Zubair Khalid is a control systems engineer at Mipac, and he’s just returned from working on site in Zambia, on one of Mipac’s biggest international projects for 2025. We sat down to find out more about his experience in Africa and what it’s like to work at Mipac.
Mipac: Hi Zubair, welcome back from Zambia! Can you tell us a bit about your role as a control systems engineer at Mipac and what it normally involves?
Zubair: Thanks. I am currently working at Mipac as a Control Systems Engineer. My role involves developing and implementing control logic to automate plant operations. This automation enhances overall efficiency, reduces reliance on manual intervention, minimises the potential for human error, and ultimately delivers significant cost savings for our clients.
Mipac: You’ve just been on site. What was the project on which you were working?
Zubair: Yes, I’ve just spent six months in Zambia commissioning the Kansanshi S3 Expansion, a US $1.25 billion upgrade at First Quantum’s Kansanshi copper mine. At full capacity, the mine is projected to produce approximately 250,000 tonnes of copper annually, with gold as a valuable by-product, extending its operational life into the 2040s. The expansion also creates substantial employment opportunities and contributes meaningfully to Zambia’s economic growth.
Mipac: What was the team like that you worked with on this project?
Zubair: Our Mipac commissioning team was a tight-knit group of around ten engineers, all focused on bringing the automation systems to life. We weren’t just working with the client, we were also coordinating with several third-party vendors to integrate their systems into ours, which kept things interesting and ensured there was never a dull moment on site.
On the client side, the team was impressively large, with instrument technicians, electricians, process engineers and mechanical engineers all playing a part. Collaborating with such a diverse mix of expertise was both a great challenge and an even better learning experience.
Mipac: That sounds interesting. Any highlights from your time on site?
Zubair: My time on site was far more exciting than I expected. It was my first visit to Zambia, so everything, from the culture to the work environment, felt new and energising. The site camp and hotel were exceptionally comfortable (almost too good to be called “site camps”), and the food was consistently impressive.
From an operational perspective, the site was incredibly well-organised, secure, and professionally managed, making it a great place to work and learn. And I have to admit… it’s only been two weeks since I returned, and I already miss Leo’s restaurant – especially their onion bhujia!
Mipac: Was there anything you missed from home?
Zubair: Mipac truly cares about the well-being of its employees. The company was very flexible with travel arrangements, allowing me to visit my home country every six weeks. Being able to stay connected with family while working on an international project made the experience even more enjoyable – and another reason to appreciate working at Mipac.
Mipac: That’s nice. On that topic: What enticed you to work for Mipac in the first place?
Zubair: I was drawn to Mipac’s reputation as a multinational, diverse company and its extensive work across major automation platforms such as Rockwell, Schneider, Siemens, Yokogawa and Emerson. For an automation engineer, this variety offers excellent exposure and growth, and my experience so far has aligned well with these expectations.
Mipac: Is there anything in particular that working on site has taught you?
Zubair: As an automation engineer, working on site offers invaluable hands-on experience, especially in fast-paced, high-pressure projects. My time at Kansanshi helped me learn quickly, solve challenges in real time and build strong, collaborative relationships with the teams on site. Overall, the experience not only strengthened my technical skills but also enhanced my interpersonal and teamwork abilities.
Mipac: So what would you say to anyone considering working for Mipac?
Zubair: Mipac is a company with a truly diverse culture and strong values, offering opportunities to work on a wide range of systems and projects. With international travel often part of the role, you get to explore new countries and cultures while growing professionally in the automation field. Overall, I would give Mipac a 10/10 -an excellent place to learn, grow, and gain unforgettable experiences.
Mipac: Thanks for sharing your experiences with us!
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