Metallurgist

SOUTH32 Limited; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual short-term incentive bonus

Retirement savings matching

4 weeks paid time off

12 weeks full-paid parental leave

Job summary

A leading natural resources company is looking for a knowledgeable Metallurgist to support the Hermosa Taylor Project. The role involves designing and operating metallurgical systems, conducting testwork, and developing standard operating procedures. Candidates should possess a degree in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering and have over three years of relevant experience in mineral processing. Located near Tucson, Arizona, this position offers a chance to contribute to a sustainable future in mineral production.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience as a Metallurgical or Process Engineer.
• Proven experience and knowledge of mineral processing.
• Ability to read technical drawings such as Process Flow Diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and operation of the Hermosa Taylor Project.
• Manage and perform metallurgical testwork.
• Develop SOPs for processing facilities and laboratories.

Skills

Metallurgical testwork

Comminution

Flotation

Solid-liquid separation

METSIM software

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

JKSinMet

SysCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Company: South32 Group Operations Pty. Ltd.

Discover a Brighter Future

At South32, we’re meeting the challenge of enabling a sustainable future through our focus on responsibly producing commodities critical for a low-carbon world.

As a collaborative, caring and inclusive company, there’s no better place to make a genuine difference. Together we’re making a positive, global impact that has the potential to change lives.

Whatever career path you choose, we’ll support you every step of the way to learn, grow and succeed. So join us, step towards a brighter future and leave your legacy.

ABOUT Hermosa

Hermosa, located approximately 75 miles south-east of Tucson, Arizona, is the only advanced mining project in the United States as of 2023 that could produce two federally designated critical minerals—manganese and zinc—as well as silver and lead. The project has the potential to help power the nation’s clean energy future, strengthen the domestic supply chain of critical minerals, grow the local economy, and improve lives in Santa Cruz County and the surrounding community for generations to come.

WHAT SOUTH32 OFFERS

• Annual short-term incentive bonus that recognizes both your individual performance and the overall success of the business.
• When you choose to contribute more into your retirement savings, South32 will match it up to a certain percentage.
• South32 provides you with 4 weeks paid time off.
• 12 weeks full-paid parental leave for primary carers and 2 weeks full-paid parental leave for secondary carers

ABOUT THE ROLE

South32 seeks to hire a Metallurgist to support the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of the Hermosa Taylor Project. Under the supervision of the Metallurgy Superintendent, the metallurgist will scope, manage, and perform metallurgical testwork, provide input into design of the processing plant and supporting infrastructure, and review deliverables from engineering firms. As the project moves into the execution phase, the metallurgist will help develop training programs for new operators, SOPs for the processing plant and laboratories, participate in processing plant commissioning, and support processing operations. This role is primarily based at the Hermosa site near Patagonia.

Other key responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to:

• Support geometallurgy including scoping, managing, performing and analyzing metallurgical testwork
• Review the design of the Hermosa Taylor Processing Plant and supporting infrastructure
• Evaluate new and emerging processing technologies
• Participate in HAZOPS and engineering model reviews
• Participate in plant commissioning
• Develop SOPs for processing facilities and laboratories
• Train new operators, technicians, and metallurgists
• Assist in operations readiness planning
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) for process performance
• Analyze metallurgical data and prepare technical reports
• Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement
• Plan, manage, and drive small- to medium-scale metallurgical and process improvement projects, including defining scope, objectives, schedules, and deliverables, and coordinating with cross‑functional teams as required.
• Participation in South32 health and safety programs

ABOUT YOU

You will have experience and demonstrate capability in the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or equivalent
• 3+ years’ experience as a Metallurgical or Process Engineer in a mineral processing plant
• Proven experience and knowledge of comminution, flotation, and solid‑liquid separation
• Experience with modelling and simulation software such as METSIM, JKSinMet, or SysCAD considered a plus
• Detailed oriented
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and environmental stewardship
• High standards of professional and ethical conduct
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross‑functional team
• Exposure to metallurgical and analytical labs and knowledge of common testing procedures
• Exposure to engineering design, deliverables, and best practices
• Experience with process controls is considered a plus
• Knowledge of mine safety practices, demonstrated ability to maintain safety awareness, and visible field safety leadership
• Ability to read technical drawings such as Process Flow Diagrams and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams is preferred
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products – Word/Excel/Outlook/etc.

South32 is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. We provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.