Senior Metallurgist

Job Summary

Provide daily technical support to mill and heap operations for troubleshooting and correcting metallurgical and production problems. Supervise and direct the work of Mill Metallurgist, Metallurgical technicians and Refinery operator activities. Develop and execute lab and plant metallurgical studies aimed at improving mill throughput, recovery, and costs. Work with the Chief Metallurgist to maintain metallurgical accounting practices and review of daily, monthly, and metallurgical reports.

Has specific responsibility for establishing the gravity circuit operating guidelines and for optimization of circuit performance.

• Work with mill operations supervisors daily to assist in troubleshooting and solving metallurgical problems.
• Directly supervise activities of Metallurgical team to include Plant Metallurgist (exempt) and Metallurgical Technicians (non‑exempt).
• Recruit Metallurgical personnel and Gold Room/Refinery Operators.
• Provide technical development and training for the Metallurgist, metallurgical technicians and Refinery Operators.
• Fill in for Chief Metallurgist in their absence.
• Monitor and evaluate metallurgical performance of the mill and heap leach and develop and execute test programs for improving mill recovery, throughput, and costs. Prepare monthly status and final reports on all technical studies.
• Conduct weekly safety meetings with metallurgical and refinery staff.
• Monitor operation of mill and heap leach sampling systems and sampling practices.
• Maintain metallurgical accounting practices and review all metallurgical balances.
• Establish heap leach operating guidelines and optimize circuit to maximize gold recovery.
• Stay current with new developments in metallurgical technology.
• Advise the management team on mineral processing improvements.
• Collaborate with Geology, Mine Planning, and Ore Control personnel to define characteristics of ore reserves and evaluate new ore types.
• Collaborate with the Environmental Department on affairs related to gold ore processing.
• Advance personal technical and management skills.
• Collaborate with the process control technician to develop new control strategies for improving mill and heap leach performance.
• Ensure punctuality and regular attendance.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures, including safety, confidentiality and environmental policies.
• Meet or exceed performance expectations set by management.
• Possess a valid driver’s license issued by the state.
• Work without significant risk of harm to self and others.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Exercise discretion and judgment in job performance.
• Conduct performance evaluations, recommend promotions and enforce corrective actions as needed.
• Investigate, analyze and document accidents, injuries and equipment damage, recommend prevention strategies as necessary.
• Perform other related functions as assigned by the supervisor management team.
• Design and conduct laboratory process simulation test work using bench‑scale grindability models. Scale‑up from bench‑scale results and coordinate plant trials. Report findings with recommendations to senior leadership team.
• Develop personnel to perform duties listed above.
• Write procedures for performing routine sampling and test work.

• Employee must have sufficient education to read and write instructions, perform simple mathematical calculations, and keep records.
• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering or related field required.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in operations or technical support, including two years in precious metals and financial evaluation preferred.
• Strong verbal, written, analytical and persuasive skills and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management.
• Attention to detail, clear priorities and effective time‑management skills.
• Result‑ or team‑orientation and superior business sense.
• Self‑motivated with a reputation for consistent sustained initiative within an organization.
• Demonstrate a work ethic that shows by example how to get things done.
• Good working knowledge of a PC utilizing word processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Understanding of computer modeling.
• Ability to work independently and also as a member of the management team.
• Ability to function within the qualifications outlined in the attached physical demands sheets.
• May direct the work of project teams and/or provide training and guidance to other professionals.
• Reports to the Chief Metallurgist.

• Adhere to all safety and environmental considerations.
• Commit to safe working practices.
• Commit to working above the line in See It, Own It, Solve It, Do It.
• Be alert, observe, correct and report unsafe conditions.
• Follow operating procedures and comply with all regulatory requirements.