Lead Metallurgist

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Job Description

Albemarle is looking for an experienced Lead metallurgist for Kings Mountain Lithium Concentrator. This Lead Metallurgist will be responsible for future metallurgical test programs and reviewing past and ongoing metallurgical testing programs, data interpretation, flowsheet design and selection, and incorporation of results into the overall feasibility study in cooperation with internal and external stakeholders. Focused areas of responsibility would include managing all dry processes all the way from ROM pad to crushing plant, ore sorting till the DMS separation plant.

Once in execution stage, the role will be responsible for the implementation, commissioning, and optimization of the concentrator and supporting operation for safely producing quality lithium concentrate while achieving the design capacities of throughput and recovery.

This position is part of Albemarle’s Lithium Global Capital Growth Project organization team.

Primary Responsibilities Include: Project Studies

• Development and implementation of metallurgical accounting for the site, including sampling strategy and flows characterization

• Review the concentrator design criteria and flowsheet, assist with developing an overall integrated operational readiness plan for the concentrator and ensure there are adequate detailed supporting schedules for technical services and construction teams

• Develop, oversee, review, & coordinate geometallurgy programs and testing with geologists, mining engineers and metallurgists for optimizing the metallurgical performance for continuous improvement and sustainability

• Support ore characterization and build an understanding of its potential impact on plant design and performance

• Evaluate potential for by-products to be generated on site from mid process streams.

• Help build the foundation for the process performance monitoring strategy to be set up at the new concentrator

Operational readiness and operation:

• Assist the Manager, Concentrator Operations and Readiness, to develop the overall planning, execution, and reporting of operational readiness activities, including recruiting metallurgists, assay lab technicians, systems implementation, policies development and training

• Developing the concentrator operator training program with third party. Focusing on developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) on the dry processes side, optimum operating parameters and metallurgical reports to support the concentrator ramp-up that are sustainable and aligned with best practices in the mining industry

• Collaborate in the development of the schedule for plant technical services personnel to successfully support the commissioning and ramp up when custody and control from the projects group is transferred to the operations

• Responsible for building and training the assay lab team and implementing the QA/QC processes to ensure assay lab quality and business sustainability

• Responsible for daily metallurgical balance, reporting and end-of-month production reconciliation.

• Develop and manage department annual budgets and quarterly forecasts

• Develop, implement and maintain safe work procedures and ensure compliance with mine site safety standards

• Work closely with maintenance department to improve the fixed plant asset efficiency for continuous improvement on the daily concentrator throughput once in operation

• After the concentrator is commissioned, oversee the metallurgical research and development program for Kings Mountain concentrator ensuring new and innovative ideas are transferred and realized for maximum benefit

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong analytical skills with details oriented with a practical understanding of mineral processing operations

• Advanced knowledge in mineral processing and best-in-class operation practices

• Solid knowledge of mineralogy, ore characterization, and geometallurgy

• Experience with metallurgical testing, flowsheet development, equipment selection and sizing

• Experience in the safety management of processing plants and associated facilities

• Strong leadership skills and ability to create a positive work environment, ability to supervise diverse teams including metallurgists, supervisors, and lab technicians and mentor junior employees

• Excellent project management skills, ability to drive results through proper planning and scheduling

• Ability to build and support a high-performance team of metallurgists through leading by example and initiative, continuous learning, and coaching.

• Operational excellence experiences with Six Sigma, Lean Kaizen, and continuous improvements approach

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills

• Digital Transformation knowledge, Artificial Intelligence applied to Value Chain Processes

Experience, Qualifications & Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, mineral processing or chemical engineering required

• 10+ years of progressive metallurgical experience in a mining/minerals processing setting

• Experience in designing and reviewing test programs to support flowsheet design and optimization

• Experience in start-up and commissioning of new equipment and/or facilities

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the concentrator operation

• Demonstrated ability to predict and make concentrate production forecasts and meet final concentrate specifications.

• Practical knowledge concerning design and operation of common process equipment such as crushers, ball mills, screens, flotation, slurry filtering, pumps, blowers, heat exchangers, thickeners, tailing facilities, piping, etc.

• Demonstrated ability to anticipate technical needs, drive metallurgical test work to make recommendations for process improvement changes based on data analysis.

• Experience in training and coaching direct staff and contractors in safety processes and procedures, ensuring compliance with all applicable protocols and regulations

• Knowledge of Metallurgical accounting best practices

• Knowledge of mining (MSHA) safety regulations

• Ability to effectively communicate with employees at all levels

• Must be self-motivated and with a demonstrated ability of leading by example to motivate others

• Experience in the preparation of capital and operating budgets

• Familiar with concentrator automation and advanced process control systems

• Knowledge of the storage, handling and use of reagents and minimizing the risks associated with reagents

Preferred:

• Lithium mineral processing experience

• Remote operations centers experience

• Simulation tool, SysCAD, SimMet experience

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Benefits of Joining Albemarle

• Competitive compensation

• Comprehensive benefits package

• A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally.

We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and resources that foster your well-being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together.