Lead Metallurgist

Albemarle Netherlands BV; Kings Mountain (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Resources supporting professional growth

Inclusive collaborative workplace

Job summary

Albemarle Netherlands BV is seeking a Senior Metallurgical Engineer in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. In this role, you will oversee metallurgical accounting, coordinate geometallurgy programs, and support ore characterization. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in metallurgical processes and must have strong analytical and project management skills.

The position offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package within a collaborative workplace fostering diversity of thought.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive metallurgical experience in mining/minerals processing.
• Experience designing and reviewing test programs.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in concentrator operation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement metallurgical accounting for the site.
• Oversee and coordinate geometallurgy programs and testing.
• Support ore characterization and assess its impact.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Advanced knowledge of mineral processing

Solid knowledge of mineralogy

Experience with metallurgical testing

Strong leadership skills

Excellent project management skills

Operational excellence experience

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Digital transformation knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering

Job description

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.

Skills and Competencies

• 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.

Experience, Qualifications & Education

• 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, SimMet) experience.

Benefits

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

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