Senior Geologist- Open Pit (Porphyry Copper)

The Senior Mine Geologist is a key technical leader responsible for ore control, grade control, geological modeling, and geometallurgical integration at a large-scale open-pit porphyry copper operation producing approximately 120,000 tons per day. Supporting both sulfide concentrator and oxide heap leach/SXEW processing circuits, this position plays a critical role in maximizing ore recovery, optimizing material classification, and improving mine-to-mill performance.

Reporting to the Chief Geologist, the Senior Mine Geologist provides technical leadership to mine geologists and geological technicians while ensuring timely, accurate, and actionable geological data supports mine planning, operations, metallurgy, and resource management. This position serves as the primary technical authority for grade control models, drill programs, geological interpretation, and reconciliation activities.

Key Responsibilities

Ore Control & Grade Control

• Lead development, maintenance, and refinement of operational grade control models supporting short- and medium-range mine planning.
• Generate and validate dig polygons and ore/waste boundaries for sulfide mill feed and oxide leach material.
• Ensure accurate material classification based on copper grade, mineralization style, oxidation state, metallurgical performance, and deleterious elements.
• Integrate geological mapping, blast-hole assays, drilling data, and production information into grade control models.
• Identify opportunities to improve ore recovery, reduce dilution, and enhance ore routing decisions.

Geological Modeling & Interpretation

• Develop and maintain 3D geological models reflecting current pit conditions, lithology, alteration, structure, and mineralization controls.
• Conduct and oversee pit mapping, geological logging, and sampling programs.
• Interpret geological controls on mineralization within a large-scale porphyry copper system to improve predictive confidence.
• Communicate geological risks and opportunities that may impact production, ore quality, or mine planning.
• Support resource geology activities through operational data collection and model validation.

Grade Reconciliation & Data Analysis

• Lead F1, F2, and F3 reconciliation analyses comparing resource models, grade control models, production grades, and plant performance.
• Investigate and resolve reconciliation variances related to geology, sampling, modeling, or operational factors.
• Develop recommendations to improve model performance and forecasting accuracy.
• Maintain reconciliation databases and prepare technical reports for site leadership.
• Support resource estimation efforts through geological interpretations, domain validation, and database reviews.

Geometallurgical Integration

• Collaborate closely with Metallurgy, Processing, Mine Engineering, and Operations teams.
• Evaluate geological controls affecting plant performance, including:
  • Copper recovery
  • Flotation response
  • Ore hardness
  • Acid consumption
  • Copper solubility
• Support Mine-to-Mill initiatives by identifying rock characteristics that influence drilling, blasting, fragmentation, and throughput.
• Contribute to development and refinement of geometallurgical models.
• Ensure ore routing decisions are supported by sufficient geological, mineralogical, and metallurgical data.

Technical Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure geological data, models, and reporting comply with SEC SK-1300 standards and industry best practices.
• Maintain organized and auditable geological databases, QA/QC documentation, and model archives.
• Prepare technical reports supporting resource updates, mine planning, reserve evaluations, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide geological input for geotechnical assessments, waste characterization, and environmental permitting activities.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide technical mentorship and daily guidance to mine geologists and geological technicians.
• Establish and maintain standards for geological mapping, logging, sampling, database management, and modeling workflows.
• Serve as acting geology lead in the absence of the Chief Geologist.
• Participate in production, planning, and cross-functional meetings to provide geological guidance and recommendations.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geology, Geological Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in open-pit mine geology, with demonstrated expertise in porphyry copper operations.
• Strong experience in:
  • Ore control
  • Grade control modeling
  • Geological interpretation
  • Resource reconciliation
  • Drill program execution
• Working knowledge of porphyry copper deposit geology, including:
  • Supergene enrichment
  • Oxide-sulfide transitions
  • Hydrothermal alteration systems
  • Structural controls on mineralization
• Familiarity with both sulfide flotation and oxide heap leach/SXEW processing operations.
• Experience with geological modeling and mine planning software such as:
  • Leapfrog Geo
  • Hexagon MinePlan
  • Vulcan
  • acQuire
  • GIS platforms
• Experience implementing and maintaining QA/QC programs for blast-hole, RC, and diamond drill sampling.
• Strong analytical, communication, and technical reporting skills.
• Valid Arizona driver's license.
• Ability to work in an active mining environment and perform regular field-based work.

Preferred Qualifications

• 8 years of mine geology experience in large-scale open-pit copper operations.
• Experience supporting dual-circuit operations (concentrator and heap leach/SXEW).
• Prior supervisory or technical leadership experience.
• Professional Geologist (PG), Registered Member (RM), Qualified Person (QP), or eligibility to obtain professional registration.
• Experience with geometallurgical modeling and Mine-to-Mill optimization initiatives.