2027 Summer Internship - Mineralogy - Site Locations

Freeport-McMoRan; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Visa sponsorship possible

Job summary

Freeport-McMoRan invites interns to join a collaborative environment where you gain skills and experience to set you on a successful path. The program targets full-time students and recent graduates in North America, offering a temporary full-time paid internship from May through August.

Interns are assigned to locations across Arizona and other North American sites, performing ore and process sample analyses, mineralogical characterization, and recommendations to optimize operations using

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in geology, mineralogy, metallurgical or chemical engineering.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Analyze ore and process samples.
• Characterize mineralogical composition.
• Recommend how mineralogy impacts processes.
• Use optical microscopy, XRD, SEM, and QEMSCAN.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Data analysis

Problem solving

MS Office

Communications

Team collaboration

Detail oriented

Education

Geology-related degree

Metallurgical/Chemical Engineering major

Tools

Optical microscopy

X-ray diffraction

Scanning electron microscope

QEMSCAN

Job description

Why You Should Apply for This Internship

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing internship opportunities that recognize excellence and encourage safe production with a culture supported by our core values. You'll be part of a collaborative environment, gaining the skills and experience to set you on the path to a successful future.

Our internship program is designed for full-time students currently enrolled at an accredited four-year university and recent graduates in North America. These are temporary full-time paid positions that usually run from May through August.

This position may be eligible for Freeport-McMoRan immigration work visa sponsorship:

• A foreign national working in a full-time status on an F-1 visa may be considered for H-1B visa sponsorship based on business needs, meeting company performance and safety expectations and with site approval.
• A foreign national working in a full-time status may be considered for employment-based permanent residency sponsorship, based on business needs, completion of six (6) months of employment, meeting company performance and safety expectations and with site approval.

Where You Will Work

Interns are assigned to various locations in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Iowa, supporting our business in a variety of disciplines.

What You Will Do

Under general supervision, performs analyses on ore and process samples in order to characterize the mineralogical composition and make recommendations as to how the mineralogy will impact the process.

• Performs analysis on ore and process samples
• Characterizes the mineralogical composition
• Makes recommendations as to how the mineralogy will impact the process
• Utilize analysis techniques such as: optical microscopy, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and automated mineralogy (QEMSCAN)
• Perform other duties as required

What You Bring To Freeport

• Currently enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year university, pursuing a degree, bachelor’s or higher, majoring in an appropriate Geology, Mineralogy, Metallurgical Engineering, Material Science, Chemical Engineering discipline or closely related field; OR
• Recent graduate (within 12 months prior to internship start date) with a degree in Geology, Mineralogy, Metallurgical Engineering, Material Science, Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Possesses strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Highly accurate and detail oriented.
• Possesses strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates initiative, organizational skills and ability to work well under pressure.
• Demonstrates ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

What We Offer

• The estimated pay range for this role is currently $2 5.00 - $31.25/ hour. Individual pay rates will be based on level of education and relevant experience.
• Hands‑on experience in a dynamic and innovative environment.
• Opportunity to work on meaningful projects and initiatives that drive impact across the organization.
• Exposure to various aspects of business operations across our North America sites.
• Ability to develop and enhance technical and analytical skills.
• Mentorship and professional development opportunities.

What We Require

• Ability to understand, apply and communicate verbal and written work and safety-related instructions, procedures, job assignments and applicable safety standards in English.
• Must be able to multi-task, work under pressure, and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
• Work is in an office, mine, or manufacturing plant setting, which may include exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, toxic chemicals, explosives, fumes or airborne particles.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs and ladders, work on elevated platforms, talk, hear, and see.
• Occasionally may be required to lift moderately heavy objects up to thirty (30) pounds during the workday.
• Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine, outdoor, manufacturing or plant environment, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves, and any other protective equipment as required.
• Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol free work environment through the use of mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going random drug testing as per applicable state laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer