Role Title:

Chief Metallurgist

Reports to:

Sr. Engineering Manager

Job Type:

Full-Time, Regular

Location:

Cactus Mine, Casa Grande, AZ

Purpose of Role:

The Hudbay Cactus project is proposing to construct a new copper Crush / Leach operation. The Chief Metallurgist provides strategic technical leadership, vision, and operational oversight for all metallurgical, mineral processing, and hydrometallurgical functions across the Cactus Mine Project. Reporting to senior Engineering Manager, this role is responsible for building and mentoring a high-performing metallurgy team, directing key EPCM contractors, leading high-level process optimization, and driving strategic decision-making from detailed engineering through commissioning and operational handover to achieve LME Grade A copper cathode production targets safely and efficiently.

All work will be done with the mindset and values of Hudbay Minerals: We care about our people, our communities and our planet. We value dignity and respect, caring, openness and trustworthiness.

ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Provide overarching strategic and technical leadership for all crushing, stacking, heap leaching, solvent extraction (SX), and electrowinning (EW) operations.
• Direct comprehensive metallurgical testwork programs, flowsheet development, process optimization, and recovery modeling to establish best-in-class operational standards.
• Manage, mentor, and build a high-performing team of metallurgists, engineers, and technicians while overseeing major EPCM consultants and specialized laboratories.
• Establish long-term metallurgical strategy, quality control frameworks, and operational governance to consistently meet LME Grade A copper cathode targets.
• Champion safety, environmental sustainability, and statutory regulatory compliance across all processing designs, operational procedures, and site practices.
• Drive executive-level technical decision-making, trade-off evaluations, value engineering initiatives, and risk mitigation strategies across hydrometallurgical disciplines.
• Lead operational readiness, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and seamless transition planning from project execution to full-scale commercial operations.
• Formulate and govern departmental OPEX and CAPEX budgets, ensuring optimal resource allocation, cost control, and strategic financial management.
• Lead metallurgical technical inputs for tollgate reviews, feasibility studies, executive presentations, and corporate strategic planning sessions.
• Oversee major equipment procurement strategies, technical bid evaluations (TBA), vendor alignment, and contract negotiations for critical processing infrastructure.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, technological innovation, automation, and sustainable processing initiatives.
• Establish organizational frameworks, standard operating procedures (SOPs), workforce training programs, and talent pipeline development for processing personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or related field.
• Minimum 15+ years of progressive metallurgical engineering and technical management experience in large-scale mining operations or major project development, with at least 5+ years in senior leadership or managerial roles.
• Minimum 3+ years of experience in heap leach and SX/EW copper operations.
• Proven executive leadership capabilities with extensive technical expertise in copper hydrometallurgy, heap leaching, and SX/EW processing.
• Demonstrated success in leading multi-disciplinary technical teams, driving operational excellence, and managing complex project flowsheets.
• Strategic financial acumen, including budget development, CAPEX/OPEX control, contract negotiation, and resource management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Safety in Design (SID), MSHA/OSHA regulations, environmental compliance, and risk management frameworks.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or equivalent professional registration.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Other Requirements:

Physical - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities may be required for this position.

Work Environment - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment will necessitate work near moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions such as hot and/or dry conditions. Work will be conducted in locations where noise, fumes, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration may exist.

Employee must be able to prove that he/she has a current and valid driver's license.