Instrument Technician
a. Instrumentation Maintenance & Calibration
- Maintain and calibrate plant instrumentation, including:
- Belt scales and weighbridges
- Density meters, flow meters, level and pressure instruments
- Ensure accurate measurement and reporting of production data
- Conduct routine inspections and preventative maintenance
b. Control Systems & Automation
- Maintain and troubleshoot:
- PLC systems (Programmable Logic Controllers)
- HMI systems (Human Machine Interfaces)
- SCADA interfaces (where applicable)
- Assist with control logic fault finding and system optimisation
- Support plant automation and process improvements
c. Electrical & Electronic Systems
- Maintain and repair:
- Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)
- Motor control circuits
- Plant electronic control panels
- Diagnose faults in electrical and electronic systems
d. Communication & Safety Systems
- Install, maintain, and troubleshoot:
- Proximity Detection Systems (PDS)
- Two-way radio communication systems
- GPS and telemetry systems (if applicable)
- Ensure all safety systems are fully operational and compliant
e. Fault Finding & Breakdown Support
- Perform advanced fault finding on plant instrumentation and control systems
- Respond to breakdowns and minimise plant downtime
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions
f. Valves & Pneumatics
- Maintain and repair:
- Solenoid valves
- Pneumatic control systems
- Ensure proper operation of actuated valves and control loops
g. Compliance & Safety
- Ensure compliance with mining regulations and safety standards
- Adhere to lock-out and isolation procedures
- Maintain high housekeeping and safety standards
h. Reporting & Documentation
- Complete maintenance reports, job cards, and calibration records
- Maintain asset registers and instrument databases
- Track and report recurring faults and system performance
Minimum Requirements
Education
- National Diploma / N6 / Trade Test in:
- Instrumentation Engineering OR
- Electrical Engineering (Process Control / Light Current preferred)
- Experience
Minimum 4-6 years’ experience in:
- Coal processing / wash plant environment
- Instrumentation and control systems
- Proven experience with:
- Belt scales and weighbridges
- PLCs and HMIs
- VSDs and plant electronics
- PDS and radio systems
- Solenoids and pneumatic systems
Technical Skills
- Strong fault-finding and diagnostic capability
- Knowledge of:
- PLC programming (advantageous)
- Instrument calibration procedures
- Process control systems
- Electrical schematics and loop diagrams
- Familiar with test equipment (multimeters, calibrators, communicators)
Additional Requirements
- Valid driver’s license
- Medically fit for mining environment