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Copper Smelter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rio Tinto

Mechanical Engineer

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

... copper mining operation, including a concentrator, smelter and refinery, located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States. We produce copper, precious metals including gold and silver ...

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Copper Smelter information

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$17

$28

$39

How much do copper smelter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 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 job?

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 in the Copper Smelter position, and why are they important?

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% 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 Diagnostic Mechanic I - Water Department

Smelter Diagnostic Mechanic I - Water Department

Freeport McMoRan

Claypool, AZ • On-site

$29 - $39/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Freeport-McMoRan rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 32 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-Miamihistoric 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.

What You Will Do
  • Perform diagnostic, replacement and repairs to include but not limited to the following systems: Anode plant, mold plant, converter, acid plant, hydraulic and conveyor systems. Perform component diagnostic, replacement and repairs to include but not limited to plant equipment, Gear boxes, pumps, fans, conveyor belts, bearings, pulleys, gas lines, piping waterlines, (conveyor) conveyor table, trough finders, return idlers, shovels and cables. 
  • Prioritize and make decisions regarding equipment repair as needed. 
  • Perform mechanical and lubrication preventative maintenance. 
  • Train and mentor other employees. 
  • May operate equipment such as: forklifts, cranes, boom trucks, loaders and small mobile equipment. 
  • May be required to proficiently perform welding tasks. 
  • Perform as a Fill-in Supervisor as required. 
  • Perform other duties as required. 
What You Bring To Freeport
  • Two (2) years' experience in mechanical/maintenance crafts (including welder, boilermaker, machinist or facility maintenance/construction) or a combination of education and experience in industrial mechanical repair and maintenance. 
  • Must have completed academic and practical competencies required (this includes Line of Progression requirements for internal employees where LOP Exists) and have experiencedemonstrating the required mechanical aptitude. 
  • FPM Diagnostic Mechanic I: The selected candidate shall demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and technical skills while achieving 35% score on a written assessment where required. This exam is based on technical skills/abilities and/or academic knowledge; as well as safety. Must be able to demonstrate proficient basic welding skills. 
  • Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety-related instructions and procedures in English. 
  • Ability to communicate in English with respect to job assignments, job procedures and applicable safety standards. 
  • Ability to work in extreme temperatures. 
  • Ability to read blueprints. 
Preferred Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED 
  • Knowledge of water softener systems and cooling towers 

What We Offer You 

The estimated pay range for this role is currently$29.00 - $39.00/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. 

 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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