ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chief Mining Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

i-80 Gold Corp.

Chief Mining Engineer

Eureka, NV · On-site

Chief Mining Engineer - Archimedes Underground (Ruby Hill) i-80 Gold Corp is seeking a motivated ... Asist the project manager in building a technical team of engineers, surveyors and geologists for ...

Solidus Resources

Chief Mining Engineer

Imlay, NV · On-site

Partner with operations, geology, processing, maintenance, hydrogeology, and other site teams ... Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline. * 8+ years of progressive ...

Solidus Resources LLC

Chief Mining Engineer

Imlay, NV · On-site

... geology, and other technical teams. o Monitor performance and improve safety, productivity ... Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline. • 8+ years ...

Kghm-International-Ltd.

Geologist

Miami, AZ · On-site

Chief Engineer EXEMPT NONEXEMPT Carlota Copper Company (CCC) is located between Miami and Superior ... Export mining cuts to Terrain. * Comply with all Carlota environmental regulations. * Willingness ...

KGHM, International Ltd

Geologist

Miami, AZ

Chief Engineer EXEMPT NONEXEMPT Carlota Copper Company (CCC) is located between Miami and Superior ... Export mining cuts to Terrain. * Comply with all Carlota environmental regulations. * Willingness ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Chief Geologist

Elko, NV · On-site

Elko, NV, USA, Job Summary The Chief Geologist is responsible for providing leadership in Geology to technical service group, the mining department and mining contractors to ensure that the mine ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Chief Geologist

Elko, NV · On-site

S. The mine is located in White Pine County, one of the best mining jurisdictions in the world ... Job Summary The Chief Geologist is responsible for providing leadership in Geology to technical ...

KGHM, International Ltd

Geologist

Miami, AZ · On-site

Chief Engineer EXEMPT ◼ NONEXEMPT ◻ Carlota Copper Company (CCC) is located between Miami and ... Export mining cuts to Terrain. * Comply with all Carlota environmental regulations. * Willingness ...

KGHM, International Ltd

Production Geologist

Ruth, NV · On-site

Robinson Nevada Mining Company - Ruth, NV PAY GRADE: 6 POSITION REPORTS TO: Chief Production Geologist ROTATING SHIFT: No ◼ EXEMPT ◼ Purpose & Scope of The Position: The primary purpose of this ...

Colorado Psychiatric

Geologist

Iowa, LA · On-site

Work with a team of professionals led by Mineral Research Partners CEO, mining and environmental ... Geologist may occasionally visit the mine area to assist in field work, thereby occasionally being ...

Colorado Psychiatric

Work with a team of professionals led by Mineral Research Partners CEO, mining and environmental ... Geologist may occasionally visit the mine area to assist in field work, thereby occasionally being ...

Hecla Mining Company

The mine is owned and operated by Hecla Mining Company, headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho ... the Chief Geologist. The role includes 1) supervision of the production geology staff, 2) ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Mine Geologist

Republic, WA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Work directly with mining operations to collect geological field data as part of the mining cycle ... Reporting Relationships This position reports to the Chief Geologist. Language Requirements English.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsChief Mining Geologist Jobs

Chief Mining Geologist information

See salary details

$36K

$77K

$124.5K

How much do chief mining geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief mining geologist in the United States is $77,030.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $93,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief mining geologist?

Chief Mining Geologists are senior professionals responsible for overseeing all geological aspects of mining operations. They lead teams of geologists to assess mineral deposits, develop exploration strategies, and ensure the efficient and safe extraction of resources. Their duties also include supervising geological mapping, sample collection, and resource estimation, as well as collaborating with engineers and management on mine planning. Chief Mining Geologists play a crucial role in maximizing mine productivity while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief mining geologist?

To thrive as a Chief Mining Geologist, you need in-depth expertise in geology, mineral exploration, and resource estimation, typically supported by a degree in geology or geological engineering and extensive field experience. Familiarity with geological modeling software (such as Surpac or Leapfrog), GIS systems, and relevant certifications like P.Geo or Registered Professional Geologist is common. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These abilities ensure accurate resource evaluation, regulatory compliance, and efficient project management in mining operations.

What are the common challenges faced by a chief mining geologist in coordinating exploration and production teams?

A Chief Mining Geologist often encounters challenges in aligning the goals and activities of exploration and production teams, as these groups may have differing priorities and timelines. Ensuring effective communication about geological findings, resource estimates, and operational constraints is crucial to minimize misunderstandings and optimize resource extraction. Balancing short-term production targets with the long-term strategic value of geological resources requires strong leadership and decision-making skills. Additionally, adapting to evolving technologies and regulatory requirements adds complexity to the role, making flexibility and continuous learning essential.

What is the difference between Chief Mining Geologist vs Mining Geologist?

AspectChief Mining GeologistMining Geologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geology, certifications like PG or equivalentBachelor's or Master's in Geology or related field
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing multiple projects, strategic planningFieldwork and site analysis, data collection
Industry UsageUsed in mining companies for senior technical leadershipCommonly employed for site-specific geological assessments

The main difference is that the Chief Mining Geologist holds a senior, leadership position responsible for overseeing geological operations and strategy, while the Mining Geologist focuses on fieldwork, data collection, and site analysis. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their responsibilities and scope differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Chief Mining Geologist jobs?

For Chief Mining Geologist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Chief Mining Geologist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,030 per year, or $37 per hour.

Chief Mine Engineer

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Excelsior Mining, Inc.
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Excelsior Mining, Inc.external

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Chief Mining Engineer – Gunnison Copper Project
Position Title
Chief Mining Engineer
Reports To
Senior Vice President, Projects
Dotted-Line Reporting Relationship
JCM Mine Manager
Location
Phoenix, Arizona HQ office with frequent travel to JCM mine site. In-Office position
Position Summary
The Chief Mining Engineer is responsible for leading the mining engineering strategy, optimization, and technical development of the Gunnison Copper Project. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President, Projects, the role serves as the senior mining engineering authority for mine planning, pit optimization, mine design, production forecasting, technical studies, and life-of-mine planning. This is a hands -on role.
The primary focus of the role is maximizing the value, efficiency, and long-term performance of the Gunnison Copper Project through rigorous technical analysis, project optimization, and integration of mining, heap leach, and SXEW operations. The Chief Mining Engineer will lead mining engineering inputs to project execution, expansion planning, economic evaluations, and operational readiness activities while ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and project development milestones.
The position maintains a collaborative dotted-line relationship with the JCM Mine Manager to ensure consistency of technical standards and sharing of operational knowledge across Gunnison Copper assets.
Key Responsibilities
Gunnison Project Optimization amp; Value Creation
  • Lead continuous optimization of the Gunnison Copper Project mine plan, production strategy, and development sequencing.
  • Identify opportunities to increase project value through pit optimization, mine scheduling, production improvements, operating cost reductions, and capital efficiency initiatives.
  • Evaluate trade-offs between mining, heap leach, and SXEW operations to maximize overall project economics.
  • Develop and maintain economic models supporting project optimization and strategic decision-making.
  • Lead technical evaluations of alternative mine plans, production scenarios, expansion opportunities, and development strategies.
  • Support executive decision-making through quantitative analysis and technical recommendations.
Mine Planning amp; Design
  • Develop and maintain strategic mine plans, annual plans, and life-of-mine schedules.
  • Lead pit optimization, phase design, pushback development, and mine sequencing activities.
  • Ensure mine plans support production objectives, processing requirements, and business goals.
  • Coordinate mine planning activities with geology, metallurgy, processing, environmental, and project teams.
  • Manage updates to mine planning assumptions and optimization parameters.
Technical Studies amp; Project Development
  • Lead mining engineering components of prefeasibility, feasibility, expansion, and execution-stage studies.
  • Support development of technical work programs and engineering studies required for project advancement.
  • Manage external mining consultants and technical advisors.
  • Review and validate engineering studies, technical reports, and economic evaluations.
  • Support future project expansion opportunities and long-range development planning.
Mine-to-Process Integration
  • Work closely with metallurgy, process engineering, and operations teams to optimize the integration of mining activities with heap leach and SXEW facilities.
  • Evaluate ore delivery strategies, blending opportunities, and leach pad utilization.
  • Support initiatives to improve copper recovery, operating efficiency, and project economics.
  • Ensure mine plans support processing requirements and long-term production objectives.
Operational Readiness amp; Transition to Operations
  • Support development of operating plans, production forecasts, and technical systems required for future operations.
  • Assist in establishing mine planning processes, technical standards, and performance metrics.
  • Provide technical leadership during project execution and commissioning phases.
  • Ensure mine planning systems and technical support structures are established to support sustainable operations.
Resource amp; Reserve Management
  • Support resource model updates, reserve estimation activities, and reconciliation programs.
  • Ensure mine plans accurately reflect current geological interpretations and economic assumptions.
  • Participate in technical reviews and reserve reporting activities.
  • Support preparation of technical disclosures and regulatory reporting requirements.
Technical Leadership
  • Serve as the senior mining engineering authority for the Gunnison Copper Project.
  • Establish and maintain mining engineering standards, procedures, and best practices.
  • Mentor and support mine planning and technical services personnel.
  • Foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary project teams.
JCM Technical Support
  • Maintain alignment with the JCM Mine Manager on mine planning standards, operational lessons learned, and technical best practices.
  • Provide technical review and support for strategic mine planning initiatives as required.
  • Facilitate knowledge transfer between operating and development assets.
Success Measures
  • Demonstrated increases in Gunnison Copper Project value through optimization initiatives.
  • Achievement of key project development and technical study milestones.
  • Improvement in project economics, operating cost assumptions, and production forecasts.
  • Delivery of robust life-of-mine plans and development schedules.
  • Successful integration of mine planning with heap leach and SXEW operations.
  • Effective support of project execution, expansion planning, and operational readiness.
  • Development of technically sound and economically optimized mining strategies.
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering from an accredited university is required.
  • Professional Engineer (P.Eng. or P.E.) designation, or eligibility to obtain registration, is preferred.
  • Master's degree in Mining Engineering, Mineral Economics, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related discipline is considered an asset.
Experience
  • Minimum 15 years of progressive mining engineering experience, including significant experience in open-pit mining operations and project development.
  • Minimum 5 years in a senior technical leadership, chief engineer, technical services manager, or similar role.
  • Demonstrated experience in mine planning, pit optimization, production scheduling, and life-of-mine planning.
  • Experience supporting prefeasibility studies, feasibility studies, project execution, mine expansions, and operational readiness programs.
  • Experience with copper mining operations, including heap leach and SXEW processing environments, is strongly preferred.
  • Experience managing multidisciplinary technical teams, consultants, and engineering studies.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate and improve project economics through mine optimization and operational improvement initiatives.
Technical Knowledge amp; Skills
  • Advanced knowledge of open-pit mine design, mine planning, scheduling, and optimization principles.
  • Strong understanding of mining economics, capital planning, and value optimization methodologies.
  • Experience with resource and reserve estimation processes and mine reconciliation practices.
  • Familiarity with heap leach operations and mine-to-process optimization strategies.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
  • Excellent technical report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
  • Ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable business recommendations.
Software Proficiency
Experience with one or more of the following is preferred:
  • Deswik
  • Vulcan
  • MineSight
  • Whittle
  • Leapfrog
  • AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Project
  • Power BI
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel modeling and data analysis tools

Apply