Junior - Geo Metallurgist

Junior - Geo metallurgist

Reports to: Process Lead

Direct Reports: None

Purpose of the Role:

To develop, implement and maintain an integrated geo-metallurgical progamme that links geology, mining, mineralogy, metallurgy and plant performance to maximise metal recovery, concentrate quality and operational stability.

The role is responsible for predicting metallurgical performance ahead of processing, identifying ore-related risks, developing mitigation strategies, and providing proactive guidance to operations, geology and mine planning teams.

The objective is to transform metallurgical control from a reactive function into a predictive function.

Key Accountabilities:

Ore characterisation:

• Develop and maintain a geo metallurgical ore classification system.
• Characterise ore domains based on geology, mineralogy, texture, alteration, hardness and metallurgical response
• Establish ore fingerprints for all mining domains
• Identify ore types associated with poor flotation performance
• Identify deleterious minerals and contaminants

Geo-metallurgical Modelling

Develop predictive models linking ore characteristics to:

• Zinc recovery
• Lead recovery
• Concentrate grade
• Reagent consumption
• Grinding performance
• Throughput
• Tailings losses

Maintain geometallurgical block models.
Develop machine learning and statistical models to predict plant performance.
Continuously validate models against actual plant results.

Mineralogy and Ore Variability Management

Monitor mineralogical changes within the orebody.
Evaluate sphalerite chemistry including Fe and Mn substitution.
Monitor liberation characteristics.
Evaluate grain size distributions.
Assess mineral associations and locking characteristics.
Identify ore blending requirements.

Flotation Performance Management

Quantify the impact of ore variability on flotation.
Predict recovery impacts before ore enters the plant.
Recommend reagent changes before recovery losses occur.
Recommend grind size adjustments.
Recommend blending strategies.
Recommend throughput adjustments where required.

Integrated Mine-to-Mill Optimisation

Work closely with geology, mine planning and metallurgy teams.
Provide metallurgical forecasts to mine planning.
Develop mine schedules considering metallurgical performance.
Ensure ore feed quality supports production objectives.
Improve overall metal recovery and concentrator profitability.

Data Analytics and Digital Systems

Develop and maintain geo-metallurgical databases.

Statistics and multivariate analysis.
Machine learning applications in mineral processing.
Geostatistics.
Mine-to-mill optimization.
Orebody knowledge.
Process control.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BSc Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Geology or Chemical Engineering
• Minimum 3 years mineral processing experience.
• Experience in base metal concentrators/Platinum concentrators/Floatation
• Demonstrated experience in geo-metallurgical modelling.
• Qualifications in Data Science required

SUCCESS MEASURE

The Geometallurgist shall ensure that ore characteristics become a leading indicator of plant performance and that metallurgical interventions are implemented proactively before negative impacts on recovery, concentrate quality and profitability occur.