Oil Analyst

We have an exciting opportunity for Oil Analyst. The purpose of this role is to interpret oil analysis data and proactively recommend necessary corrective actions, including analysing historical data when a failure occurs to identify possible causes and assist the failure investigation team.

We’re the best in the industry.

You’ll make us better.

Guided by our purpose and our values, we enable both high performance and purposeful action as we aim to “re-imagine mining to improve people’s lives", delivering the metals and minerals that make modern life possible – from mobile phones to medicines.

Kumba Iron Ore

We produce high-grade iron ore, the key component in steel widely used in construction and manufacturing across the world. Our activities include all aspects – exploration; mining; processing and blending; shipping; marketing and selling. In South Africa, we have mining operations in the Northern Cape province, as well as a head office in Rosebank, Gauteng, and a port operation in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape.

Specialised Advice and Support

This role is in Engineering and Maintenance Plant (E&M) department on a Band 7 (C-Upper) level reporting to the Oil Lab Technologist.

Responsibilities

Manage a safe and healthy work environment where workers and contractors can deliver outputs at controlled risk.; Maintain environmental impact within statutory requirements to ensure compliance with legal regulations.; Register and test oil samples as needed.; Interpret and report on oil sample analysis data received from instruments in the oil laboratory.; Investigate the inputs provided to the failure from an oil analysis perspective to identify possible causes of the failure.; Analyse and interpret oil samples to indicate equipment condition and determine the need for maintenance.; Use oil samples to monitor the status of defined faults, enabling the planning of machinery shutdowns and thereby preventing or minimising shutdowns.; Verify instruments by comparing the control sample data to ensure their accuracy.; Compare instrument testing results with SABS MAP sample results to ensure adherence to manufacturing.; Clean, maintain, and calibrate all oil analysis instruments according to schedule or as required.; Ensure delivered oil samples are verified before offloading to confirm adherence to standards.; Send samples of diesel to external laboratories for analysis to ensure compliance with standards.; Provide advice and guidance to interested parties on processes, standards, best practices, research, and related areas to prevent potential problems.

Requirements

Grade 12; Higher National Qualification in Mechanical Engineering on NQF5; National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (NQF6) is preferred; Oil Analysis Training / Certification; SA Drivers Licence; 3–5 years of operational experience in the mining industry, specifically in maintenance and a laboratory environment.; Computer literacy with proficiency in daily operational tasks.; Familiarity with upstream and downstream processes, types of oils, and industry terminology.; Knowledge of safety standards and environmental policies applicable to oil operations.; Knowledge of laboratory testing methods, sampling procedures, and quality control.; Understand the interpretation of data related to oil composition, properties, and quality.; Awareness of local and international standards governing the oil industry.