Operations Manager, Process Engineer/Metallurgical Engineer, Mining - Springer, Nevada

Blue Moon Metals Inc.; Winnemucca (NV); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Career development

Job summary

Blue Moon Metals Inc. in Nevada seeks an Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operation and optimization of the Springer 1,200 tpd flotation circuit and milling facility, directing reagents, recovery balancing, and a team of operators.

This role drives commissioning readiness, safety culture under MSHA guidelines, and budget oversight for reagents and mill consumables; residence in the Imlay/Winnemucca area preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical/Chemical Engineering or Mineral Processing.
• 5–8 years in industrial flotation operations; 3+ in supervision.
• Knowledge of tungsten/molybdenum or skarn systems.
• MSHA standards understanding for surface metal/nonmetal facilities.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily operation of the mills and multi-stage flotation circuits.
• Lead operational readiness, commissioning, and tuning of plant equipment.
• Develop and enforce SOPs; ensure safety culture per MSHA guidelines.
• Oversee reagent dosing, budget management, and KPI reporting.

Skills

Process control

Metallurgy knowledge

Leadership

MSHA compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Mineral Processing degree

Job description

Department: Metallurgy & Processing Plant Operations

Reports To: Site Construction Manager

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operation, optimization, and mechanical maintenance of the Springer 1,200 tpd flotation circuit and milling facility. As Blue Moon Metals advances the restart of this world-class tungsten and critical metals skarn deposit, this role will spearhead operational readiness, circuit commissioning, and steady-state processing. The manager will direct chemical reagent dosing, metallurgical recovery balancing, and a dedicated team of operators to maximize concentrate grade and recovery under rigorous safety standards.

Core Responsibilities

1. Process Control & Metallurgical Optimization

• Direct the daily operation of the automated rod/ball mills and multi-stage flotation circuits (tungsten, molybdenum, and sulphides).
• Maximize metallurgical recovery rates and concentrate grades for complex skarn ore bodies through continuous assay analysis.
• Oversee precise chemical reagent balancing, managing the delivery and dosing of collectors, frothers, depressants, and modifiers.
• Interface directly with metallurgical labs to adjust circuit profiles based on changing mineralogy and ore feed variations.

2. Operations & Commissioning Readiness

• Lead operational readiness planning, circuit water-testing, and the eventual hot commissioning of the refurbished flotation cells.
• Collaborate closely with the Project Engineering and Maintenance Manager to coordinate plant shutdowns, mechanical overhauls, and structural adjustments.
• Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process controls for shift operators and metallurgical technicians.

3. Leadership & Safety Culture

• Lead, mentor, and schedule a rotating 24/7 crew of mill operators, technicians, and laborers.
• Cultivate a strict "Zero-Harm" safety-first culture in complete alignment with Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) guidelines.
• Manage workplace risk assessments, hazard identification, and mandatory Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols inside the processing mill.

4. Reagent & Budget Administration

• Formulate and execute the operational budget for process reagents, consumables, and mill liners.
• Manage vendor relationships and quality control metrics for chemical reagent supply chains.
• Track and report daily key performance indicators (KPIs) regarding mill throughput, tailing grades, and utility consumption.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a highly related technical field. Equivalent extensive operational experience may be evaluated.
• Experience: Minimum of 5–8 years of progressively responsible experience in industrial flotation operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Technical Metallurgy Background: Deep, technical knowledge of base metal or critical mineral separation. Direct experience working with tungsten (scheelite), molybdenum, or skarn mineral systems is a significant advantage.
• Regulatory Compliance: Robust working knowledge of MSHA standards for surface metal/nonmetal processing facilities.
• Work Conditions: Willingness to work in a hands-on, high-production industrial mill environment. Must reside within or be willing to relocate to a commutable distance from the Imlay/Winnemucca, NV area.

What We Offer

• 401(k)
• Career development and advancement opportunities

Pay Range & Compensation Package

Compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.