Chemist Intern

Position Summary

The Chemist Intern is responsible for providing accurate, timely, and reliable chemical analysis to support Mission Mine’s copper operations, including mine grade control and concentrator flotation processes. This role focuses on laboratory operations, analytical method development, QA/QC integrity, and chemical data reporting.

The Chemist operates and maintains analytical instrumentation including Atomic Absorption (AA) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) to ensure high-quality assay data that supports ore control, metallurgical accounting, environmental compliance, and production reporting.

This is a laboratory-centered technical role with close collaboration with mine geology and mill metallurgy teams.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Laboratory Operations

• Perform chemical analysis of:

o Blast hole samples

o Crusher feed and stockpile samples

o Mill head, concentrate, and tailings samples

o Process water and reagent solutions

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain:

o Atomic Absorption (AA) Spectrometer

o X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzer

• Prepare samples including drying, crushing, pulverizing, digestion, and fusion.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and safe working conditions.

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1. Analytical Quality Control (QA/QC)

• Develop, validate, and improve analytical methods.
• Maintain calibration standards and certified reference materials.
• Monitor precision, accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility.
• Investigate and resolve assay discrepancies.
• Ensure data integrity and compliance with internal and regulatory standards.
• Maintain proper sample tracking and chain-of-custody procedures.

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1. Mine Analytical Support

• Analyze blast hole samples for:

o Total Copper (TCu)

o Acid Soluble Copper (ASCu), if applicable

o Molybdenum and other relevant elements

• Provide timely analytical data to support:

o Ore/waste classification

o Grade control validation

o Stockpile management

• Assist with reconciliation investigations when discrepancies arise between mine and mill grades.

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1. Mill & Flotation Analytical Support

• Provide assay data for:

o Mill feed

o Concentrates

o Tailings

• Support metallurgical accounting by ensuring reliable copper and molybdenum assays.
• Analyze solution chemistry related to flotation performance when required.
• Support special analytical investigations during plant trials.

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1. Reporting & Documentation

• Compile and report assay results in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain laboratory records and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Generate periodic reports on laboratory performance metrics (precision, bias, turnaround time).
• Assist in audits and compliance reviews.

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1. Safety & Compliance

• Follow MSHA and ASARCO safety standards.
• Ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of acids, reagents, and chemicals.
• Maintain compliance with environmental and laboratory regulations.
• Participate in safety meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related scientific field required.

Experience

• 2+ years of laboratory experience in mining, mineral processing, or industrial analytical lab preferred.
• Hands-on experience with AA and XRF required.
• Experience with acid digestion, fusion techniques, and wet chemistry methods preferred.
• Knowledge of copper sulfide mineral analysis is advantageous.

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Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of analytical chemistry principles.
• Experience with instrumental calibration and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in QA/QC statistical analysis.
• Strong documentation and data management skills.
• Familiarity with LIMS systems preferred.

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Core Competencies

• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical thinking.
• Commitment to data integrity.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

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Performance Expectations

• Deliver accurate and defensible analytical results.
• Maintain low assay variability and strong QA/QC performance.
• Ensure fast turnaround times to support operations.
• Maintain high