Plant & Heap Leach Superintendent - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

About Saudi Gold Refinery

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is a Saudi mining and precious-metals company specialized in the refining of gold and precious metals, bullion production, and value-added precious-metal services. Operating within the Kingdom's mining value chain, SGR is aligned to the Vision 2030 mining pillar and to the regulatory framework set by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) and applicable Saudi and international standards. We produce responsibly sourced, traceable, and certified bullion, operate to LBMA Good Delivery and ISO-aligned quality standards, and invest in the people, processes, and controls behind every bar we produce.

Role Overview

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is seeking a Plant & Heap Leach Superintendent in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to lead the operational execution of our gold processing facilities. This role focuses on maximizing recovery efficiency and ensuring strict compliance with safety and environmental regulations in a demanding industrial setting. The successful candidate will drive operational excellence through effective team leadership and technical expertise in heap leach methodologies.

The Plant & Heap Leach Superintendent will report directly to the Mine Manager and will play a key role in sustaining continuous plant availability and production targets. This position requires a proactive leader who can balance operational demands with rigorous safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

The following responsibilities outline the core duties expected of the Plant & Heap Leach Superintendent.

Process Optimization

The role monitors and adjusts heap leach parameters such as irrigation rates and solution chemistry to maximize gold extraction efficiency.

Safety Leadership

This position enforces strict adherence to safety protocols including permit-to-work systems and hazardous material handling procedures.

Team Management

The incumbent manages shift rosters and conducts performance evaluations to ensure a competent and motivated operational workforce.

Maintenance Coordination

The role collaborates with maintenance teams to prioritize critical repairs and minimize unplanned equipment downtime.

Environmental Compliance

This position ensures all plant activities comply with local environmental regulations and the International Cyanide Management Code.

Production Reporting

The superintendent prepares detailed daily reports on production metrics reagent usage and operational incidents for management review.

Budget Control

The role manages operational expenditures for reagents and consumables to meet cost targets without compromising production quality.

Training Development

This position develops and delivers technical training programs to enhance the skills and competency levels of plant operators.

Emergency Response

The incumbent leads emergency response efforts during plant upsets or chemical incidents to mitigate risks and ensure personnel safety.

Continuous Improvement

The role identifies and implements process improvements to enhance recovery rates and reduce operational costs over time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Metallurgy, or Chemical Engineering is required.
• Ten years of relevant experience in gold processing with five years in a supervisory capacity.
• Expertise in heap leach operations including cyanidation and carbon adsorption circuits.
• Strong understanding of process safety management and environmental compliance standards.
• Proven ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary teams in a 24/7 operational environment.
• Proficiency in English for technical documentation and communication with stakeholders.
• Willingness to work in an industrial site location with rotational shift requirements.
• Valid driving license and legal eligibility to work in Saudi Arabia.

Preferred / Nice-to-have

• Master's degree in Extractive Metallurgy or a related field.
• Experience with automated control systems such as SCADA or PLC.
• Certification in hazardous materials handling or safety leadership.
• Knowledge of Arabic language for effective local workforce engagement.
• Previous experience with ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 audit processes.

Success Metrics

• Gold recovery rate meets or exceeds the annual budget target.
• Specific cyanide consumption is reduced by five percent year-over-year.
• Zero lost-time injuries and zero reportable environmental incidents occur.
• Plant availability remains above ninety-five percent throughout the year.
• All operators complete required technical certifications and training modules.
• Operational budget variances remain within plus or minus five percent of forecast.
• Audit findings are closed out within the agreed remediation timelines.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Saudi Gold Refinery welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Hiring decisions are made based on role requirements, skills, experience, and alignment with Saudization and Vision 2030 priorities.