About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is for a Principal Geologist specializing in geometallurgy, focusing on integrating geological data with metallurgical processes to enhance mining operations. You'll lead geometallurgical projects, mentor teams, and collaborate with site operations to improve resource estimates and processing outcomes. It's a senior, hands-on position that combines technical expertise with leadership responsibilities.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have extensive experience in geology and geometallurgy, likely 10+ years, with strong leadership skills and a collaborative mindset. Those who thrive here are proactive problem solvers who can influence and build relationships across teams.

Worth noting

The role emphasizes a unique company culture that values independent thinking and boldness. Be prepared for a significant amount of on-site work, which may not suit everyone.

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

Purpose of the role

First Quantum is a multinational company driven by an entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to technical excellence, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. Boldness, intelligence, and drive are inherent in the way we operate.

The Principal Geologist, Geometallurgy reports to the Group Manager, Mine Geology and Mineral Resources and is a key member of the Group Mining Engineering senior management team. The position provides leadership and expertise in geometallurgy and geoscience to support and guide Mineral Resource estimates of metallurgical variables across global operations. A focus of this role is building strong relationships with site teams and influencing stakeholders to enhance value creation in both processing and mining through the geometallurgical function.

Job & Candidate Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

Uphold and promote a strong THINK safety culture.
Plan, lead and manage geometallurgical work, including related work of others.
Mentor and support site-based teams, ensuring high technical standards.
Support and assist with maintaining standards and quality of consistent data collection and secure database data.
Oversee geometallurgical domaining, geological modelling, met variables/grade estimation, resource classification, and inputs for public disclosure in accordance with CIM definitions and NI 43‑101 requirements.
Support near mine geometallurgical and Mineral Resource development, including drilling programs, geological mapping, geometallurgical sampling and testing, geochemical and geophysical data acquisitions.
Supports planning, blasting, mining and processing with relevant and timely geometallurgical block model information with a focus on integrated geometallurgical information.
Work will mostly be on-site in developing the geometallurgical functions required for integration into resource estimates, planning, ore control, mining and processing with the overall objective of delivering to plan.
Ensures alignment between Ore Control and Resource estimates, as is particularly relevant to geometallurgical data/estimates.
Identifies feasible metal opportunities, together with assisting in the development thereof.
Assists with effective communication of key performance metrics relevant to the mining geology function.

Qualifications Required:

A tertiary degree in geoscience.
Membership of a Recognized Professional Organisation (ROPO) as per NI43-101.
A recognised certificate/qualification or training in Geostatistics.
A recognised certificate/qualification in Geometallurgy would be a distinct advantage.

Experience & Skills Required:

A minimum of 10 years relevant experience, including 5+ years in a senior geometallurgy/geology role.
Copper and nickel base metal geology is preferable
Open-pit production exposure
Geometallurgical domaining and ore performance
Geological data collection
Database management
Geology knowledge and 3D modelling
Geostatistics
Ore control and ore tracking
Reconciliation, and
General work planning.
Management and leadership skills, including:
Leadership for motivating, goal setting and decision making
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Informed decision making
Strategic thinking for identifying trends impacting longer-term planning
Emotional intelligence including self-awareness and managing the emotions of others
Delegation, and
Conflict management.
Knowledge of relevant production software (Datamine, Leapfrog, Datashed, Snowden Supervisor, RMSP or other relevant mining software).

Behavioural Traits Required:

Ability to work with teams within a multi-cultural and diverse environment
Integrity – demonstrated ability to act with integrity, honesty and ethically
Adaptability to new ideas and technology
Pragmatism
A positive attitude with optimism and drive
A passion for the development and mentoring of people.

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Aplyr's read

First Quantum Minerals is a leading player in the global mining industry, attracting professionals in engineering, geosciences, and community relations.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Strong global presence with operations in multiple countries.
•Focus on copper and nickel positions it well in the growing demand for these metals.
•Diverse roles available, from technical to community-focused positions.

What to watch

•Mining operations are subject to environmental and regulatory challenges.
•Fluctuating commodity prices can impact financial stability.
•Operations in politically unstable regions may pose risks.

Why First Quantum Minerals

•Significant investment in geometallurgy and process control.
•Emphasis on community relations and social responsibility.
•Innovative earthworks optimization strategies in place.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About First Quantum Minerals

First Quantum Minerals

first-quantum.com

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First Quantum Minerals Ltd. is a global mining and metals company engaged in the exploration, development, and production of copper and nickel, with operations in various countries.