Refinery Operator
Copper Refineries l Circulation & Services Department
Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Ref. No. 105274
Copper Refineries currently has a full-time opportunity available for a Refinery Operator (Refinery Circulator RO2) within the Circulation Department. Reporting to the Supervisor Circulation, you will play a key role in the safe and efficient production of copper cathode through the operation, control and monitoring of critical refinery systems.
This position is responsible for operating and maintaining the electrolyte circulation system, Electrolyte Treatment Plant area and Electrolyte Purification Plant system, while ensuring safe production outcomes, environmental compliance and effective plant performance. You will work within a small team environment where attention to detail, strong communication and a proactive approach to safety are essential.
This is a residential position based in Townsville operating on a 4/4 day and night roster.
About Townsville Operations
Located on the coast of tropical North Queensland, Glencore's Townsville Operations are a critical link in our fully integrated supply chain. Our operations include Copper Refineries Pty Ltd, one of the world's leading electrolytic copper refineries, and Glencore Port Operations at the Port of Townsville, which serves as the export gateway for North Queensland resources. At Townsville Operations, safety is at the heart of everything we do. We foster a culture built on professionalism, accountability and continuous improvement, where people are supported to do their best work without compromising health or wellbeing.
Your Benefits:
- Competitive remuneration with 12% superannuation
- Access to Glencore Rewards including health insurance discounts, retail offers and salary sacrifice options
- Employee Referral, Recognition and Reward Programs
- Career development and training opportunities across Glencore's operations
- Residential lifestyle in the vibrant coastal city of Townsville
- Opportunity to work within a world-class copper refining operation
About the role
Reporting to the Supervisor Circulation, you will be responsible for safely operating and monitoring critical refinery systems that support copper cathode production. Working within a dynamic processing environment, you will ensure plant performance, environmental compliance and operational reliability while contributing to continuous improvement and maintaining high safety standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operate, control and monitor the electrolyte circulation system, Electrolyte Treatment Plant area and Electrolyte Purificaiton Plant system.
- Operate mineral processing equipment and control systems to achieve safe and efficient production outcomes.
- Conduct process isolations and support operational activities in accordance with site procedures.
- Manage stormwater systems, reagent ordering and environmental compliance requirements.
- Report equipment breakdowns, leaks and defects through maintenance management systems.
- Maintain high housekeeping standards and actively contribute to safety and continuous improvement initiatives.
About you – skills and experience
You are a safety-focused operator who enjoys working in a team environment and takes pride in delivering quality outcomes. With strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, you can work effectively in a physically demanding processing environment while maintaining a commitment to operational excellence.
You will bring:
- Previous experience operating mineral processing, metallurgical or heavy industrial process plant equipment.
- Experience working in a control room environment with exposure to DCS and/or SCADA control systems.
- Demonstrated troubleshooting skills and the ability to identify and resolve operational issues.
- Current manual driver's licence and LF forklift licence.
- Sound computer literacy and experience completing operational reporting and documentation.
At Glencore, our people are the foundation of our success, and we are committed to creating a workplace where our values guide everything we do. Safety is our first priority — we never compromise on it. We act with Integrity, choosing to do what’s right even when it’s challenging. We take Responsibility for our actions and strive to make a positive impact. Through Openness, we communicate honestly and encourage meaningful dialogue. We embrace Simplicity, focusing on what truly matters and avoiding unnecessary complexity. And with Entrepreneurialism, we welcome new ideas and continuously seek better, safer and more efficient ways of working.
Applications Close: 21st of August