Senior Metallurgist

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career. Apply Today!     

 

Where You Will Work    

Chino is an open-pit copper mining complex located 15 miles from the historic mining community of Silver City in southwestern New Mexico. The historic Chino mine was among the world's first low-grade, open-pit copper mines. Today, the operation consists of a 36,000-metric-ton-per-day concentrator that produces copper and a 150-million-pound-per-year solvent extraction/electrowinning plant that produces copper cathode from solution generated by run-of-mine leaching.    

The community of Silver City boasts various restaurants, arts, entertainment, cliff dwellings, festivals and much more. Residents and visitors enjoy gentle four seasons, with three hundred days of sunshine a year and low humidity. From unique shopping finds in the galleries to everyday groceries, schools and housing, there are numerous amenities for everyone. Visit Silver City to learn more.   

Description

Under general supervision, provides technical expertise, guidance and leadership in Metallurgical testing and analysis at assigned site.  

• Conducts, plans and assists with Metallurgical study, development, testing and analyses of designs, processes or procedures at assigned site
• Serves as technical expert on complex Metallurgical testing
• Reports metallurgical or process issues and makes recommendations to Chief Metallurgist on how to resolve/correct the issues
• Reviews and recommends new or enhanced Metallurgical testing equipment or protocols
• Contributes to the improvement of Metallurgical process
• Evaluates and administers contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment
• Provides guidance and counsel to the site management team on applicable programs, practices and existing/proposed local, State and Federal regulations
• Maintains current working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local regulations
• May contribute to site strategic planning and budgeting efforts for Metallurgical testing
• May represent the site on company-sponsored steering teams
• Performs other duties as required

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

 

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemistry or related Engineering discipline and five (5) years of experience in Metallurgy or related Scientific field, OR
• Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemistry or related Engineering discipline and three (3) years of experience in Metallurgy or related Scientific field
• Knowledge of the principles and methods used in complex Metallurgical and processing analyses
• Able to research and analyze information of considerable difficulty and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions
• Skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

 

Preferred  

• Advanced knowledge of comminution and grinding circuit design, including modeling, simulation, and optimization using tools such as JKSimMet, or equivalent software.
• Experience in process optimization for throughput, energy efficiency, and particle size distribution control.
• Expertise in gold recovery through flotation, including reagent selection, flotation kinetics, and circuit configuration.
• Familiarity with geometallurgical modeling and integration of ore variability into process design.
• Proven track record in plant troubleshooting and continuous improvement projects related to grinding and flotation circuits.
• Ability to interpret metallurgical test work and scale-up results for plant implementation.
• Knowledge of advanced process control systems and their application in grinding and flotation optimization.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Python, or statistical software).
• Excellent communication skills for reporting, cross-functional collaboration, and technical presentations.

 

Criteria/Conditions  

• Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety-related instructions and procedures given in English