Controller (Materials & Reagents)

Role Purpose

The Controller (Materials & Reagents) is responsible for controlling, monitoring, and optimizing the supply, usage, and inventory of materials and reagents required for zinc mining and processing operations. The role ensures continuous plant operation, cost control, accurate inventory management, and compliance with safety, quality, and governance standards.

Key Responsibilities

Materials & Reagents Control

• Control availability and usage of process reagents, consumables, and operating materials.
• Ensure uninterrupted supply to support crushing, milling, flotation, thickening, and filtration.
• Monitor consumption trends and prevent stock‑outs or overstocking.
• Ensure correct handling, storage, and issuing of reagents and materials.

Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate inventory levels for bulk reagents, packaged chemicals, and operational materials.
• Set and review reorder levels, safety stocks, and minimum/maximum quantities.
• Track stock movements, receipts, issues, and returns in ERP systems.
• Support stock takes, cycle counts, and variance investigations.

Procurement & Supplier Coordination

• Coordinate with procurement on ordering and delivery of reagents and materials.
• Track purchase orders and delivery schedules for critical and bulk reagents.
• Liaise with suppliers on lead times, specifications, MSDS, and quality requirements.
• Support contract performance monitoring and supplier compliance.

Cost Control & Optimization

• Monitor reagent and material costs against budget and operational targets.
• Analyse unit consumption rates and identify cost‑reduction opportunities.
• Support variance analysis (actual vs planned consumption).
• Provide material and reagent data for forecasting and budgeting.

Processing & Metallurgical Interface

• Work closely with metallurgy and production teams to align reagent supply with plant operating conditions.
• Support optimization initiatives through accurate tracking of reagent performance.
• Ensure correct material availability for metallurgical test work and plant trials.

Safety, Health & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with the Mine Health & Safety Act (MHSA) and site SHE procedures.
• Ensure safe storage, handling, and issuing of hazardous materials and chemicals.
• Maintain MSDS registers, signage, and spill response readiness.
• Support audits, inspections, and regulatory compliance related to materials and reagents.

Reporting & Systems

• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports on reagent usage, stock levels, and costs.
• Maintain accurate data in ERP / inventory management systems.
• Provide reports and dashboards to operations, supply chain, and management.
• Support continuous improvement of materials and reagents management processes.

Shutdowns & Risk Management

• Ensure materials and reagents availability for shutdowns, campaigns, and start‑ups.
• Identify supply risks and implement mitigation plans.
• Support emergency supply coordination during plant disruptions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years' experience managing materials and/or reagents, preferably in mining or mineral processing.
• Strong understanding of process plant consumables and reagents.
• Experience working with ERP / inventory management systems.

Desirable

• Experience in zinc or base‑metal processing plants.
• Knowledge of flotation reagents and bulk chemical handling.
• Exposure to inventory optimization and cost‑control practices.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• High attention to detail and data accuracy
• Good understanding of processing plant operations
• Strong coordination and stakeholder‑engagement skills
• Cost‑control and commercial awareness
• Strong safety and compliance mindset

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Continuous availability of materials and reagents
• Reagent consumption vs metallurgical targets
• Inventory accuracy and variance reduction
• Cost control and budget adherence
• Audit and compliance outcomes
• Reduction in emergency purchases and supply disruptions