Metallurgist

KGHM International Ltd.; Ely (NV); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

KGHM International Ltd. seeks a forward‑thinking Metallurgist to optimize concentrator performance, maximize metal recovery, and support safe, sustainable operations at Robinson Mine, Ruth, NV.

The role partners with Operations, Geology, Technical Services, and Lab teams to drive data‑driven decisions, improve process performance, and deliver operational value.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering or closely related field.
• 3–5 years of metallurgical, mineral processing, or process engineering experience.
• Experience in mineral processing environments and fast-paced operations.
• Ability to manage priorities and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Promote safety and environmental leadership.
• Monitor plant performance to improve throughput and recovery.
• Design and evaluate metallurgical test work and plant trials.
• Develop strategies to optimize copper, molybdenum, gold recoveries.
• Maintain metallurgical accounting systems, mass balances, and reports.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Laboratory teams.

Skills

Comminution optimization

Flotation optimization

Metallurgical accounting

Process modeling

Data analytics

Mass balancing

DCS/advanced control

Laboratory practices

Recovery forecasting

Excel/visualization

Education

B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering

Mineral Processing or Chemical Engineering

Tools

DCS

Process modeling software

Excel

Power BI

Job description

JOB TITLE: Metallurgist
DEPARTMENT: Process/Metallurgy
LOCATION: Robinson Mine - Ruth, NV
PAY GRADE: 6
POSITION REPORTS TO:Chief Metallorgist
ROTATING SHIFT: Yes No
EXEMPT NONEXEMPT

Purpose & Scope of The Position:

The Metallurgical Engineer plays a critical role in optimizing concentrator performance, maximizing metal recovery, and supporting safe, sustainable operations. This 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 will combine strong metallurgical fundamentals with practical plant experience to improve process performance, solve complex technical challenges, and contribute to the long-term success of the operation.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Safety and Environmental Leadership:
  • Promote and adhere to all company safety, health, and environmental policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrate visible leadership in creating a safe and environmentally responsible workplace.
  • Participate in safety initiatives, investigations, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Metallurgical Support and Process Optimization:
  • Monitor and analyze plant performance to identify opportunities for increased 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 impacting plant performance and reliability.
  • Work collaboratively with Operations and Maintenance to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis, statistical evaluation, and process modeling.
• Metallurgical Accounting and Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate 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.
  • Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and timely reporting of metallurgical data.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Partner with Mine Planning, Geology, and Technical Services groups to understand ore characteristics and anticipate process impacts.
  • Communicate potential metallurgical risks and opportunities associated with changing ore types and mine plans.
  • Collaborate with laboratory personnel to support analytical accuracy, metallurgical testing, and quality assurance programs.
  • Work with internal and external technical experts, vendors, and consultants to advance plant performance and technology adoption.
• Project Support:
  • 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 activities, and post-implementation performance assessments.
  • Perform additional duties as needed to support the success of Robinson Nevada Mining Company and KGHM.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Experience:
  • Three (3) to five (5) years of progressive metallurgical, mineral processing, or process engineering experience.
  • Experience working in a mineral processing, metallurgical, or industrial manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced operational setting.
• Licenses: Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience:
  • 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.
• Licenses: Professional Engineer (PE) certification or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation is considered an asset.

Technical Skills & Competencies:

• The Ideal candidate will possess experience or working knowledge in the following areas:
  • 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
  • Process control systems (DCS) and advanced process control technologies
  • Metallurgical and analytical laboratory practices
  • Recovery forecasting and performance modeling
  • Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools
  • Project management and cost control principles

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional travel, including overnight travel, may be required for training, technical conferences, vendor visits, and project support.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• N/A

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment physical, including drug and alcohol testing.
• Ability to meet the required physical demands, exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly.