Lead Metallurgist

Be an essential element to a brighter future.  We work together to transform essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity and health. Join our values-led organization committed to building a more resilient world with people and planet in mind. Our core values are the foundation that make us successful for ourselves, our customers and the planet.  Job Description We work together to transform essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity and health. Join our values-led organization committed to building a more resilient world with people and planet in mind. Our core values are the foundation that make us successful for ourselves, our customers and the planet.  Albemarle is looking for an experienced Lead metallurgist for Kings Mountain Lithium Concentrator. This position will be hybrid. 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. What you will do 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 What you bring Required 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 experien