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Copper Smelter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

Smelter Operator II

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is the most significant source of sulfuric acid for our North American leaching operations. Arizona ...

Freeport McMoRan

Smelter Operator II

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is the most significant source of sulfuric acid for our North American leaching operations.Arizona ...

Freeport McMoRan

Senior Planner - Smelter

Claypool, AZ · On-site

The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is the most significant source of sulfuric acid for our North American leaching operations.Arizona ...

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How much do copper smelter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for copper smelter in the United States is $28.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a copper smelter?

A Copper Smelter operates equipment to extract pure copper from mined ore through high-temperature smelting and refining processes. This involves monitoring furnaces, handling molten metal, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Smelters must also maintain equipment, control chemical compositions, and adhere to environmental regulations. The job requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and knowledge of metallurgy.

What are the typical work conditions and challenges faced by copper smelters?

Copper Smelters typically work in industrial settings, such as refineries or smelting plants, where high temperatures, noise, and exposure to molten materials are common. Challenges include maintaining strict safety protocols to prevent accidents, ensuring proper equipment operation, and managing the physical demands of handling heavy materials. The role often requires shift work, including nights, weekends, or overtime, depending on production needs. However, this position also offers valuable hands-on experience and opportunities to advance into supervisory or specialized technical roles within the metal processing industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a copper smelter?

To thrive as a Copper Smelter, you need a solid understanding of metallurgy, industrial safety, and smelting processes, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical training in metalworking. Experience with furnaces, material handling equipment, and knowledge of safety protocols or certifications like OSHA training are often required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this position. These competencies are crucial for maintaining workplace safety, producing high-quality copper, and ensuring efficient operations in a demanding industrial environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Copper Smelter jobs?

The most popular types of Copper Smelter jobs are:

What states have the most Copper Smelter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Copper Smelter jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Copper Smelter jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Copper Smelter jobs are:

Copper Smelter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Copper Smelter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,820 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Smelter Operator II

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

Claypool, AZ • On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Freeport-McMoRan rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 141 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 41 rated mining

Job description

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you'll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career. Apply Today!
Where You Will Work
Our Miami smelter and rod plant is nestled just 90 miles east of Phoenix. The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is the most significant source of sulfuric acid for our North American leaching operations. Arizona's Globe-Miami historic mining district offers natural beauty and a rich mining heritage. The Tri-Town of Globe, Claypool and Miami offers convenient shopping locales, including Walmart, Safeway, Fry's and other local stores. Here, our employees and their families can connect with the outdoors and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere. Visit Globe-Miami.com to learn more.
Description
Highly skilled worker who under general supervision safely performs duties related to the smelting of metals from ore in various areas of the plant.
  • Completes duties within assigned area or areas that could include the utility area, the Isa, the electric furnace, the converters, the anode plant and the acid plant
  • Responsibilities within the Isa smelting vessel area include:
    • Operating tapping machines and belting systems
    • Working on and around an industrial boiler
  • Responsibilities within the electric furnace area include:
    • Operating tapping machines
    • Operating a slag hauler (cress)
    • Cleaning launders which are used for molten metal transfers
    • Working around ventilation equipment which includes fans and scrubbers
    • Working with electrode-hydraulic systems
    • Performing housekeeping and minor maintenance activities such as troubleshooting equipment for smelter maintenance mechanics
  • Responsibilities within the converter area include:
    • Running belt systems
    • Handling silica flux and reverts
    • Operating a rotary furnace converter
  • Responsibilities within the anode plant include:
    • Working on water systems, casting systems, hydraulic systems, and refining processes
  • Responsibilities within the acid plant include:
    • Assisting with, and performing the starting and stopping of valves and pumps
    • Opening and closing valves
    • Acid stream sample retrieval
    • Analyzing samples for acid strength
    • Processing and analyzing samples in onsite lab
  • Responsibilities within the utility area include:
    • Unloading railcars that contain copper concentrate
    • Unloading bulk bags with various recycled materials such as foundry sands, precious metal scraps, and sludges that contain copper or precious metals
    • Managing truck unloading of copper concentrate, revert material, and silica
    • Transferring materials via belt systems that are distributed to different areas within the smelter
  • May assist with maintenance activities such as changing valves and piping
  • May operate skid-steer loaders, front-end loaders, 35 ton haul trucks, 75 ton overhead cranes, track excavators, forklifts, graders, water trucks, and vacuum trucks
  • Mentor and train fellow employees
  • Modify and create smelter operations standard operating procedures (SOP's)
  • Acts as a Fill-in Supervisor as needed
  • Perform area housekeeping
  • Perform other duties as required

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • At least 2 (two) years of experience in trade
  • Possess good communication skills
  • Must have completed academic and practical competencies required (this includes Line of Progression requirements for internal employees where LOP Exists) and have experience demonstrating the required aptitude. The selected candidate shall demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills while also passing a written assessment where required. This exam is based on skills/abilities and/or academic knowledge; as well as safety.

Preferred
  • High School diploma or GED

Criteria/Conditions
  • Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety-related instructions and procedures given in English
  • Ability to communicate in English with respect to job assignments, job procedures, and applicable safety standards
  • Must be able to work in a potentially stressful environment
  • Work is performed in a mine or manufacturing plant setting, which may include exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, toxic chemicals, explosives, fumes or airborne particles
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs and ladders, and work on elevated platforms
  • Occasionally may be required to lift up to fifty (50) pounds during the course of the work day
  • May be required to work rotating shifts in a 24/7/365 operation
  • Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine, outdoor, manufacturing or plant environment, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves and any other protective equipment as required
  • Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol free work environment through the use of mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going random drug testing as per applicable State Laws

What We Offer You
The estimated pay range for this role is currently $26.00 - $35.50/hour. This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance. More details will be shared during the hiring process. Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role.
  • Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match
  • Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave
  • Tuition assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle
  • Internal progression opportunities
  • Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!

What We Require
  • Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam.
  • Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing.
  • Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation.
  • Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Please be advised that Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to HRSC@fmi.com.

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