Technical Advisor - Welding

Chifeng Gold’s Lane Xang Minerals Limited (LXML) operates the Sepon Gold and Copper Operation, located in Vilabouly District, Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR. Since operations commenced in 2003, LXML Sepon has produced over one million tonnes of copper cathode and over 1.2 million ounces of gold doré. In 2020, Sepon produced over 39,730 tonnes of copper and 64,809 ounces of gold doré. Sepon is projected to produce over 250,000 ounces of gold doré in 2021.

LXML is now positioning itself for future growth.  With the transition from a copper-focused operation to a gold-focused operation completed in 2020 and with a number of other feasibility studies, a ramp up in exploration and with merging and acquisition activity underway, the future for LXML and the Sepon operation is unlimited in potential and opportunity.

In support of this growth, we are looking for Technical Advisor - Welding to join our team to deliver on our growth plans and be a part of this exciting future.

Reporting to Mechanical Services Superintendent, the Technical Advisor – Welding is primarily responsible for overall welding and fabrication work quality, skills and competencies across LXML Gold and Copper processing plants. The role will work closely with the Process Maintenance, Engineering, and Planning sections to maximize the plant availability through safe, efficient and effective maintenance delivery. Importantly, the Technical Advisor - Welding will provide technical support, guidance and development to the Maintenance Technicians to their target competency levels.

Key accountabilities include:

• Develop and improve welding and fabrication capability of the team through:
• Develop and deploy fabrication and welding training and competency assessment material
• Undertake skill training and competency assessments
• Develop welding standards and fabrication work scopes
• Troubleshoot, resolve issues, and provide technical support within the Maintenance Services Section
• Approve emergent maintenance activities in line with department priorities
• Assist in the development and maintenance of department plans and budgets
• Provide strong visible field leadership; build and coordinate a high-performance fixed plant maintenance team
• Review and approve the weekly maintenance schedule

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• Welding/Boilermaking Trades Qualification or equivalent
• Training and assessment certification (desired)
• Minimum 15 years’ experience in mining or similar industry, including 5 years’ experience in a senior supervisory role
• Thorough understanding of all the applicable welding codes and legislation, as well as a practical understanding of their implication for mining and processing operations
• Excellent knowledge of welding, fabrication, boiler-making techniques and methods
• Proficient in use of MS Office and computerized maintenance systems, i.e., Pronto
• Strong leadership with coaching and mentoring skills
• Good prioritizing, planning/scheduling skills

An attractive salary packages, including a performance-based incentives and other benefits are on offer for this role.  This is a great opportunity to join an existing world class mining operation and contribute towards the ongoing development of the biggest and best mining company in the Lao PDR.

This expatriate assignment is a 2 year contract residentially based in the Lao capital city of Vientiane on a 5/2 4/3 roster to site.  Alternatively, a longer FIFO roster from your home country can be agreed for the right candidate. An attractive expatriate package is on offer, commensurate with your experience and the market rates.  For residential assignments, additional benefits, including full relocation and repatriation assistance are provided.

To express your interest in this role, please submit your updated CV and Cover Letter to Recruitment@LXML.LA.  Indicate on the subject line of the email: Application for (Position title), (First and Last Name) before the closing date of 30 July 2022.