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Job Description
Albemarle is looking for an experienced Lead metallurgist for Kings Mountain Lithium Concentrator. This Lead Metallurgist will be responsible for future metallurgical test programs and reviewing past and ongoing metallurgical testing programs, data interpretation, flowsheet design and selection, and incorporation of results into the overall feasibility study in cooperation with internal and external stakeholders. Focused areas of responsibility would include managing all dry processes all the way from ROM pad to crushing plant, ore sorting till the DMS separation plant.
Once in execution stage, the role will be responsible for the implementation, commissioning, and optimization of the concentrator and supporting operation for safely producing quality lithium concentrate while achieving the design capacities of throughput and recovery.
This position is part of Albemarle’s Lithium Global Capital Growth Project organization team.
Primary Responsibilities Include: Project Studies
Development and implementation of metallurgical accounting for the site, including sampling strategy and flows characterization
Review the concentrator design criteria and flowsheet, assist with developing an overall integrated operational readiness plan for the concentrator and ensure there are adequate detailed supporting schedules for technical services and construction teams
Develop, oversee, review, & coordinate geometallurgy programs and testing with geologists, mining engineers and metallurgists for optimizing the metallurgical performance for continuous improvement and sustainability
Support ore characterization and build an understanding of its potential impact on plant design and performance
Evaluate potential for by-products to be generated on site from mid process streams.
Help build the foundation for the process performance monitoring strategy to be set up at the new concentrator
Operational readiness and operation:
Assist the Manager, Concentrator Operations and Readiness, to develop the overall planning, execution, and reporting of operational readiness activities, including recruiting metallurgists, assay lab technicians, systems implementation, policies development and training
Developing the concentrator operator training program with third party. Focusing on developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) on the dry processes side, optimum operating parameters and metallurgical reports to support the concentrator ramp-up that are sustainable and aligned with best practices in the mining industry
Collaborate in the development of the schedule for plant technical services personnel to successfully support the commissioning and ramp up when custody and control from the projects group is transferred to the operations
Responsible for building and training the assay lab team and implementing the QA/QC processes to ensure assay lab quality and business sustainability
Responsible for daily metallurgical balance, reporting and end-of-month production reconciliation.
Develop and manage department annual budgets and quarterly forecasts
Develop, implement and maintain safe work procedures and ensure compliance with mine site safety standards
Work closely with maintenance department to improve the fixed plant asset efficiency for continuous improvement on the daily concentrator throughput once in operation
After the concentrator is commissioned, oversee the metallurgical research and development program for Kings Mountain concentrator ensuring new and innovative ideas are transferred and realized for maximum benefit
Skills and Competencies:
Strong analytical skills with details oriented with a practical understanding of mineral processing operations
Advanced knowledge in mineral processing and best-in-class operation practices
Solid knowledge of mineralogy, ore characterization, and geometallurgy
Experience with metallurgical testing, flowsheet development, equipment selection and sizing
Experience in the safety management of processing plants and associated facilities
Strong leadership skills and ability to create a positive work environment, ability to supervise diverse teams including metallurgists, supervisors, and lab technicians and mentor junior employees
Excellent project management skills, ability to drive results through proper planning and scheduling
Ability to build and support a high-performance team of metallurgists through leading by example and initiative, continuous learning, and coaching.
Operational excellence experiences with Six Sigma, Lean Kaizen, and continuous improvements approach
Excellent verbal and written communications skills
Digital Transformation knowledge, Artificial Intelligence applied to Value Chain Processes
Experience, Qualifications & Education:
Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, mineral processing or chemical engineering required
10+ years of progressive metallurgical experience in a mining/minerals processing setting
Experience in designing and reviewing test programs to support flowsheet design and optimization
Experience in start-up and commissioning of new equipment and/or facilities
Minimum 5 years of experience in the concentrator operation
Demonstrated ability to predict and make concentrate production forecasts and meet final concentrate specifications.
Practical knowledge concerning design and operation of common process equipment such as crushers, ball mills, screens, flotation, slurry filtering, pumps, blowers, heat exchangers, thickeners, tailing facilities, piping, etc.
Demonstrated ability to anticipate technical needs, drive metallurgical test work to make recommendations for process improvement changes based on data analysis.
Experience in training and coaching direct staff and contractors in safety processes and procedures, ensuring compliance with all applicable protocols and regulations
Knowledge of Metallurgical accounting best practices
Knowledge of mining (MSHA) safety regulations
Ability to effectively communicate with employees at all levels
Must be self-motivated and with a demonstrated ability of leading by example to motivate others
Experience in the preparation of capital and operating budgets
Familiar with concentrator automation and advanced process control systems
Knowledge of the storage, handling and use of reagents and minimizing the risks associated with reagents
Preferred:
Lithium mineral processing experience
Remote operations centers experience
Simulation tool, SysCAD, SimMet experience
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