Lead Metallurgist

Albemarle Corporation; Kings Mountain (NC); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Benefits package

Job summary

Albemarle Corporation in Kings Mountain, NC, seeks a Lead Metallurgist for the lithium concentrator. The role is hybrid and reports to the Lithium Global Capital Growth Project organization.

You will lead metallurgical accounting, design reviews, and readiness plans, guiding geometallurgy and safety practices while building a high-performance team. Responsibilities include startup oversight, training, budgeting, and supplier coordination, with focus on maximizing concentrator performance and

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in metallurgical engineering, mineral processing or chemical engineering.
• 10+ years progressive metallurgical experience in mining/mineral processing.
• Experience designing/test programs to support flowsheet design and optimization.
• Experience in start-up and commissioning of new equipment/facilities.
• Minimum 5 years concentrator operation experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement metallurgical accounting; sampling strategy and flows characterization.
• Review concentrator design criteria and create readiness plans with detailed schedules.
• Lead geometallurgy programs with geology/mining teams for optimization.
• Support ore characterization and assess impact on plant design/performance.
• Oversee metallurgical balance, monthly production reconciliation, and QA/QC.
• Develop budgets, forecasts, and maintain safe work procedures.

Skills

Metallurgical leadership

Mineral processing

Geometallurgy

Metallurgical accounting

Project management

Lean Six Sigma

Safety management

Team mentorship

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering, mineral processing or chemical engineering

Tools

SysCAD

SimMet

Job description

United States, North Carolina, Kings Mountain

Job Description

We work together to transform essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity and health. Join our values‑led organization committed to building a more resilient world with people and planet in mind. Our core values are the foundation that make us successful for ourselves, our customers and the planet.

Albemarle is looking for an experienced Lead Metallurgist for the Kings Mountain Lithium Concentrator. This position is hybrid and will report to Albemarle’s Lithium Global Capital Growth Project organization team.

What you will do

Primary Responsibilities: Project Studies

• Development and implementation of metallurgical accounting for the site, including sampling strategy and flows characterization
• Review the concentrator design criteria and flowsheet, assist with developing an overall integrated operational readiness plan for the concentrator and ensure there are adequate detailed supporting schedules for technical services and construction teams
• Develop, oversee, review, & coordinate geometallurgy programs and testing with geologists, mining engineers and metallurgists for optimizing the metallurgical performance for continuous improvement and sustainability
• Support ore characterization and build an understanding of its potential impact on plant design and performance
• Evaluate potential for by‑products to be generated on site from mid‑process streams
• Help build the foundation for the process performance monitoring strategy to be set up at the new concentrator

Operational readiness and operation

• Assist the Manager, Concentrator Operations and Readiness, to develop the overall planning, execution, and reporting of operational readiness activities, including recruiting metallurgists, assay lab technicians, systems implementation, policies development and training
• Develop the concentrator operator training program with a third party, focusing on developing SOPs on the dry processes side, optimum operating parameters and metallurgical reports to support the concentrator ramp‑up that are sustainable and aligned with best practices in the mining industry
• Collaborate in the development of the schedule for plant technical services personnel to successfully support the commissioning and ramp‑up when custody and control from the project group is transferred to the operations
• Responsible for building and training the assay lab team and implementing the QA/QC processes to ensure assay lab quality and business sustainability
• Responsible for daily metallurgical balance, reporting and end‑of‑month production reconciliation
• Develop and manage department annual budgets and quarterly forecasts
• Develop, implement and maintain safe work procedures and ensure compliance with mine site safety standards
• Work closely with the maintenance department to improve the fixed plant asset efficiency for continuous improvement on the daily concentrator throughput once in operation
• After the concentrator is commissioned, oversee the metallurgical research and development program for Kings Mountain concentrator ensuring new and innovative ideas are transferred and realized for maximum benefit

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical skills with a detail‑oriented practical understanding of mineral processing operations
• Advanced knowledge in 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 the safety management of processing plants and associated facilities
• Strong leadership skills and ability to create a positive work environment, supervise diverse teams (metallurgists, supervisors, lab technicians) and mentor junior employees
• Excellent project management skills, ability to drive results through proper planning and scheduling
• Ability to build and support a high‑performance team of metallurgists through leading by example and initiative, continuous learning, and coaching
• Operational excellence experiences with Six Sigma, Lean Kaizen, and continuous improvement approach
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Digital Transformation knowledge, Artificial Intelligence applied to Value Chain Processes

What you bring

Required

• Bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering, mineral processing or chemical engineering
• 10+ years of progressive metallurgical experience in a mining/minerals processing setting
• Experience in 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 the concentrator operation
• Demonstrated ability to predict and make concentrate production forecasts and meet final concentrate specifications
• Practical knowledge concerning design and operation of common process equipment such as crushers, ball mills, screens, flotation, slurry filtering, pumps, blowers, heat exchangers, thickeners, tailing facilities, piping, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate technical needs, drive metallurgical test work to make recommendations for process improvement changes based on data analysis
• Experience in training and coaching direct staff and contractors in safety processes and procedures, ensuring compliance with all applicable protocols and regulations
• Knowledge of metallurgical accounting best practices
• Knowledge of mining (MSHA) safety regulations
• Ability to effectively communicate with employees at all levels
• Self‑motivated with a demonstrated ability to lead by example and motivate others
• Experience in the preparation of capital and operating budgets
• Familiar with concentrator automation and advanced process control systems
• Knowledge of the storage, handling and use of reagents and minimizing the risks associated with reagents

It'd be great if you also have

• Lithium mineral processing experience
• Simulation tool, SysCAD, SimMet experience

Benefits of Joining Albemarle

• Competitive compensation
• A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally

We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and resources that foster your well‑being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together.