About Us – Mako US Corp (a Mako Mining Corp company) owns the Moss Mine, an open pit gold mine in northwestern Arizona, as well as the Mt. Hamilton Mine, an open pit gold mine in eastern Nevada. Golden Vertex Corp – Moss Mine (a subsidiary of Mako US Corp) is currently seeking a qualified person for the position of Chief Extractive Metallurgist.
About this role- Chief Extractive Metallurgist
The Chief Metallurgist will lead metallurgical operations and strategy to optimize plant performance, guide technical innovation, and ensure safe, efficient metal recovery. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, a solid understanding of Analytical Laboratories and downstream processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement, including leadership development.
Responsibilities and Duties
Process Monitoring & Optimization
- Track and analyze production data to identify metallurgical deviations.
- Design, supervise, and evaluate plant sampling surveys using proper methodologies per unit operation.
- Interpret results using sound engineering principles and recommend data-driven improvements.
Testing & Process Development
- Design and conduct laboratory-scale simulations, including grinding, flotation, leaching, column leaching and other metallurgical tests.
- Scale up laboratory findings for plant implementation.
- Develop, coordinate, and report on plant test campaigns and process trials.
Metallurgical Accounting & Inventory Control
- Oversee metallurgical accounting processes, ensuring accuracy and integrity of metal balances.
- Managing the Analytical laboratory and offering continuous improvement through hands on training and revisions of existing SOP’s.
Technology & Innovation
- Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices.
- Evaluate opportunities for process improvements and innovation implementation.
Leadership & Development
- Provide strategic leadership and mentorship to the Metallurgical and Analytical Services teams.
- Drive professional development, performance management, and succession planning within the department.
Budgeting & Capital Planning
- Contribute to annual processing department budgets and forecasts.
- Identify long-term processing needs and develop capital expenditure justifications.
Standard Operating Procedures
- Develop and maintain SOPs for routine plant sampling, metallurgical testing, and lab operations.
- Ensure consistent execution of procedures across teams.
Training & Personnel Development
- Assist in training and upskilling team members to perform critical sampling, analysis, and testing duties.
- Foster a collaborative and knowledgeable team environment.
Regulatory & Company Compliance
- Adhere to and enforce company policies including safety, environmental standards, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
- Ensure metallurgical operations comply with all applicable regulations.
Performance & Conduct
- Meet or exceed performance expectations as outlined by management.
- Demonstrate consistent judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
Workplace Safety
- Maintain a safe work environment for self and team members.
- Promote a proactive safety culture and actively participate in safety programs.
Chief Metallurgist Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a related field required.
- Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in mineral processing, with at least 2 years in a senior metallurgical role at a gold/silver operation.
- Demonstrated experience with Merrill-Crowe operations, Analytical Laboratory support and utilizing data driven responses to recovery optimization.
- Experience in a surface mining environment is required; refractory ore treatment experience is strongly preferred.
- Deep understanding of metallurgical process design, operation, optimization, and control.
- Proficient in metallurgical accounting, sampling protocols, and data interpretation.
- Experience scaling up laboratory/pilot tests to full production systems.
- Familiar with plant modeling software, metallurgical databases, and statistical process control tools.
- Strong knowledge of safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements in metallurgical operations.
- Proven leadership and people management skills with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong mentoring and coaching abilities to support staff development and succession planning.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reporting, technical presentations, and cross-department collaboration.
- Capable of working independently and making sound engineering decisions under pressure.
- Maintain punctual and reliable attendance.
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by supervisors.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or possess the required I-9 documents to legally work within the United States.
Working Conditions & Environment
- Environment: This position requires working in both office and field settings. Conditions include hot desert temperatures that are often above 100 degrees, exposure to wind, dust, industrial noise, and varying weather conditions.
- Location: The Moss Mine Complex is located approximately (7) miles east of Bullhead City, AZ in the Mojave Desert.
- Physical Demands: This position requires the ability to stand for extended periods (1-3 hours) and walk on uneven surfaces, including moderate inclines and declines of up to approximately a 10% grade. The role also involves occasionally lifting or carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Mineral Processing: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Bullhead City, AZ 86442 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Bullhead City, AZ 86442: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
