Poly Welder / Pump Person - Newmont Mining Corporation

About This Role

• To support the butt welding of poly (HDPE) pipes, using a variety of techniques, and connecting in-pit sumps to designated ponds in a safe and controlled manner.

In This Role You Will

Pump Operations Planning and Execution

• Communicate with and receive instruction from the Dewatering Supervisor before the execution of activities, to determine where water will be pumped to, and to ensure that the system remains open.
• Conduct inspections on the following aspects, before carrying out work:
  • pipelines and valves for leakages.
  • fuel level of the pump.
  • sumps.
  • boreholes around the pit.
• Install pumps in a stage/phase approach and connect pipelines to pumps.
• Complete prestart inspection of pumps and the poly welding machine.
• Report any identified defects to the Dewatering supervisor.
• Take flow readings from boreholes and report any detected issues to the Dewatering Supervisor.
• Request for flow rate feedback from the process plant/water treatment plant.
• Disconnect all pumps for blasting activities.
• Check pressure gauges, RPM’s, vacuum gauges and load factors, and record these on the key performance indicator (KPI) sheet.
• Obtain and take flow meter readings at the start and the end of the shift.
• Ensue that pumps are inspected and ready to supply water for water bowers for dust suppression purposes.
• Conduct the installation of standpipes.
• Ensure safe slipping of pipe along the pit high walls.
• Monitor the operation of the pumps to ensure that the water in the sump(s) are pumped from the pit to the designated pond.

Poly welding Operations Planning and Execution

• Understand the type, size and fitting required for the welding of poly pipes.
• Adhere within the parameters of the job.
• Clean and prepare plastic surfaces for welding, cutting, gouging, beveling or filing.
• Shape and bend plastic piping by using hand tools, machines or techniques such as heating.
• Measure and align pipes for joining using hand tools and measuring equipment.
• Fuse HDPE sections using various welding, precision and bolting techniques.
• Clean, file and polish finished welding product.
• Conduct the construction, installation and laying of pipelines in the pit and the flipping of pipelines over high walls.
• Maintain QA / QC standards during pipe welding / fusion activities.
• Fit attachments, connect hoses between the pit and the pond.
• Carry out welding activities using fusion machine.

General Execution

• Plan and prioritise own activities daily.
• Read, interpret and follow drawings and blueprints for direction on every pump and polywelding activity.
• Obtain the necessary equipment and consumables required to execute tasks from the Supervisor.
• Ensure that all works-in-progress and activities meet specifications, codes and regulations.
• Contribute to the achievement of mine water treatment and dewatering production targets.
• Participate in regular tool and safety audits.
• Participate in further training for upskilling purposes.
• Provide verbal feedback to the Supervisor on the activities completed for the day.

Stakeholder Management and Engagement

• Liaise with the Load and Haul Supervisor to obtain necessary equipment required for pump installations.
• Liaise with the Hydrotechnical team and submit completed KPI sheets to them.
• Liaise with the blast crew in understanding blast times to make safety pre-preparations with regards to pumps and piping.
• Ensure own dewatering and water treatment shift work meets established statutory standards.

Health and Safety Management

• Inspect work areas and ensure all areas comply with internal Newmont and external regulatory standards.
• Adhere strictly to internal Newmont water management and dewatering standards.
• Comply with safe dewatering procedures.
• Maintain a strong focus of safety throughout all activities.
• Provide hands-on assistance during operations activities to fellow colleagues to ensure that safe work practices are followed.
• Attend daily morning safety meetings.

Your Training, Skills & Experience Checklist

Formal Qualification (including Professional Registrations):

• Senior High School Certificate.

Additional Knowledge

• MINCOM Equipment Competency.
• Driver’s License E.
• General knowledge in mid-to-heavy equipment operation.
• Ability to interpret fusion parameters.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 – 3 years’ working experience in a polywelding / pump environment within a large open pit mine.

Technical Skills

• Strong listening skills.
• Strong concentration skills.
• Sound planning, organising and prioritising skills.
• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Sound technical communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Sound information monitoring skills.
• Ability to understand pumping specifications, pumping curves, flow rates and water pressure.
• Ability to read and follow blueprints, graphs, charts and plans.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with peers and supervisor.