Lab Technician

Manufacturing Lab Technician

The Lab Technician supports mining operations by performing field and plant metallurgical testing on phosphate rock core samples and plant samples. The role focuses on sampling, preparation, and analysis to help mine planning, engineering, and operations teams evaluate mining plans, operating conditions, and ore reserves. The technician works hands-on with rock and slurry samples, operates lab and plant equipment, and documents test results to ensure accurate, reliable data for minerals operations.

• Collect and prepare phosphate rock prospect core samples and plant samples for metallurgical testing.
• Chop and break down rock samples, mix them using a shovel, and prepare them for processing.
• Pump prepared samples to the plant and washer for further processing and testing.
• Operate washing equipment to remove grass, bugs, clay, and other impurities from rock samples.
• Perform separation and sizing of samples to support minerals processing evaluations.
• Conduct density and moisture analyses on samples and accurately record all measurements.
• Carry out plant tests and sampling related to processes within minerals operations, including flotation and other separation processes.
• Add chemicals to slurry during flotation to promote bonding with rock and enable phosphate to float for separation.
• Handle slurry movement between plant, washer, and flotation processes as part of sample preparation and testing.
• Take small-scale samples at each stage from chopping and mixing to washing and separating, ensuring consistency and traceability.
• Return separated samples to the lab for further analysis and documentation.
• Document all sampling, testing procedures, results, and observations clearly and accurately.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment to ensure proper operation and reliability.
• Follow established safety procedures and wear standard safety equipment while working in lab and plant environments.

• Experience or training in metallurgy, minerals processing, or a related laboratory field.
• Demonstrated ability to perform quality control activities in a laboratory or industrial setting.
• Ability to work effectively in a laboratory environment handling rock, slurry, and process samples.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly as needed.
• Ability to climb stairs and work at various heights as required by field and plant activities.
• Ability to hear, with or without correction, to safely perform duties in lab and plant environments.
• Ability to read, write, and understand basic English to follow procedures and document results.
• Ability to wear and properly use standard safety equipment, including personal protective equipment.

• Prior experience working in a metallurgical, minerals, or industrial laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with sampling, washing, sizing, density testing, and moisture analysis of mineral samples.
• Experience with flotation processes, including adding and handling chemicals used for separation.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documenting tests, procedures, and results.
• Comfort working with both manual tools (such as shovels) and lab or plant processing equipment.

This role operates primarily in a laboratory environment with regular interaction in plant and field settings associated with minerals operations. The technician works with rock, slurry, washers, flotation systems, and related processing equipment. The standard schedule runs Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with some flexibility on start times provided they are no later than 7:00 a.m. The position does not require work on holidays or weekends.

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