Metallurgist

Arizona

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 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.

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.