POSITION OVERVIEWThe Superintendent, Tailings Governance & Engineering is responsible for the governance, engineering integration, and performance assurance of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) at Pinto Valley Mine.This role ensures that tailings deposition plans are developed, validated, and executed in accordance with design intent, the Engineer of Record (EOR) requirements, and the site Tailings Management System (TMS).The Superintendent provides oversight of deposition strategy, QA/QC programs, and performance monitoring to verify that field execution aligns with engineered designs, regulatory requirements, and risk management controls.This role does not directly manage field execution but works closely with the Tails & Water Operations Superintendent to ensure plans are understood, implemented, and adhered to.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIESTailings Management System Governance: Maintain and implement the site Tailings Management System (TMS), ensuring alignment with corporate standards, Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), and regulatory requirements. Ensure roles, responsibilities, and controls are defined and followed.
Deposition Planning: Lead development of short-, medium-, and long-term tailings deposition strategies in collaboration with Tailings Engineering and the Engineer of Record (EOR). Ensure plans are risk-informed and aligned with facility design, water management objectives, and life-of-mine objectives.
Engineer of Record Coordination: Serve as the primary site interface with the EOR. Ensure design intent, technical direction, and recommendations are incorporated into site plans and practices.
QA/QC Assurance: Oversee QA/QC programs to verify that deposition, construction, and facility performance meet design specifications. Track and resolve deficiencies.
Performance Monitoring: Monitor TSF performance against design assumptions and deposition plans, water management objectives, and facility performance criteria. Identify deviations and drive corrective actions.
Execution Assurance: Provide technical guidance to the Tails & Water Operations team and verify that field execution aligns with deposition plans and TMS requirements.
Management of Change: Ensure all changes to design, plans, or operating conditions follow formal Management of Change (MOC) processes and are approved in accordance with TMS and EOR requirements.
Risk Management: Identify and manage risks related to TSF performance, deposition practices, facility integrity, water availability, reclaim performance, pond management, and extreme weather events.. Ensure critical controls are defined and verified.
Monitoring & Inspections: Oversee dam safety inspections, surveillance programs, and instrumentation review in coordination with the EOR and technical teams.
Integrated Planning: Coordinate with Water Management and Operations teams to align deposition strategies with water balance constraints and production requirements.
Governance Reporting: Prepare reports for internal governance, regulatory bodies, and audits. Support dam safety reviews and independent technical evaluations.
Leadership: Lead and develop a team of engineers and technical professionals supporting tailings governance, planning, and monitoring.
Safety & Compliance: Ensure all employees, contractors, and vendors comply with site safety procedures, Life Saving Rules, and regulatory requirements. Verify personnel are trained and competent for assigned tasks.
Execution & Planning: Execute short- and long-term plans provided by the Tailings Engineering team. Review work plans for clarity, assign resources, and ensure schedules are met.
Work Management: Oversee planning and execution of work using SAP Work Management processes. Ensure alignment with site priorities, budgets, and regulatory requirements.
Performance Management: Deliver against targets for safety, cost, equipment availability, and productivity. Monitor and adjust field execution to meet operational goals.
Coordination: Partner with Tailings Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Water Management, and Environmental teams to ensure integrated and compliant operation of TSF systems.
Water System Coordination: Coordinate with the Water Management team to ensure tailings deposition plans align with water supply, reclaim availability, pond management, water recovery objectives, and site-wide water balance constraints. Communicate operational needs and deviations that may impact water balance, reclaim performance, storage capacity, or overall system performance.
Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve operational issues in tailings systems to maintain safe and continuous operation.
Budgeting & Cost Control: Prepare and manage budgets for tailings operations. Provide cost estimates and support procurement activities, including purchase requisitions.
Continuous Improvement: Support initiatives to improve systems, processes, and equipment performance. Contribute to optimization of tailings management practices.
Reporting & Planning Support: Provide operational input to integrated planning teams and support permitting-related activities as required.
Values & Culture: Demonstrate and reinforce company values through leadership and daily actions.
POSITION REQUIREMENTSRequired- Minimum 10 years of experience in tailings management, or related operational leadership roles within mining or heavy industry
- Minimum 5 years of experience in tailings construction, design support, or field execution
- Strong working knowledge of TSF construction, water systems, and associated mining infrastructure (concentrator, SXEW, process systems)
- Experience with planning and scheduling practices for tailings operations
- Understanding of site-wide water balances, reclaim systems, pond management, and the interaction between tailings operations and water supply infrastructure.
- Proven leadership experience managing teams in field-based environments
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and construction plans
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, etc.)
- Experience with SAP or similar work management systems
- Valid Arizona Driver's License
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
Preferred- Technical background in engineering, construction management, or related field
- Experience working at copper mining operations
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements and permitting in Arizona
- Experience with CAD or design review tools
WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS- Approximately 30% field-based work and 70% office-based work (planning, reporting, scheduling)
- Work performed in an active open pit mining environment
- Frequent travel to tailings facilities and construction areas across site
- Walking on uneven ground, loose rock, and wet or muddy surfaces
- Climbing ladders, stairs, and working on embankments or elevated areas
- Exposure to desert conditions, including extreme heat, sun, wind, and seasonal storms
- Work around heavy equipment, process plants, and active construction zones
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times in operational areas
All candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical exam, drug and alcohol test, and background check. All positions require a pre-placement physical examination to ensure candidates are 'fit for duty'. Additional training and/or testing may be required. Capstone maintains a drug and alcohol-free workplace.
