Senior Metallurgist

Impala Canada is the owner and operator of the Lac des Iles Mine, located 90 minutes northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario. In operation for 30+ years, the LDI Mine is one of only two known pure palladium sources in North America. Palladium contributes to a cleaner global environment, with its leading use being in catalytic converters that reduce harmful emissions from gas-powered and hybrid vehicles.

The LDI Mine features a unique ore body and modern infrastructure, including underground and surface mining and milling operations. The LDI Mine is in Robinson-Superior Treaty territory, and the land on which we operate is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg and the Métis. Impala Canada actively partners with local organizations, programs and events focused on healthcare, education and community development to help enhance the quality of life for all.

Senior Metallurgist

Job Summary

Reporting to the Mill Manager, the Senior Metallurgist is responsible for providing technical metallurgical leadership and support to mill operations while driving continuous process improvement initiatives. The incumbent will lead the metallurgical team, optimize plant performance, and ensure the achievement of key metallurgical and operational targets.

This position operates on a 14 days on / 14 days off rotation, working 12-hour shifts.

Key Responsibilities

Health, Safety, and Environmental Leadership

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture throughout the workplace.
• Ensure compliance with all company safety policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and frontline supervisor responsibilities.
• Actively participate in risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action implementation.

Metallurgical Support and Process Optimization

• Provide day-to-day metallurgical support and technical guidance to mill operations and plant metallurgists.
• Monitor, analyze, and evaluate plant performance against established metallurgical KPIs.
• Design and execute plant trials, surveys, and test programs to improve metal recovery, throughput, and operating efficiency.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement sustainable improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain metallurgical operating strategies to maximize plant performance.

Continuous Improvement and Cost Management

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing recovery, productivity, and cost efficiency.
• Monitor operating costs, identify opportunities for optimization, and implement corrective actions as required.
• Initiate and manage metallurgical projects focused on improving operational performance and reducing costs.
• Support process control optimization and data-driven decision-making.

Leadership and Team Development

• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to metallurgical students, technicians, and plant metallurgists.
• Ensure effective supervision and operation of the metallurgical laboratory.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across operating crews and departments.
• Work closely with the cross-shift Senior Metallurgist to ensure continuity of operational support and effective shift handovers.

Reporting and Administration

• Prepare and review daily, weekly, and monthly metallurgical performance reports.
• Ensure metallurgical data integrity and accurate performance tracking.
• Develop, review, and continuously improve mill operating procedures and work practices.
• Act as Relief Mill Manager when required.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline from an accredited institution, required.

Experience

• Minimum of 5-10 years' experience in mineral processing within base metals or precious metals operations, preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in metallurgical troubleshooting, process optimization, and plant performance improvement.
• Experience leading technical teams within an operating plant environment.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of mineral processing and metallurgical principles.
• Experience with process control systems and continuous improvement methodologies is considered an asset.
• A strong background in crushing, grinding and Flotation required.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and shifts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and metallurgical performance monitoring.

The position offers a competitive remuneration package consisting of base salary, health & medical insurance, retirement savings plan and travel allowance. Accommodation and meals are provided while at the mine site. During your off-duty time enjoy various outdoor and indoor extracurricular activities.

Please note that all job offers are conditional upon successful completion of a pre-employment medical which includes drug and alcohol testing.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please visit www.impalacanada.com for more information regarding Lac des Iles Mines Ltd. and to submit your on-line application. Visit https://careers.impalacanada.com/ to apply.