experience in kaolin or mineral processing industries.

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