Metallurgist

Job Description

Job Title:Metallurgist

Department:Tech Services

Reports to: Tech Services, Manager

Location: Florence AZ

About the Role:

Just stepping into the world of copper metallurgy, but already know your way around a solvent extraction plant or an electrowinning circuit? Great—because we’re looking for a Metallurgist I to join our copper team and grow within our In-Situ Recovery SX/EW operation.

If you’ve had a taste of copper processing through a traditional mine, this role is the perfect launchpad into the technical side of mining. You’ll get real-time experience supporting copper recovery, improving process efficiency, and troubleshooting the flowsheet from wellfield to cathode.

If you’re curious, driven, and ready for a new opportunity, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Be Doing:

- Solution Characterization: Assist with routine and investigative characterization of pregnant leach solution (PLS), raffinate, and electrolyte. You’ll learn how small changes in chemistry affect big changes in recovery.

- Test Work & Trials: Participate in lab-scale copper leaching and SXEW tests for optimizing copper recovery acid consumption, SX organic entrainment/reagent consumption and cathode quality.

- Plant Monitoring: Assist with troubleshooting/optimization of the SXEW and copper leaching areas/circuits.

- Cathode Quality Checks: Help analyze current efficiency, impurity levels, and cathode deposition issues to ensure high-quality copper cathodes.

- Data & Reporting: Collect, analyze, and report on metrics like copper extraction efficiency, reagent usage, and current density. Expect to live in spreadsheets (and eventually love them).

- Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with metallurgical engineers, lab techs, operators, and maintenance technicians to keep everything flowing smoothly and safely.

What You Bring to the Table:

- Education: BS degree in Metallurgical Engineering (Mineral Processing), Chemical Engineering, or related field.

- Copper Knowledge: Two years of experience, including hands-on experience in copper recovery or SX/EW is a strong asset

- Lab & Field Comfort: Willingness to split time between lab benches, plant walk-downs, and occasional fieldwork.

- Detail-Oriented: You know how important accuracy is—especially when it comes to titrations, pH levels, copper concentrations, and reagent strength.

- Safety-First Mindset: You understand that sulfuric acid, high voltage, and rotating equipment demand full respect and strict procedures.

- Team Player: You’re approachable, hungry to learn, and not afraid to ask questions or lend a hand.

Bonus Points For:

- Exposure to leaching or SX/EW operations through field work or research

- Experience with process instrumentation, data loggers, or control room systems

- Familiarity with software like Excel, PI System, Capstone or metallurgical mass balance tools.

Why You’ll Love It Here:

- You’ll get to hone your copper processing skills from the ground up—literally—from ore to finished cathode.

- You’ll work closely with experienced professionals who enjoy mentoring and helping you grow.

- You’ll play a key part in improving our process performance and copper recovery.

- You’ll be part of a team that values safety, sustainability, and innovation in everything we do.

- And yep, you’ll get paid to do real work.

Schedule:

- Full-time, site-based

- May involve off-shift/weekend coverage as needed, depending on plant operation hours

- PPE provided—and you’ll wear it with pride

If you’re ready to dig into copper metallurgy and start building your technical career, we’re ready to support you every step of the way.

Apply now and let’s start turning ore into opportunity.