Vulcanizer at Lafarge Africa Plc - Dragnet Solutions Limited

Dragnet Solutions Limited - Our client, Lafarge Africa Plc, is recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Vulcanizer

Location: Ashaka, Gombe
Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

• The Vulcanizer is responsible for the inspection, repair, splicing, and maintenance of conveyor belts, rubber linings, and related rubber components across the cement plant.
• This role ensures minimal downtime of conveyor systems - which are critical to the continuous flow of raw materials, clinker, and finished cement - through skilled rubber work, hot and cold vulcanization techniques, and proactive belt management.
• The Vulcanizer works in close coordination with the Maintenance and Operations teams to support plant reliability and production targets.

Responsibilities

• Perform hot and cold vulcanization of conveyor belt joints, splices, and damaged sections to manufacturer specifications and plant standards.
• Execute belt splicing (mechanical and vulcanized) to restore belt integrity and ensure tension-bearing capacity.
• Repair cuts, gouges, delamination, edge damage, and cover wear on conveyor belts to extend service life.
• Apply rubber lining to chutes, hoppers, and wear plates using appropriate bonding techniques to reduce material wear and noise.
• Replace conveyor belt sections as required during planned maintenance and emergency breakdowns.
• Conduct routine visual and physical inspections of all conveyor belts in the plant, identifying wear patterns, splice conditions, and cover damage.
• Maintain belt inspection records and report findings to the Maintenance Supervisor, recommending corrective or preventive actions.
• Monitor belt tracking, tension, and alignment, coordinating with mechanical technicians on adjustments as required.
• Assess rubber linings on chutes, hoppers, cyclones, and transfer points, recommending relining schedules to prevent structural damage.
• Participate actively in planned preventive maintenance (PPM) programmes for all conveyor systems and rubber-lined equipment.
• Prepare work areas for vulcanization — cleaning belt surfaces, cutting to correct profiles, and applying vulcanizing agents — in accordance with method statements.
• Ensure correct curing temperatures, times, and pressures during hot vulcanization using vulcanizing presses.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, including belt identification numbers, splice locations, repair history, and rubber consumption.
• Comply with all plant safety requirements, Lock-Out / Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, and permit-to-work systems before commencing belt work.
• Ensure safe handling and storage of vulcanizing chemicals, adhesives, and solvents in accordance with MSDS / SDS guidelines.
• Use correct PPE — heat-resistant gloves, safety goggles, respiratory protection, and safety footwear — for all vulcanizing activities
• Report all near-misses, unsafe conditions, and incidents promptly through the plant safety reporting system.
• Participate in safety briefings, toolbox talks, and emergency response drills
• Maintain an adequate inventory of vulcanizing materials — rubber compounds, bonding agents, belt fabric, and repair kits.
• Ensure vulcanizing presses, cutting tools, and grinders are maintained, calibrated, and stored correctly.
• Minimize rubber waste and optimize material usage to support cost-efficient maintenance.

Requirements
Education:

• OND / Trade Test Certificate or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.

Experience:

• 4-5 years of post-qualification experience as a Vulcanizer in heavy industry — cement, mining, quarrying, or bulk materials handling preferred.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with hot and cold vulcanization presses and splicing of fabric-ply and steel-cord conveyor belts.

Required Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of hot and cold vulcanization techniques, including correct application of heat, pressure, and curing agents.
• Understanding of conveyor belt construction - fabric plies, steel cord, rubber covers - and how each affects repair methodology.
• Knowledge of belt splicing methods: step splice, finger splice, and mechanical fasteners, and when each is appropriate.
• Familiarity with rubber lining materials, bonding agents, and their application to industrial equipment surfaces.
• Awareness of conveyor system components (idlers, pulleys, scrapers, chutes) and how they interact with belt condition.
• Knowledge of chemical safety (MSDS / SDS) for vulcanizing agents, solvents, and adhesives.
• Understanding of plant safety requirements, LOTO procedures, and permit-to-work systems.
• Experience with rubber lining of chutes, hoppers, and wear-critical surfaces in an industrial plant environment.
• Experience working within a formal permit-to-work and LOTO environment is essential.

Application Closing Date
14th June, 2026. 

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note: It takes less than 5 minutes. We review every application.