The OpportunityThe Senior Metallurgist is responsible for providing technical leadership and metallurgical expertise to support the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of a mining and mineral processing operation. The role will lead metallurgical investigations, process optimization, plant performance improvement, and technical studies across the mine-to-processing value chain.
Working closely with Mining, Processing, Geology, Engineering, Maintenance, and Technical Services teams, the Senior Metallurgist will identify opportunities to improve metal recovery, throughput, product quality, operating costs, and overall plant performance.
Responsibilities- Provide senior-level metallurgical expertise and technical support to mining and mineral processing operations.
- Monitor and evaluate plant metallurgical performance, including recovery, throughput, grade, concentrate/product quality, and process efficiency.
- Develop and implement metallurgical test programs, plant trials, and process improvement initiatives.
- Identify and investigate opportunities to improve metal recovery, throughput, process stability, and operating costs.
- Lead metallurgical accounting, mass balancing, reconciliation, and performance reporting.
- Analyze metallurgical and operational data to identify trends, process constraints, and improvement opportunities.
- Develop and maintain metallurgical models, simulations, and process performance forecasts where appropriate.
- Support commissioning, optimization, debottlenecking, and expansion projects.
- Provide technical input into feasibility studies, scoping studies, capital projects, and mine/process development plans.
- Design and oversee laboratory, pilot-scale, and plant-scale metallurgical test work.
- Interpret mineralogical, metallurgical, and process data and translate findings into practical operational recommendations.
- Work with Geology and Mine Planning teams to understand ore characteristics, variability, and their impact on processing performance.
- Support ore characterization, geometallurgical programs, blending strategies, and stockpile management.
- Develop and maintain metallurgical procedures, standards, operating strategies, and technical documentation.
- Provide technical coaching and mentoring to Metallurgists, Process Engineers, and junior technical personnel.
- Prepare technical reports, presentations, operating reviews, and recommendations for management.
- Work collaboratively with operations teams to implement and sustain process improvements.
- Ensure metallurgical activities comply with applicable health, safety, environmental, regulatory, and company requirements.
- Promote a strong culture of safety, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and technical rigor.
The above duties and responsibilities represent the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Education and Experience- Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, Materials Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- 7-10+ years of relevant metallurgical or mineral processing experience, preferably within a mining or mineral processing environment.
- Demonstrated experience working in an operating mine, concentrator, processing plant, refinery, smelter, or other mineral processing facility.
- Strong understanding of mineral processing principles and metallurgical unit operations.
- Experience with metallurgical test work, process optimization, mass balancing, metallurgical accounting, and plant performance analysis.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex metallurgical and process problems and develop practical solutions.
- Experience leading plant trials, optimization programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong analytical and statistical skills, with the ability to interpret large datasets and convert technical findings into actionable recommendations.
- Experience working cross-functionally with Operations, Geology, Mining, Engineering, Maintenance, and Technical Services teams.
- Strong technical writing, communication, presentation, and project management skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a mine-site or remote operating environment.
