Mine Geologist
Date: Jan 16, 2025
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Company: Kinross Gold Corporation
Located approximately 26 miles from the City of Fairbanks, Fort Knox is a centre of excellence for the Company as one of the few cold weather heap leach facilities in the world. Fort Knox celebrated its 25-year anniversary in 2021, and has produced over 8.5 million ounces since it began operation. In 2020, Kinross acquired Manh Choh – a project expected to commence production in 2024 and process ore at Fort Knox.
Fort Knox prioritizes being a strong contributor to the State and local communities, and since 2001, has helped support more than 300 community partners and has contributed more than US$25 million to the Alaska Mental Health Trust.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis as protected by applicable state, federal and/or local law.
Fort Knox is not a camp mine.
Job Description
Responsible for providing technical skills and practical application of geologic principles at operating open pit gold mines. Duties include development of ore/waste boundaries to maximize economic excavation value, geologic mapping and data collection at a variety of locations such as: open cut dig faces, highwall exposures, blast hole patterns. Developing and continuously improving methods to integrate geologic data into grade control programs and field excavation procedures. To be familiar with and understand the principles of the environment policy and also to maintain and support procedures and work practices aimed at preventing accidents or injuries.
This position will be based at Fort Knox Gold Mine in Fairbanks Alaska.
Job Responsibilities
1. Interpret blast hole results and geologic field data to develop and communicate ore/waste boundaries to mine operations and technical services teams.
2. Monitor blast hole sampling protocols and blast hole assaying results. Revise sampling procedures as needed to ensure that representative samples are collected. Develop and improve upon QA/QC programs for blast hole assaying.
3. Perform geologic mapping duties to identify and delineate structural features, lithology contacts, alteration types and contacts, rock quality, and geotechnical parameters.
4. Analyze collected field datasets to improve deposit understanding.
5. Prepare reports and presentations to document and communicate field data results and interpretation with senior team members.
6. Learn basic principles of land surveying and data acquisition with aerial drones.
7. Learn basic principles of slope stability and be able to advise Mine Operations’ personnel of potential highwall stability problems and communicate appropriate remedial actions in consultation with the geotechnical department.
8. Consult with Metallurgical Department staff on geological/mineralogical characteristics of ore that may impact gold recoveries.
9. Work with loading unit operators and supervisors at the dig face to guide mining and minimize mining dilution.
10. Keep current on new developments in the field of geology that might improve efficiency in handling and interpreting geologic data.
11. Compliance with all company policies and procedures including, but not limited to, safety, confidentiality, and environmental policies.
12. Maintain accurate records and files.
13. Consistent exercise of discretion and judgment in job performance.
14. Punctuality and regular attendance is required.
15. Meet or exceed established performance expectations set by management.
16. Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the state.
17. Perform other duties as required.
Education and Experience
1. Bachelor of Science in geology or industry related engineering degree is required.
2. Candidates with mining industry experience in open-pit mines preferred.
3. Practical experience or exposure to grade control for gold mining preferred.
4. Must have a sound background in sampling theory for gold and assay techniques.
Skills
- Must be willing to acquire, or already possess, a drone pilots license in the State of Alaska.
- Must have a thorough working knowledge and skill using a P.C. utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation programs
- Experience with specialized mining software such as MineSight, Vulcan, Orpto 3D, and Leapfrog preferred.
- Must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently and with others in a team environment.
- Must be curious with a desire and willingness to learn new skills
- Effective decision-making and problem solving skills with solution-oriented mind set
- Effective organizational and time management skills.
- Strong verbal, written, analytical and persuasive skills and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management.
- Ability to function within the qualifications outlined in the attached physical demands sheets.
- May work holidays, shift work, and weekends as required.
Reporting Relationships
This position reports to the Chief Mine Geologist.
Legislative Requirements
Language Requirements
Travel Requirements
Kinross is a Canadian-based global senior gold mining company with operations and projects in the United States, Brazil, Mauritania, Chile, and Canada. Our focus on delivering value is based on our core principles of responsible mining, operational excellence, disciplined growth and balance sheet strength. Kinross maintains listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol:K) and the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:KGC).
