Operations Manager, Process Engineer/Metallurgical Engineer, Mining - Springer Mine

Operations Manager, Mining

Location: Springer Mine & Processing Mill - Imlay / Winnemucca, NV (In-Person)

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operation, optimization, and mechanical maintenance of the Springer 1,200 tpd flotation circuit and milling facility. As Blue Moon Metals advances the restart of this world-class tungsten and critical metals skarn deposit, this role will spearhead operational readiness, circuit commissioning, and steady-state processing. The manager will direct chemical reagent dosing, metallurgical recovery balancing, and a dedicated team of operators to maximize concentrate grade and recovery under rigorous safety standards.

Core Responsibilities

• Process Control & Metallurgical Optimization
• Direct the daily operation of the automated rod/ball mills and multi-stage flotation circuits (tungsten, molybdenum, and sulphides).
• Maximize metallurgical recovery rates and concentrate grades for complex skarn ore bodies through continuous assay analysis.
• Oversee precise chemical reagent balancing, managing the delivery and dosing of collectors, frothers, depressants, and modifiers.
• Interface directly with metallurgical labs to adjust circuit profiles based on changing mineralogy and ore feed variations.
• Operations & Commissioning Readiness
• Lead operational readiness planning, circuit water-testing, and the eventual hot commissioning of the refurbished flotation cells.
• Collaborate closely with the Project Engineering and Maintenance Manager to coordinate plant shutdowns, mechanical overhauls, and structural adjustments.
• Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process controls for shift operators and metallurgical technicians.
• Leadership & Safety Culture
• Lead, mentor, and schedule a rotating 24/7 crew of mill operators, technicians, and laborers.
• Cultivate a strict "Zero-Harm" safety-first culture in complete alignment with Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) guidelines.
• Manage workplace risk assessments, hazard identification, and mandatory Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols inside the processing mill.
• Reagent & Budget Administration
• Formulate and execute the operational budget for process reagents, consumables, and mill liners.
• Manage vendor relationships and quality control metrics for chemical reagent supply chains.
• Track and report daily key performance indicators (KPIs) regarding mill throughput, tailing grades, and utility consumption.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a highly related technical field. Equivalent extensive operational experience may be evaluated.
• Experience: Minimum of 5-8 years of progressively responsible experience in industrial flotation operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Technical Metallurgy Background: Deep, technical knowledge of base metal or critical mineral separation. Direct experience working with tungsten (scheelite), molybdenum, or skarn mineral systems is a significant advantage.
• Regulatory Compliance: Robust working knowledge of MSHA standards for surface metal/nonmetal processing facilities.
• Work Conditions: Willingness to work in a hands-on, high-production industrial mill environment. Must reside within or be willing to relocate to a commutable distance from the Imlay/Winnemucca, NV area.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package
• 401(k)
• Career development and advancement opportunities

Pay Range & Compensation Package

Compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.