Chief Metallurgist

Golden Vertex Corp is a mining company based in Bullhead City, AZ, specializing in gold extraction. Golden Vertex was recently acquired by new ownership and is under new management. The Company operates the Moss Mine located in Mohave County in northwestern Arizona, approximately a one hour and a half drive south of Las Vegas, Nevada. Golden Vertex Corp is currently seeking a qualified person for the position of Chief Metallurgist for our Moss Mine project.

About this role – Chief 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 deep understanding of pressure oxidation and downstream processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement and leadership development.

Chief Metallurgist 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, 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.
• Manage carbon inventory tracking and control within the plant circuit.

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.
• Master’s degree or advanced training in metallurgy or extractive processes preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in mineral processing, with at least 3 years in a senior metallurgical role at a gold/silver operation.
• Demonstrated experience with pressure oxidation (POX), carbon-in-leach (CIL/CIP), flotation, leaching, and gold/silver recovery processes.
• Experience in a surface mining environment is required; autoclave and 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.
• Possess or obtain a valid state-issued driver’s license or pass an internal driver competency exam.
• Maintain punctual and reliable attendance.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by supervisors.

What We Offer:

Salary Range $105,000 - $125,000

Medical/Dental/Vision package

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Bonus opportunities