Mill Operator

Hecla Mining Company; Mullan (ID); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Hecla Mining Company in Idaho seeks a versatile plant operator to tend concentrator, concrete batch and paste plant operations. You will monitor equipment, perform inspections, keep logs, test samples, and maintain safety and quality standards to meet production goals while coordinating with maintenance teams.

The role requires a high school diploma, basic math, and the ability to read instructions; prior experience in mining, metallurgy, or mineral processing is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read and write instructions, perform basic math, and keep records.
• Prior experience in mining/metallurgy or mineral processing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate, inspect, and monitor concentrator, concrete batch, and paste plant equipment.
• Perform basic maintenance and housekeeping to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Maintain accurate logs and input data; communicate issues to supervision.
• Repair items such as belts, valves, and other plant components when needed.
• Coordinate with operations staff and ensure product quality meets specs.

Skills

Ore processing

Quality control

Equipment maintenance

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Forklift

Telehandler

Conveyor systems

Job description

Summary

Tends one or more processes that grind rock and ore using chemical reagents and steel balls to achieve required material fineness. Monitors process control panels and regulates inflow/outflow of materials, adding reagents to ensure attainment of specified production goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Concentrator Operations

• Operates, inspects, and monitors crushing, processing and refining equipment to achieve the highest possible ore recovery.
• Performs mechanical tasks when needed that are within the scope of training and skills.
• Responsible for keeping a clean work area.
• Responsible for pre-shift inspections, including equipment.
• Responsible for maintaining written logs in a precise and orderly manner.
• Monitor tailings pond facilities and report any issues to management.
• Monitor water treatment plant facilities in a manner which meets overall Environmental Department objectives.

Concrete Batch Plant Operations

• Assist with all plant operations; coordinate and monitor daily work load throughout the plant; monitor plant cleanliness.
• Ensure that all products meet 100% total quality requirements; take samples and test as necessary; ensure all equipment is working properly; complete all required reports timely and accurately; inform proper personnel of any quality problems that need resolving.
• Ensure all equipment continually remain in safe and efficient operating condition; monitor all preventative and regular maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
• Maintain adequate levels of all supplies and products.
• Maintain accurate and current reports as required.
• Must be able to repair the following items: v-belts, conveyors, air rams, water valves, aeration systems, augers, etc.
• Must be able to operate a forklift, loader, telehandler and a concrete mixer truck.
• Communicate with and receive directions from operations employees by radio/phone.

Paste Plant Operations

• Operate sand plant. Move controls on control board to control feeding, crushing, and sifting material in plant.
• Observe gauges, dials, and operate machinery to ensure conformance to processing specifications.
• Perform basic maintenance activities, including greasing and lubricating plant components. Use hand tools and power tools to repair equipment.
• Perform housekeeping duties to ensure a clean and orderly work environment.
• Communicate with and receive directions from operations employees by radio/phone.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Employees must have sufficient education to read and write instructions, perform simple mathematical calculations, and keep records.
• Prior experience in mining, metallurgy, or mineral processing industry or similar relevant experience is preferred.