Senior Geologist: Open-Pit Porphyry Copper Expert

Asarco Llc; Kearny (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ASARCO LLC seeks a Senior Geologist- Open Pit (Porphyry Copper) at the Ray Complex in Kearny, AZ. The candidate leads ore control, grade control modeling, geological interpretation, and geometallurgical integration for a large-scale operation producing ~120,000 tons per day.

Reporting to the Chief Geologist, you mentor mine geologists and technicians, develop robust grade control systems, and ensure data quality for mine planning, metallurgical processing, and regulatory reporting while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geology, Geological Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in open-pit mine geology, with demonstrated expertise in porphyry copper operations.
• Strong experience in: Ore control, Grade control modeling, Geological interpretation, Resource reconciliation, Drill program execution.
• Working knowledge of porphyry copper deposit geology, including: Supergene enrichment, Oxide-sulfide transitions, Hydrothermal alteration systems, Structural controls on mineralization.
• Familiarity with both sulfide flotation and oxide heap leach/SXEW processing operations.
• Experience with geological modeling and mine planning software such as Leapfrog Geo, Hexagon MinePlan, Vulcan, acQuire, GIS platforms.
• Experience implementing and maintaining QA/QC programs for blast-hole, RC, and diamond drill sampling.
• Strong analytical, communication, and technical reporting skills.
• Valid Arizona driver's license.
• Ability to work in an active mining environment and perform regular field-based work.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, maintenance, and refinement of grade control models for short- and medium-range planning.
• Generate and validate dig polygons and ore/waste boundaries for sulfide mill feed and oxide leach material.
• Ensure accurate material classification based on copper grade, mineralization style, oxidation state, metallurgical performance, and deleterious elements.
• Integrate geological mapping, blast-hole assays, drilling data, and production information into grade control models.
• Identify opportunities to improve ore recovery, reduce dilution, and enhance ore routing decisions.
• Develop and maintain 3D geological models reflecting current pit conditions, lithology, alteration, structure, and mineralization controls.
• Conduct and oversee pit mapping, geological logging, and sampling programs.
• Interpret geological controls on mineralization within a large-scale porphyry copper system to improve predictive confidence.
• Communicate geological risks and opportunities that may impact production, ore quality, or mine planning.
• Support resource geology activities through operational data collection and model validation.
• Lead F1, F2, and F3 reconciliation analyses comparing resource models, grade control models, production grades, and plant performance.
• Investigate and resolve reconciliation variances related to geology, sampling, modeling, or operational factors.
• Develop recommendations to improve model performance and forecasting accuracy.
• Maintain reconciliation databases and prepare technical reports for site leadership.
• Support resource estimation efforts through geological interpretations, domain validation, and database reviews.

Skills

Ore control

Grade control modeling

Geological interpretation

Resource reconciliation

Drill program execution

Geology fieldwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geology

Geological Engineering

Tools

Leapfrog Geo

Hexagon MinePlan

Vulcan

acQuire

GIS platforms

Job description

ASARCO LLC seeks a Senior Geologist- Open Pit (Porphyry Copper) at the Ray Complex in Kearny, AZ. The candidate leads ore control, grade control modeling, geological interpretation, and geometallurgical integration for a large-scale operation producing ~120,000 tons per day.

Reporting to the Chief Geologist, you mentor mine geologists and technicians, develop robust grade control systems, and ensure data quality for mine planning, metallurgical processing, and regulatory reporting while