Lead Metallurgist

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement metallurgical accounting for the site, including sampling strategy and flowsheet characterization.
• Review concentrator design criteria and flowsheet; assist in developing an integrated operational readiness plan and supporting schedules for technical services and construction teams.
• Oversee and coordinate geometallurgy programs and testing with geologists, mining engineers, and metallurgists to optimize metallurgical performance.
• Support ore characterization and assess its impact on plant design and performance.
• Evaluate potential on‑site by‑product generation from mid‑process streams.
• Build foundations for process performance monitoring strategy at the new concentrator.
• Assist the Manager in planning, executing, and reporting operational readiness activities, including recruitment, system implementation, policy development, and training.
• Develop the concentrator operator training program in partnership with third parties.
• Create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for dry processes, define optimal operating parameters, and produce metallurgical reports to support ramp‑up.
• Develop a schedule for plant technical services personnel to support commissioning and ramp‑up.
• Build and train the assay lab team, implementing QA/QC processes to ensure lab quality and business sustainability.
• Handle daily metallurgical balance, reporting, and end‑of‑month production reconciliation.
• Develop and manage departmental annual budgets and quarterly forecasts.
• Implement safe work procedures and ensure compliance with mine site safety standards.
• Collaborate with maintenance to improve fixed plant asset efficiency for continuous throughput improvement.
• Oversee metallurgical R&D program for the Kings Mountain concentrator, transferring new and innovative ideas into operation.

• Strong analytical skills, detail‑oriented, and practical understanding of mineral processing operations.
• Advanced knowledge of mineral processing and best‑in‑class operation practices.
• Solid knowledge of mineralogy, ore characterization, and geometallurgy.
• Experience with metallurgical testing, flowsheet development, equipment selection, and sizing.
• Experience in safety management of processing plants and associated facilities.
• Strong leadership skills; ability to create a positive work environment and supervise diverse teams.
• Excellent project management skills; ability to drive results through proper planning and scheduling.
• Ability to build and support a high‑performance team through example, initiative, continuous learning, and coaching.
• Operational excellence experience with Six Sigma, Lean Kaizen, and continuous improvement approaches.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Digital transformation knowledge, including AI applied to value‑chain processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, mineral processing, or chemical engineering (required).
• 10+ years of progressive metallurgical experience in a mining/minerals processing setting.
• Experience designing and reviewing test programs to support flowsheet design and optimization.
• Experience in start‑up and commissioning of new equipment and/or facilities.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in concentrator operation.
• Demonstrated ability to forecast concentrate production and meet final specifications.
• Practical knowledge of common processing equipment (crushers, ball mills, screens, flotation, slurry filtering, pumps, heat exchangers, thickeners, tailings facilities, piping, etc.).
• Ability to anticipate technical needs and recommend process improvements based on data analysis.
• Experience training and coaching staff and contractors in safety processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of metallurgical accounting best practices.
• Knowledge of mining (MSHA) safety regulations.
• Effective communication across all organizational levels.
• Self‑motivated with a demonstrated ability to lead by example.
• Experience preparing capital and operating budgets.
• Familiarity with concentrator automation and advanced process control systems.
• Knowledge of reagent storage, handling, and minimization of associated risks.
• Preferred:
  Lithium mineral processing experience; remote operations center experience; simulation tools (SysCAD, Sim Met) experience.

• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Resources supporting professional and personal growth.
• Inclusive collaborative workplace fostering diversity of thought.

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