Lab Supervisor / Metallurgist

Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Metallurgist to join our innovative materials science team. In this pivotal role, you will lead efforts in analyzing, developing, and optimizing metal and alloy processes to enhance product performance and quality. Your expertise will drive development initiatives, support production operations, and ensure adherence to industry standards. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects in metals engineering, fostering continuous improvement and technological advancement within a collaborative environment.

Job Summary:

The Mine Metallurgist is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the mine's on-site assay laboratory and providing metallurgical expertise to the operation.

They will oversee the daily operations of the assay laboratory, ensuring training and standard operating procedures are in place to deliver timely turnaround of assay material and metallurgical testing data. These tests include cyanide shakes, bottle rolls, column leach tests and carbon activity tests.

The Metallurgist will train and lead a small team of lab technicians, maintain quality control, manage lab inventory, and ensure strict adherence to safety and environmental protocols to support efficient plant processing and metallurgical accounting.

They will advise and guide on operating best practices on the active leach pad and ADR plant, including refinery flux proportions and carbon stripping and kilning best practices.

The Metallurgist will also be responsible for the metal accounting in the leach pad and Borealis plant, ensuring that monthly metal inventory is tracked and accounted for accurately.

Key Responsibilities:

• Laboratory Operations Management:
• Direct and oversee the daily preparation and analysis of blasthole samples, including cyanide shakes, bottle rolls, and the initiation/monitoring of column leach tests.
• Manage the analysis of carbon samples (e.g., loaded carbon, barren carbon) for gold/silver content.
• Supervise the analysis of ADR solution samples to monitor process efficiency and precious metal recovery.
• Ensure all analytical work is completed accurately, efficiently, and reported in a timely manner to support mine planning and process control.
• Implement and maintain efficient sample tracking and data management systems.
• Laboratory Team Leadership & Training:
• Lead, train, and mentor a small team of lab technicians, ensuring they are proficient in all required analytical procedures and safety protocols.
• Schedule and assign daily tasks to lab personnel, optimizing workflow and resource utilization.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and safety-conscious work environment.
• Quality Assurance & Control (QA/QC):
• Develop, implement, and maintain robust QA/QC programs and SOPs for all analytical methods, ensuring data integrity and reliability.
• Regularly calibrate and maintain all laboratory instruments and equipment (e.g., atomic absorption spectrometers, balances, crushers, pulverizers, etc).
• Troubleshoot analytical discrepancies, equipment malfunctions, and process variations, implementing effective corrective actions.
• Ensure proper documentation of all QA/QC data, results, and method validations.
• Health, Safety & Environment (HSE):
• Enforce strict adherence to all company health, safety, and environmental regulations, as well as compliance with MSHA regulations.
• Develop and conduct regular safety meetings and training for lab staff.
• Oversee the safe handling, storage, and disposal of all laboratory chemicals, reagents, and hazardous waste.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace at all times.

• Laboratory Inventory & Maintenance:
• Manage the inventory of laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables, ensuring adequate stock levels are maintained.
• Coordinate with suppliers for timely procurement and delivery of lab materials.
• Schedule and oversee routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment, arranging for external service as needed.
• Metallurgical Engineering Support to Operations:
• Optimization of refinery operations, in particular maximizing crucible life and doré purity.
• Optimization of carbon strip circuit and kiln circuit in the ADR plant.
• Be an expert resource on leach pad and ADR best practices to maximize precious metal recoveries and minimize operating costs.
• Participate in metallurgical meetings and contribute to process optimization and problem-solving initiatives.
• Reporting & Communication:
• Generate and distribute daily, weekly, and monthly reports on laboratory throughput, analytical results, QA/QC performance, and any issues encountered.
• Communicate effectively with geology, mining, and process plant teams regarding analytical data, sample status, and any observations impacting operations.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, or a closely related scientific field. A relevant technical diploma with significant supervisory experience may be considered.
• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in an industrial or mining laboratory, with at least 1-2 years in a supervisory or senior technician role. Direct experience with gold/silver processing and cyanide chemistry is essential.
• Technical Skills:
• Proven expertise in cyanide shake tests, bottle rolls, and column leach test methodologies.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques for precious metals, particularly Atomic Absorption (AA) spectrometry or similar (ICP-OES/MS).
• Experience with carbon analysis techniques.
• Strong understanding of laboratory QA/QC principles and practices.
• Familiarity with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) or similar data management software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Leadership & Management: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop an assay laboratory team in a fast-paced environment.
• Safety Focus: Strong commitment to safety and environmental stewardship, with knowledge of hazardous materials handling and relevant regulations.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot technical issues and optimize lab processes.
• Communication: Effective written and verbal communication skills to interact with various departments and report findings clearly.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift moderate weights, and work in a laboratory environment with exposure to chemicals and fumes (with appropriate PPE).
• Work Environment: Willingness to work on a mine site schedule, which may include rotational shifts and extended hours.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Stock options
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person