Metallurgist

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Chief Metallurgist, the Metallurgist supports fundamental research and development initiatives aimed at improving the operating and maintenance efficiency of the crushing, milling, flotation, heap leaching, ADR, and refinery processes.  This role applies sound metallurgical and engineering principles to process optimization, recovery improvement, and operational support across the site.

Essential Functions

1.    Conduct plant sampling surveys and collect, prepare, and analyze metallurgical samples in accordance with established procedures. Interpret data using accepted metallurgical and engineering principles and develop recommendations for process improvement.
2.    Perform laboratory-scale metallurgical testing, including bench-scale grinding, flotation, leaching, and related processes. Scale up test results, design and execute plant trials, and prepare written technical reports documenting findings and recommendations.
3.    Provide metallurgical support to operating departments by troubleshooting metallurgical and production issues and recommending corrective actions to improve process efficiency, recovery, and stability.
4.    Plan, manage, and drive small- to medium-scale metallurgical and process improvement projects, including defining scope, objectives, schedules, and deliverables, and coordinating with cross-functional teams as required.
5.    Perform economic evaluations and cost-benefit analyses of proposed metallurgical and process improvements to support operational and capital decision-making.
6.    Perform metallurgical accounting and control of precious metal inventories, including solutions, carbon, ponds, tanks, pads, and other process streams, in accordance with established accounting and control procedures.
7.    Maintain and review mill metallurgical accounting practices and prepare, review, and validate daily, monthly, and annual metallurgical reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
8.    Support metal production planning activities by providing metallurgical input related to recovery, throughput, and process performance.
9.    Develop, monitor, and support budgeting and forecasting of operational reagent usage, including tracking consumption, identifying variances, and recommending optimization opportunities.
10.    Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and sampling protocols for routine metallurgical sampling and testing activities.
11.    Monitor and evaluate metallurgical process performance and remain informed of industry best practices, technological advancements, and metallurgical innovations applicable to site operations.
12.    Provide training and technical guidance to department personnel related to metallurgical sampling, testing, and control functions.
13.    Comply with all applicable company policies and procedures, including safety, environmental, confidentiality, and code of conduct requirements.
14.    Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned by the supervisor that are consistent with the scope and level of the position.

Qualifications and Skill Requirements

1.    Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field required.
2.    Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience preferred; entry-level candidates and recent graduates will be considered.
3.    Experience with heap leach operations, including leach pad operation, solution management, and metal recovery processes preferred.
4.    Experience with flotation circuits, including reagent selection, circuit optimization, and performance troubleshooting preferred.
5.    Strong understanding of metallurgical and engineering principles and their application to mineral processing operations.
6.    General knowledge of mining operations; working knowledge of milling processes and basic maintenance concepts preferred.
7.    Experience or familiarity with laboratory testing, plant trials, and metallurgical data analysis.
8.    Understanding of computer-based modeling and data analysis tools.
9.    Proficient with PC-based software, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation tools.
10.    Strong verbal, written, analytical, and technical writing skills, with the ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels.
11.    Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
12.    Demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy and quality.
13.    Must be at least 18 years of age and authorized to work full-time in the United States.
14.    Valid driver’s license required.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Requirements
•    Demonstrates a strong commitment to safe working practices and environmental stewardship.
•    Adheres to all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
•    Wears required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in production and operational areas.
•    Actively identifies, reports, and assists in correcting unsafe conditions or behaviors.
•    Performs all duties in a manner that ensures the safety of self and others.

Kinross Competencies

•    Strategic Effectiveness
Developing and communicating rigorous and creative business strategies that drive sustainable value.
•    External Engagement
Understanding and building relationships with external parties that strengthen and sustain competitive advantage.
•    Business Focus
Applying commercial rigor and discipline to all business decisions and customer relationships.
•    Living the Kinross Values
Aligning behavior, decisions, and actions with Kinross values and principles.

Reporting Relationships

• Typically reports to the Chief Metallurgist

Legislative Requirements

Language Requirements