JOB TITLE: Lab Tech- Met Lab
DEPARTMENT: Met Lab
LOCATION: Robinson Mine- Ruth, NV
PAY GRADE: N/A
POSITION REPORTS TO: Senior Metallurgist
ROTATING SHIFT: No
NONEXEMPT
Purpose & Scope of The Position:
The Metallurgical Technician supports concentrator and laboratory operations by conducting metallurgical test work, preparing samples, maintaining analytical equipment, and assisting with process improvement initiatives. This role is responsible for generating accurate and timely test data to support copper recovery, reagent optimization, and overall metallurgical performance in a safe and efficient manner. This position also includes general labor, hole watch, and laboratory cleanup.
Job Duties & Responsibilities:
- Perform diagnostic flotation tests and bench-scale flotation work to evaluate ore response and support process optimization.
- Prepare metallurgical samples, including drying, crushing, splitting, blending, and submitting samples for analysis as required.
- Conduct moisture analysis, hardness testing, and Bond Ball Mill Work Index testing to support ore characterization and grinding performance evaluation.
- Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments, including pH meters, XRF, and viscometers.
- Perform routine pH calibration and verify instrument accuracy to ensure reliable metallurgical test data.
- Carry out reagent testing and evaluation to identify opportunities to improve metallurgical performance, recovery, grade, and process stability in the lab and support plant testing through sampling, staging reagents and checking dosages.
- Record, analyze, and report test results accurately, maintaining clear laboratory logs, spreadsheets, and supporting documentation.
- Assist with troubleshooting metallurgical and plant performance issues through test work, observations, and data collection.
- Follow all safety, environmental, and operating procedures while handling samples, reagents, and laboratory equipment.
- Follow safe work procedures and best practices.
- Willingness to perform other duties as necessary to ensure the success of KGHM.
- This position may require field sampling, laboratory support, and coordination with operations and metallurgical engineering personnel.
- The candidate must be able to adapt to changing production priorities and perform other duties as assigned to support safe and effective plant performance.
Required Education, Work Experience & Training:
- Experience in metallurgical laboratory or concentrator support within a mining environment, preferably in copper flotation operations.
- Working knowledge of sample preparation, bench flotation, moisture analysis, Bond work index testing, hardness testing, and reagent evaluation.
- Familiarity with pH calibration, on-stream analyzers, viscometers, and general laboratory instrumentation.
- Strong attention to detail, data recording, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work safely, independently, and collaboratively in a mine site environment.
- Basic computer proficiency, including data entry and spreadsheet reporting.
- A valid Driver's License.
Preferred Education, Work Experience & Training:
- Previous related work experience.
- Associate degree, technical diploma, or equivalent experience in metallurgy, mineral processing, chemistry, or a related field.
Technical Skills:
- Familiarity with pH calibration, on-stream analyzers, viscometers, and general laboratory instrumentation.
- Strong attention to detail, data recording, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work safely, independently, and collaboratively in a mine site environment.
Travel Requirements:
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Additional Requirements:
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical, including drug and alcohol testing.
- Ability to meet the required physical demands, including exerting 50-100 pounds of force occasionally and/or 25-50 pounds of force frequently and/or 10-20 pounds of force constantly.