Utility Operator – Pot Line (Durban, South Africa)

About the role

The Utility Operator supports the cell team on the aluminium pot line, ensuring safe and efficient operation of reduction cells. This on‑the‑job training position helps the holder develop the skills required to run Pot Tending Machines and related potroom equipment.

Key responsibilities

• Assist the PTM operator with safe anode changes, pot shield handling and voltage monitoring.
• Perform pot beam raising operations following standard procedures.
• Prepare tapping holes, skim crucibles, and conduct metal and bath sampling for quality control.
• Support cell operators with housekeeping, material addition, pot tapping, and pot redressing tasks.
• Maintain cleanliness of gutters, basements, crucibles and siphon tips.
• Attend on‑the‑job training for PTM, anode effects handling and other potroom equipment.
• Ensure pot shields and doors are correctly positioned to minimise HF emissions.
• Uphold 5S standards, report hazards and contribute to a zero‑LTI environment.

Required profile

• Secondary School Certificate (minimum).
• Preferably one year of experience in heavy industry.
• Physical fitness and ability to work rotating shift schedules in a potroom environment.
• Good English communication skills.

Required skills

• Operation of Pot Tending Machines (PTM).
• Use of Anode Beam Raising Equipment.
• Handling of general potroom tools, vehicles and equipment.
• Metal and bath sampling techniques.