Metallurgist

KGHM, International Ltd•Ely, NV

About The Position

The Metallurgical Engineer plays a critical role in optimizing concentrator performance, maximizing metal recovery, and supporting safe, sustainable operations. The position works closely with Mine Operations, Processing, Maintenance, Geology, Technical Services, and Laboratory teams to evaluate ore performance, identify improvement opportunities, and deliver operational and business value through data-driven decision making. The successful candidate combines strong metallurgical fundamentals with practical plant experience to improve process performance, solve technical challenges, and contribute to the long-term success of the operation. The role supports safety and environmental leadership, metallurgical process optimization, accounting and reporting, cross-functional collaboration, and capital and operational improvement projects. Occasional overnight travel may be required for training, technical conferences, vendor visits, and project support. Successful completion of a pre-employment physical, including drug and alcohol testing, is required.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
Three to five years of progressive metallurgical, mineral processing, or process engineering experience.
Experience working in a mineral processing, metallurgical, or industrial manufacturing environment.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced operational setting.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to meet physical demands: exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 10 to 25 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly.
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical, including drug and alcohol testing.

Nice To Haves

Experience in copper concentrator operations and flotation circuits.
Experience with complex and variable ore bodies.
Knowledge of metallurgical accounting, forecasting, and reconciliation practices.
Exposure to advanced process control systems and process optimization tools.
Experience leading plant trials and continuous improvement projects.
Professional Engineer (PE) certification or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation.
Experience or working knowledge of comminution and grinding circuit optimization; flotation and reagent chemistry; thickening, filtration, and concentrate handling systems; metallurgical accounting and reconciliation; mass balancing and process modeling software; statistical analysis and data analytics; DCS and advanced process control technologies; metallurgical and analytical laboratory practices; recovery forecasting and performance modeling; Microsoft Office and data visualization tools; and project management and cost control principles.

Responsibilities

Promote and adhere to company safety, health, and environmental policies and procedures; demonstrate visible safety and environmental leadership; and participate in safety initiatives, investigations, and continuous improvement.
Monitor and analyze plant performance to identify opportunities to improve throughput, recovery, concentrate quality, and operational efficiency.
Design, execute, and evaluate metallurgical test work, plant trials, and process improvement initiatives.
Develop and implement strategies to optimize copper, molybdenum, gold, and other valuable metal recoveries.
Troubleshoot metallurgical and process-related issues affecting plant performance and reliability.
Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
Support continuous improvement through data analysis, statistical evaluation, and process modeling.
Maintain metallurgical accounting systems, mass balances, and performance reporting.
Prepare and communicate daily, weekly, monthly, and annual metallurgical performance reports.
Develop and maintain production forecasts, recovery models, and performance projections, and ensure metallurgical data is accurate and reported on time.
Partner with Mine Planning, Geology, and Technical Services to understand ore characteristics and anticipate process impacts.
Communicate metallurgical risks and opportunities associated with changing ore types and mine plans.
Collaborate with laboratory personnel on analytical accuracy, metallurgical testing, and quality assurance programs.
Work with internal and external technical experts, vendors, and consultants to improve plant performance and advance technology adoption.
Participate in capital and operational improvement projects from concept through implementation.
Develop technical justifications, test plans, and performance evaluations for process improvements.
Support project execution, commissioning, and post-implementation performance assessments.
Perform additional duties as needed to support Robinson Nevada Mining Company and KGHM.