Metallurgy Lead
Job Description
About Mariana Minerals
Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We’re reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
Mariana Minerals is looking for a highly motivated Metallurgist to work on building back the domestic critical minerals supply chain.
As a Metallurgist at Mariana, you’ll play a critical role in supporting and optimizing our mineral processing operations across a range of unit processes, including heap leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX/EW), flotation, crushing, and milling. You’ll work closely with operations, technical services, and project development teams to ensure high metal recoveries, efficient reagent use, and safe, compliant plant operations. This is a site-based role with regular exposure to both fieldwork and metallurgical analysis. Expect a fast-paced, hands-on environment where your contributions directly influence production and growth.
What You’ll Do
Optimize Metallurgical Processes - Monitor and improve metallurgical performance across heap leach pads, SX/EW plants, flotation circuits, and comminution areas (crushing/milling). Identify bottlenecks, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements to enhance throughput and recovery.
Design and Execute Test Program- Plan and supervise metallurgical testwork (e.g., column leach tests, flotation tests, grinding studies). Interpret results to support operational changes or project decisions.
Track and Report Metallurgical Performance - Conduct routine sampling, analysis, and metallurgical accounting. Maintain accurate records of metallurgical balances, recoveries, and plant efficiency metrics. Prepare internal reports and contribute to monthly technical summaries.
Collaborate Across Teams- Work with operations, maintenance, and geology teams to integrate metallurgical insights into daily decision-making. Provide input to capital projects, equipment selection, and commissioning activities.
Champion Safety and Compliance - Promote a strong safety culture and ensure that all metallurgical work aligns with environmental, health, and regulatory standards.
What You'll Bring
3–7 years of experience in mineral processing, ideally with exposure to both hydrometallurgical and flotation circuits.
Strong understanding of heap leach dynamics, SX/EW systems, flotation chemistry, and comminution fundamentals.
Skilled in metallurgical test design, data analysis, and performance optimization.
Experience with metallurgical modeling and software tools such as METSIM, HSC, or similar process modeling software package
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Excellent communication skills—able to translate technical findings into actionable recommendations.
Proactive, safety-conscious, and results-driven, with a collaborative mindset.
Ability to thrive in a field-based, production-focused environment.
Our culture is built on three principles:
Extreme Ownership – We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions.
Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate – We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale.
Share Your Legos – We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.
Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply.