Mine Geologist

ASARCO Ray Mine is seeking an enthusiastic Mine Geologist to be part of a dedicated team focused on supporting copper production at a world class copper deposit. The Ray Mine Geologist plays a critical role in supporting safe and efficient ore extraction by providing accurate geological interpretation, ore boundary definition, and field validation at an autonomous haulage, high-tonnage open-pit copper mine, which processes both sulfide and oxide ores. Reporting to the Chief Mine Geologist, this position ensures that ore control decisions are informed by field observations and geological data, and that ore routing supports both Mine-to-Mill optimization and LSXEW leach material performance. The Mine Geologist is instrumental in linking and integrating geology with operations, planning, and metallurgy to drive site-wide value generation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct detailed pit mapping, geologic logging, and sampling with focus on lithology, structure, alteration, and mineralization, ensuring accurate material classification.
• Define and update ore control polygons and ore/waste boundaries, ensuring sulfide and oxide ore are routed appropriately to mill, leach pad, or stockpiles.
• Support Mine-to-Mill initiatives by identifying rock characteristics that impact fragmentation, handling, and plant throughput, and communicating findings to Drill & Blast and Processing teams.
• Collaborate with the LSXEW and Metallurgy teams to optimize heap leach material selection, ensuring appropriate copper solubility, acid consumption, and mineralogy compatibility.
• Contribute geological insight to shovel placement and short-range production plans to minimize dilution and maximize recovery.
• Assist in the update of 3D operational geology models in Leapfrog Geo, under direction of the Chief Geologist, ensuring current pit conditions are reflected in planning inputs.
• Participate in grade reconciliation processes, comparing predicted vs. actual performance, identifying causes of discrepancies, and refining geological interpretations.
• Perform QA/QC of sampling procedures including blast hole logging, channel sampling, and data integrity reviews.
• Coordinate closely with Survey, Mine Engineering, and Operations to ensure geological guidance is actionable and aligned with the short-range mining schedule.
• Report findings and provide visualizations in daily/weekly production meetings and planning reviews.
• Ensure geological work and documentation adhere to international best practices, including conformity with U.S. SEC SK-1300 technical reporting standards as applicable.
• Ensure compliance with site HSE standards and promote safe fieldwork practices.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Geology, Geological Engineering, or a related discipline
• 2 years of open pit mine geology experience, preferably in porphyry copper systems
• Working knowledge of ore control methods and field validation for both mill-grade and leach-grade material
• Familiarity with Mine-to-Mill concepts, including fragmentation analysis and geometallurgical impacts
• Understanding of heap leach behavior, including copper solubility, oxide/sulfide transitions, and acid consumption trends
• Proficiency in geologic software (Leapfrog Geo, MinePlan, Vulcan, or similar)
• Strong observational skills and ability to work closely with cross-functional teams in field and office settings
• Effective communication and technical documentation skills
• Valid driver's license

The Ray mine is located 64 miles southeast of Phoenix and 70 miles northeast of Tucson. We have a robust carpool / vanpool program and encourage employees to participate. Employees save more than 50% of their commuting costs while reading, sleeping or just enjoying the view.

A core value of ASARCO LLC is "Safety First." The Company is committed to help employees continuously improve their efforts to work in the most safe, inclusive, socially and environmentally responsible manner practicable. Employee safety and health, both on and off the job, are critically important to the Company. Therefore, ASARCO LLC requires employees to have and effectively demonstrate good working knowledge of modern safety systems. Each employee will take prime responsibility for ensuring that s/he works within all required safety procedures and processes.

ASARCO is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates must possess a current and valid driver's license. Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check and pre-employment physical including a drug screen.

ASARCO offers an excellent low-cost benefits package for medical/prescription/ dental/vision, disability coverage, life insurance and other optional coverage, and 401(k) plan with company match.