Senior Metallurgist

Ember Grey; Arizona; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Ember Grey seeks a Senior Metallurgist – Process Improvement & Analytics to drive metallurgical performance for a major copper project in Arizona. You will lead data-driven improvement initiatives, optimise processing throughput and recovery, and collaborate across Mining, Geology, and Engineering to deliver value.

The role involves developing operational dashboards, KPIs, and advanced analytics while supporting readiness activities from commissioning through startup and steady-state operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in metallurgical/chemical/mining engineering or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years in mineral processing, metallurgy, or operational improvement roles.
• Experience in large-scale copper/mineral operations is preferred.
• Strong data analytics, dashboards, and cost modelling experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead metallurgical improvement initiatives to boost throughput, recovery and energy efficiency.
• Own and update the OPEX model, including cost assumptions, forecasting and benchmarking.
• Support CAPEX scoping, business cases, economic evaluations and post‑project reviews.
• Develop metallurgical accounting systems and performance dashboards.
• Collaborate with Mining, Geology, Processing and Engineering teams to deliver improvements.

Skills

Data analytics

Process optimization

Operational excellence

KPI development

Financial modelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Seeking an experienced Senior Metallurgist – Process Improvement & Analytics to support a major copper mining development in Arizona. This is a senior technical role responsible for driving metallurgical performance, process optimisation, operational excellence, and data-driven improvement initiatives across the Copper World Project. The position will support detailed engineering, operational readiness, commissioning, startup, and future operations by improving throughput, recovery, reliability, and overall project value.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead metallurgical improvement initiatives focused on increasing throughput, recovery, energy efficiency, reagent optimisation, water utilisation, and reducing operating costs
• Own and maintain the processing OPEX model, including cost assumptions, forecasting, benchmarking, scenario analysis, and continuous updates throughout project development and operations
• Support processing CAPEX initiatives through scope development, business cases, economic evaluations, implementation planning, and post-project reviews
• Conduct economic assessments including NPV, IRR, payback analysis, sensitivity analysis, trade-off studies, and value improvement evaluations
• Develop and manage metallurgical accounting systems to track process performance, production metrics, and operational efficiency
• Lead mine-to-mill optimisation programs integrating geology, ore control, mine planning, blasting, crushing, grinding, and flotation performance
• Perform geometallurgical evaluations, ore variability assessments, recovery forecasting, and metallurgical testwork reviews
• Analyse metallurgical, operational, maintenance, and business performance data to identify opportunities for improvement and value creation
• Develop operational dashboards, KPIs, and performance monitoring systems using modern analytics platforms
• Support digital transformation initiatives, predictive analytics programs, advanced process control implementation, and data-driven optimisation strategies
• Benchmark performance against comparable copper operations and develop continuous improvement frameworks
• Support operational readiness activities including commissioning preparation, startup planning, ramp-up optimisation, and future production readiness
• Collaborate with Mining, Geology, Mine Planning, Processing, Reliability, Maintenance, Process Control, and Project Engineering teams to deliver improvement initiatives
• Mentor engineers, metallurgists, and technical personnel in process improvement methodologies and operational excellence practices
• Prepare technical reports, management presentations, business cases, and recommendations for senior leadership

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a related technical discipline
• Minimum 8 years of experience in mineral processing, metallurgy, technical services, process improvement, operational excellence, or business improvement roles
• Experience within large-scale copper, molybdenum, gold, or polymetallic mining operations
• Strong understanding of mineral processing operations including crushing, grinding, flotation, recovery optimisation, and metallurgical accounting
• Experience leading process optimisation initiatives and improving operational performance through data-driven solutions
• Strong financial and analytical skills with experience developing business cases, cost models, and economic evaluations
• Experience with data analytics, performance dashboards, KPI development, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Ability to collaborate effectively across Mining, Processing, Engineering, Maintenance, and Technical Services teams
• Strong technical writing, reporting, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and operational data analysis tools

Preferred Experience

• Master's degree in Metallurgy, Mining Engineering, Business Analytics, Data Analytics, MBA, or a related discipline
• Experience managing metallurgical accounting systems and production performance reporting platforms
• Experience developing processing OPEX models and CAPEX investment evaluations
• Experience supporting feasibility studies, detailed engineering, commissioning, startup, and operational readiness programs
• Background in geometallurgy, mine-to-mill optimisation, and ore variability management
• Experience within greenfield mining projects or major copper mine developments
• Familiarity with digital mining technologies, predictive analytics, advanced process control, and automation initiatives
• Experience working within large-scale open pit copper operations

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to lead metallurgical improvement and analytics initiatives for a major copper development project in Arizona
• Senior technical role supporting one of North America's most significant new copper operations
• Exposure to advanced mineral processing, digital transformation, and operational optimisation programs
• Opportunity to influence mine design, commissioning strategy, and long-term operational performance
• Collaborative environment working alongside Mining, Processing, Engineering, Geology, Reliability, and Technical Services teams
• Long-term career development with a leading international copper producer
• Opportunity to contribute to the successful development and operation of a world-class copper project
• Annual performance bonus
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company contribution and match
• Company-paid life insurance, AD&D, and disability coverage
• Paid time off, holidays, and sick leave
• Ongoing technical training, leadership development, and career progression opportunities