Metallurgical Lab Technician

Kinross Gold Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinross Gold Corporation is seeking a Metallurgical Technician to perform testing for quality control and process improvements at the mill and heap leach facilities. Under the supervision of the Met Lab Supervisor, you will collect samples, run standard tests, and prepare data for met accounting.

Responsibilities include operating and maintaining lab equipment, completing log sheets, training other technicians, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in assay or metallurgical lab preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Office preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in a lab environment.
• Must be willing to work full-time in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Operate and safely use all lab equipment (crushers, screens, pH meters, scales, flotation cells, carbon testing apparatus, ovens).
• Assist in metallurgical studies and routine test work (Bottle Roll Leach, Column Leach, Shaking Table, Flotation, Particle Size, Carbon Activity).
• Complete test logs and daily inspection forms; maintain Metallurgical Lab files.
• Provide training to technicians and interns as needed.
• Follow safety, environmental policies and handle cyanide and solutions properly.
• Capable of independent thinking and perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Safety procedures

Lab sample handling

Microsoft Office

Physical fitness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Laboratory equipment maintenance

Job description

Under supervision of the metallurgist, the metallurgical technician is responsible for carrying out necessary testing for quality control and process improvements for both the mill and heap leach facilities. They are also responsible for providing analytical data and maintaining equipment safely and efficiently for the metallurgical department to ensure desired KPIs are achieved in the plant. The candidate must possess good communication skills, be self-motivated, organized, and consistently align with Kinross values.

Job Responsibilities

• Equipment operations – The Metallurgical Technician must be proficient in the safe use of all laboratory equipment including but not limited to; crushers, various screening devices, sample splitters, pH meters, weigh scales, flotation cells, carbon testing apparatus, rolling table, drying ovens, etc.
• Test work – Assist in metallurgical studies and routine test work by executing sampling plans and preparing samples both in a lab and process plant setting for met accounting, testing, and projects as needed. Example of such tests will include but are not limited to: Bottle Roll Leach Tests, Column Leach Tests, Shaking Table Concentration Tests, Flotation Concentration Tests, Particle Size Distributions, and Carbon Activity Tests.
• Paperwork/Reports – Complete all test log sheets and daily inspection forms in an accurate and legible manner, as well as modify and revise reports as needed per the metallurgist. Reports will be written in the standard format, as outlined by Kinross. The Metallurgical Technician will be responsible for organizing and maintaining the Metallurgical Lab files.
• Training – The Metallurgical Technician will receive training by the Met Lab Trainer/Lead in accordance with the step progressions. In addition, may train other technicians, temporary and summer interns to perform laboratory tests, operate equipment, and be proficient in outlined tasks, as required.
• Safety/Environmental – Maintain an inventory of all chemicals in the Met. Lab and ensure their proper labeling. Must be familiar with safety and environmental policies and their attendant paperwork. Responsible for performing daily workplace inspections, safe handling of cyanide and cyanide solutions, and proper identification of any analytical discrepancies or equipment malfunctions. The necessary PPE will be provided and required.
• Individuals will be responsible to follow and complete assignments given to them by their supervisor. Must be capable of independent thinking and making conscientious decisions when direct supervision is not available.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualification and Skills Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience either in assay or metallurgical laboratory preferred.
• Experience with basic computer applications including Microsoft Office preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills required.
• Ability to efficiently and safely collect and prepare samples for assay submittal and accurately report results required.
• General understanding of mining and processing operations preferred.
• Ability to perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting on laboratory equipment preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to perform essential functions of the position required.
• Basic understanding of laboratory safety procedures and chemical handling and hazards within the Ore Processing Department.
• Must be willing to advance to increased levels of responsibility within the department.
• Ability to follow and contribute to detailed written procedures and standardized methods required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a repetitive basis required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and authorized to work full-time in the United States.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Requirements

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to safe working practices and environmental stewardship.
• Adheres to all safety and environmental considerations.
• Wears required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times while in production and operational areas.
• Actively identifies, reports, and assists in correcting unsafe conditions and behaviors.
• Performs all duties in a manner that ensures the safety of self and others.

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to the Met Lab Supervisor.