Process / Mill Operator

Bunker Hill Mining Corp.; Talala, Northern (OK, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Bunker Hill Mining Corp. is seeking a Process Operator to operate and monitor equipment across crushing, grinding, flotation, and dewatering circuits. You will ensure safe and efficient ore processing, collaborate with maintenance and metallurgical teams, and maintain data records for process improvements.

The role requires experience in mineral processing or related fields, strong mechanical aptitude, and a commitment to safety and teamwork in a mining setting. Competitive benefits apply.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; technical training in mineral processing preferred.
• Previous mill/processing operating experience, preferably in mining.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate equipment safely.
• Basic computer skills and CMMS for work requests.
• Proven safety leadership history.
• Ability to read process flow diagrams and control panel readouts.
• Strong problem-solving and mechanical aptitude.
• Workplace safety focus and hazard identification.
• Clear communication and teamwork abilities.
• Good time management and ability to work unsupervised.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor crushing equipment to reduce ore to required sizes.
• Manage grinding circuits to achieve optimal particle size.
• Oversee flotation cells and adjust reagents for separation.
• Operate dewatering and filtration to produce concentrate.
• Inspect equipment and report maintenance needs.
• Monitor process parameters and adjust for efficiency.
• Operate mobile equipment including forklifts and cranes.
• Use hand/power tools for assembly, piping, and basic maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Record data and troubleshoot process inefficiencies.
• Collaborate with maintenance/metallurgical teams to support uptime.
• Execute planned operational activities for all process assets.
• Contribute to developing operational strategies emphasizing reliability center maintenance.

Skills

Operating equipment

Monitoring

Safety leadership

Teamwork

CMMS

Reading diagrams

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving

Time management

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical training in mineral processing

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Position Overview

The Process Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring equipment in the crushing, grinding, floatation, and dewatering / filtration circuits to ensure efficient processing of ore and production of high-quality concentrates with a strong focus on safety, operational excellence, and teamwork.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor crushing equipment (e.g., jaw crushers, cone crushers) to reduce ore to required sizes.
• Manage grinding circuits (e.g., ball mills, rod mills) to achieve optimal particle size for floatation.
• Oversee flotation cells to separate lead and zinc minerals from waste rock, adjusting reagents and parameters as needed.
• Operate dewatering and filtration systems (e.g., thickeners, filters) to produce concentrate and manage tailings.
• Perform routine inspections of equipment, identifying and reporting maintenance needs or operational issues.
• Monitor process parameters (e.g., feed rates, pulp density, pH) and make adjustments to maintain efficiency and product quality.
• Operate mobile equipment: forklifts, light duty vehicles, bucket trucks, high-lift trucks, bridge cranes, hoists, basic and advanced rigging as needed.
• Use various hand and/or power tools for material handling, clean-up activities, assembling, joining and installing pipes, valves, and fittings, and perform basic machine maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and operational procedures.
• Record operational data and assist in troubleshooting process inefficiencies.
• Collaborate with maintenance and metallurgical teams to support plant performance and uptime.
• Execute the planned and scheduled operational activities for all Process Equipment, Unit Processes, and Facilities.
• Accountable participation in developing and updating all operational strategies for Process assets and facilities while emphasizing the principles of Reliability Centered Maintenance and operational best practices.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; technical training in mineral processing or related field preferred.
• Previous mill/processing operating experience, preferably in a mining environment.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate equipment safely.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to generate work requests.
• Proven history of safety leadership for both self and team members.
• Ability to read and interpret process flow diagrams and control panel readouts.
• Strong problem-solving skills and mechanical aptitude.
• Focus on workplace safety and knowledge of hazard identification/mitigation.
• Quality communication skills and ability to successfully interact with a wide variety of departments and roles.
• Teamwork focused attitude and ability play a part in overall business success.
• Attention to quality of work; minimize rework and deliver safe and reliable operational performance.
• Strong time management skills with ability to pace own work unsupervised and readjust priorities as needed

Physical Requirements

• Move head and neck repeatedly and ability to turn head 90 degrees while operating equipment.
• Ability to stand, walk, reach, and/or sit for extended periods of time.
• Lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Depth perception and peripheral vision.
• Hear, see and smell various types of warnings.
• Wear required protective equipment.
• Perform duties under extreme temperature and weather conditions.
• Ability to work extended work shifts as required.

About Us

Bunker Hill Mine is a historic underground silver-lead-zinc operation located in Kellogg, Idaho, at the heart of the Silver Valley. With more than a century of mining heritage, Bunker Hill has played a foundational role in the region. Today, we are focused on building its future.

Operated by Bunker Hill Mining Company, the mine is being revitalized through modern engineering, advanced technology, and best-in-class safety and environmental practices. Guided by experienced leadership, strong values, and a clear vision, we are creating a responsible and sustainable operation for the long term. Joining our team means being part of an exciting restart—helping to build a safe, high-performing operation and shaping the next generation of responsible mining in the Silver Valley.

Our success is driven by the values we live in every day. We empower our people to behave like owner and doing it safely. We assume good intent, expect every employee to be a team player, and hold one another accountable while treating others with respect and kindness. We are committed to continuous improvement and delivering results—supporting our community, advancing responsible mining, and providing our employees with a best-in-class work environment.