Assistant Graduate Mining Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

WHAT WE OFFER

Your journey with Capstone Copper starts here. At Capstone, our people are the heart of our organization. We are focused on growth and are committed to unlocking the full potential of ourselves, our teams and our resources. We invest in our people to develop a skilled and engaged workforce, not only for today, but for the future. If you are looking for a purposeful, performance-driven and dynamic work environment, join us!

Pinto Valley is an open-pit copper mine located at the west end of the historic Globe-Miami mining district of central Arizona, approximately 80 miles east of Phoenix. Pinto Valley has been in operation since 1972 and has produced more than four billion pounds of copper. Acquired by Capstone from BHP in 2013, the mine is fully permitted through 2039 and a study is underway to potentially extend the mine life through 2050.

Our proximity to the Greater Phoenix metro area provides prospective employees with the option to live in communities such as Mesa, Apache Junction, Gilbert, Chandler, San Tan Valley, or Florence. Our location offers a unique work-life balance, blending the rewarding opportunities of the mining industry with easy access to the vibrant energy of Downtown Phoenix, making it an ideal choice for both individuals and their families.

Capstone employees are eligible for an extensive total rewards package, designed to support your physical, mental, financial, and emotional well-being. This package includes, but is not limited to:

• 401(k) Savings Plan – Eligible from day one. Employees may contribute up to 90% of eligible earnings, subject to IRS limits, with a dollar-for-dollar company match up to 6%, fully vested immediately.
• Retirement Boost – The company contributes 8.5% of eligible earnings, increasing to 14.2% after the employee reaches the applicable Social Security wage base limit, with 100% immediate vesting.
• Employee Share Purchase Plan – After three months, contribute 2% to 7% of your salary (max $5,000/year) to buy company shares, with a 50% company match, fully vested upon grant.
• Annual Short Term Incentive Bonus
• 4-day, 10-hour work schedule (schedules may vary depending on position)
• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits (effective on start date), including Telehealth options and additional supplemental insurances
• Disability and Life Insurance (effective on start date)
• Paid time-off, including vacation, holidays, sick leave, and parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Internal progression opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Discounted insurance plans for pets, automobiles and homes
• Additional Potential Benefits:
  • Relocation assistance available, with additional funds provided to cover tax liabilities

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Graduate Metallurgist / Metallurgist I provides technical support to concentrator operations through metallurgical analysis, process monitoring, laboratory testing, and continuous improvement initiatives. This entry-level role works closely with Metallurgists, Operations, Maintenance, Process Control, Mine Engineering, and Laboratory personnel to optimize plant performance, improve metal recoveries, and ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible processing operations.

The role offers hands-on experience across crushing, grinding, flotation, filtration, dewatering, metallurgical accounting, and plant optimization while developing technical expertise under the guidance of experienced metallurgical professionals.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor daily plant performance and assist with tracking key metallurgical performance indicators (KPIs), including recovery, grade, throughput, and reagent consumption.
• Collect, validate, analyze, and interpret metallurgical and operating data to support process improvements.
• Assist with maintaining accurate metallurgical balances, production reporting, and process documentation.
• Support laboratory test work, sample preparation, pilot plant testing, and metallurgical investigations.
• Assist with planning, scheduling, and executing metallurgical test work to evaluate plant performance and process improvements.
• Participate in troubleshooting processing issues affecting crushing, grinding, flotation, filtration, and dewatering circuits.
• Support metallurgical optimization projects focused on improving recoveries, concentrate quality, plant stability, and operating costs.
• Work with technicians and operations personnel to collect representative plant samples and verify analytical results.
• Assist in monitoring and validating plant analytical equipment including automated samplers, particle size analyzers, and on-stream analyzers.
• Conduct routine inspections of processing equipment during planned shutdowns and report observations to senior metallurgical staff.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and summaries of metallurgical test work and operating results.
• Work closely with Mine Engineering to understand ore characteristics and support processing strategies.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and operational problem-solving activities.
• Collaborate effectively with Operations, Maintenance, Laboratory, Process Control, Mine Engineering, contractors, and technical consultants.
• Maintain compliance with company safety standards, MSHA regulations, environmental requirements, and standard operating procedures.
• Participate in professional development and technical training opportunities.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a related engineering discipline.
• 0–2 years of experience in mineral processing, concentrator operations, or metallurgical laboratory work (internships and co-op experience considered).
• Basic understanding of mineral processing principles including crushing, grinding, flotation, filtration, and dewatering.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced operating environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one.

Preferred

• Internship or co-op experience in mining or mineral processing.
• Exposure to copper and/or molybdenum concentrator operations.
• Experience with laboratory testing and metallurgical sampling techniques.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and process data interpretation.
• Experience with SAP, PI System, or other industrial data management systems.
• Technical report writing experience.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Mineral Processing Fundamentals
• Metallurgical Data Analysis
• Process Monitoring
• Laboratory & Pilot Plant Testing
• Process Optimization
• Metallurgical Accounting
• Technical Problem Solving
• Data Interpretation
• Technical Report Writing
• Continuous Improvement
• Team Collaboration
• Communication Skills
• Time Management
• Attention to Detail
• Safety Leadership
• Learning Agility and Professional Development

All candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical exam, drug and alcohol test, and background check. All positions require a pre-placement physical examination to ensure candidates are 'fit for duty’. Additional training and/or testing may be required. Capstone maintains a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

CAPSTONE COPPER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.