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Economic Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ASARCO LLC

Chief Geologist

Sahuarita, AZ · On-site

S. in Economic Geology preferred. * Minimum 8 years in open-pit mine geology for copper operations (grade control, modeling, reconciliation); 10+ years and prior team leadership preferred. * Deep ...

ASARCO LLC

Chief Geologist

Kearny, AZ · On-site

S. in Economic Geology preferred. * Minimum 8 years in open-pit mine geology for copper operations (grade control, modeling, reconciliation); 10+ years and prior team leadership preferred. * Deep ...

Terra AI

Senior Geologist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$185K - $250K/yr

Experience in economic geology, mineral exploration, or mine development * Strong experience in critical minerals and base metals geology * Proficiency with GIS and 3D geological modeling software

Terra AI

Senior Geologist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$185K - $250K/yr

Experience in economic geology, mineral exploration, or mine development * Strong experience in critical minerals and base metals geology * Proficiency with GIS and 3D geological modeling software

Doe Run

Resource Geologist III

Viburnum, MO

Advanced knowledge of geological mineralization, economic geology, and geological interpretation. * High attention to detail and data accuracy. * Advanced knowledge of databases which may include ...

Mariana Minerals

Lead Resource Geologist

Houston, TX · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

This role will contribute directly to geological interpretation, resource modeling, and grade control inputs that underpin mine planning, engineering, and economic evaluation. In this role, you will ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Mine Geologist

Republic, WA · On-site

Job Summary The Mine Geologist is responsible for the collection of field data, logging of rock ... Understands the economic implications of decisions and consistently uses all resources effectively ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Mine Geologist

Republic, WA

Job Summary The Mine Geologist is responsible for the collection of field data, logging of rock ... Understands the economic implications of decisions and consistently uses all resources effectively ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Mine Geologist

Republic, WA · On-site

Job Summary The Mine Geologist is responsible for the collection of field data, logging of rock ... Understands the economic implications of decisions and consistently uses all resources effectively ...

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Economic Geologist information

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$36K

$77K

$124.5K

How much do economic geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic 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 the difference between Economic Geologist vs Mining Geologist?

AspectEconomic GeologistMining Geologist
CredentialsGeology degree, often with specialization in economic geologyGeology degree, often with focus on mineral deposits and exploration
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, research, and analysis related to mineral deposits' economic potentialFieldwork at mining sites, exploration, and resource assessment
Industry UsageUsed in mineral exploration, resource evaluation, and economic analysisPrimarily involved in exploration, development, and operational mining activities

Economic Geologists focus on identifying and evaluating mineral deposits for their economic viability, often working on exploration and resource assessment. Mining Geologists are more involved in the practical aspects of exploration and working directly at mining sites. Both roles require geology credentials and are integral to the mining industry, but their primary focus and work environment differ.

What does an Economic Geologist do?

An Economic Geologist studies the Earth's materials to locate and evaluate natural resources such as minerals, metals, oil, gas, and coal that can be used for commercial purposes. They analyze geological data, conduct field surveys, and assess the viability of mining or extraction projects. Their work helps determine the most efficient and sustainable ways to extract valuable resources, ensuring economic benefits while minimizing environmental impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Economic Geologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Geologist, you need strong expertise in mineralogy, geochemistry, and structural geology, typically supported by a degree in geology or earth sciences. Familiarity with GIS software, geochemical analysis tools, and mining industry databases is essential, and professional certifications like P.Geo can be advantageous. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for identifying valuable mineral resources and supporting sustainable and profitable mining operations.

What are some typical challenges economic geologists face when working on mineral exploration projects?

Economic geologists often encounter challenges such as working in remote or difficult terrains, interpreting complex geological data, and managing uncertainties in resource estimation. They must also balance environmental considerations and regulatory requirements with the goals of exploration. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, environmental scientists, and local communities, is essential to ensure the project's success and sustainability.
More about Economic Geologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Economic Geologist jobs? Cities with the most Economic Geologist job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Economic Geologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Geologist jobs are:
Economic Geologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Geologist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Full Time, 86% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,030 per year, or $37 per hour.
Chief Geologist

Chief Geologist

ASARCO LLC

Sahuarita, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

ASARCO rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 29 rated mining

Job description

The Chief Geologist leads all mine-site geological activities for a high-tonnage open-pit, Cu-porphyry-skarn, processing sulfide ore by flotation. Emphasis is on short-range grade control and ore routing, geometallurgical domaining, resource growth, rigorous data collection/QAQC, and timely geological inputs to mine planning. The role reports to the Technical Services Manager and collaborates closely with the Corporate Technical Team and Corporate Resource Manager. The position operates with minimal supervision, exercises sound professional judgment, and demonstrates visible leadership in safety, environmental stewardship, and cross-functional teamwork with Operations, Planning, Geotechnical, Hydrogeology, and Metallurgy.
Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Lead and supervise the Mine Geology and Ore Control teams (geologists, technicians, samplers); ensure contemporary training, competency, and an inclusive, high-performance culture
  • Oversee daily geological mapping, sampling, and logging- capturing lithology, structure, alteration, and mineralization at appropriate scales for ore control and reconciliation.
  • Own short-range ore control: manage blasthole sampling and assay QAQC (CRMs, blanks, duplicates), blast-movement correction, and generation of clean dig polygons and grade control models; differentiate mill (sulfide) vs. blend vs. waste as required.
  • Integrate pit mapping, drilling, and survey data into the Leapfrog Geo 3-D model (with Seequent Central or equivalent) to maintain current, auditable interpretations for dispatch, short-range, and mid/long-range plans.
  • Collaborate with Mine Engineering (Hexagon MinePlan/MineSight) to deliver reliable geological constraints for short-, mid-, and life-of-mine plans; steward density models and dilution/loss assumptions.
  • Lead grade reconciliation (daily/weekly/monthly): ore control vs. plant vs. resource model (tonnage, grade, metal, spatial); diagnose variances and adjust domaining, parameters, or practices accordingly.
  • Coordinate drill programs-infill, metallurgical, condemnation, and exploration-including design, supervision, sampling, chain-of-custody, laboratory interfaces, and full QAQC adherence.
  • Partner with Metallurgy to define geometallurgical domains controlling throughput, recovery, reagent consumption, and concentrate quality and support blending and Mine-to-Mill strategies.
  • Direct field geology and structural mapping (including UAV/LiDAR); provide structural models and rock-type controls to Geotechnical and Hydrogeology for slope design inputs and pore-pressure management.
  • Develop and evaluate resource expansion opportunities; plan and interpret RC/diamond drilling; advance concepts efficiently from target to decision.
  • Maintain a single-source-of-truth geoscience database (e.g., acQuire or equivalent); enforce data governance, coding standards, and version control; automate dashboards and reporting (GIS/Power BI).
  • Ensure all technical records, block models, and geological disclosures are SEC S-K 1300 compliant and aligned with international best practice standards, and contribute to QP-level documentation for Technical Reports.
  • Provide timely geological input to waste characterization, permitting, and environmental management.
  • Manage contractors and budgets (drilling, labs, consultants); track cost, quality, schedule, and HSE performance.
  • Promote a strong safety culture and regulatory compliance; lead field risk assessments, task observations, and continuous improvement.
  • Prepare technical memos, presentations, and training materials; clearly translate geologic complexity into actionable guidance for operations.
  • Other duties as assigned that advance orebody knowledge, safe production, and value generation.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Geology or Geological Engineering required; M.S. in Economic Geology preferred.
  • Minimum 8 years in open-pit mine geology for copper operations (grade control, modeling, reconciliation); 10+ years and prior team leadership preferred.
  • Deep understanding of porphyry-skarn copper systems, including hypogene/supergene processes, oxide-transition-sulfide behavior, and geometallurgical implications for flotation.
  • Proficiency in Leapfrog Geo and geological modeling best practices; experience integrating mapping and drill data; competency with acQuire, Hexagon MinePlan/MineSight or similar, and ArcGIS/QGIS; familiarity with analytics/visualization.
  • Demonstrated success in QAQC program design and execution, resource classification, and compliance reporting standards.
  • Proven leadership, team development, contractor management, and cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Planning, Metallurgy, Geotechnical, and Hydrogeology.
  • Excellent technical writing and presentation skills; ability to prioritize, manage multiple workstreams, and deliver to deadlines.
  • Valid driver's license; ability to work safely in pit conditions and lead by example in the field.

ASARCO is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates must possess a current and valid driver's license. Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check and pre-employment physical including a drug screen.
ASARCO offers an excellent low-cost benefits package for medical/prescription/ dental/vision, disability coverage, life insurance and other optional coverage, and 401(k) plan with company match
NOTICE TO TEMPORARY STAFFING AGENCIES, PLACEMENT SERVICES, AND PROFESSIONAL RECRUITERS
ASARCO LLC maintains an internal recruiting department and manages its own recruitment processes directly.
Unless ASARCO LLC has entered into a formal agreement with your organization, unsolicited submissions of résumés, candidate profiles, or recruiting services will not be accepted or considered, and no fees will be paid in connection with such submissions.
If your firm believes it has an approved agreement or seeks to establish one, please contact ASARCO LLC Human Resources department for verification prior to engaging in any recruiting activity.
A core value of ASARCO LLC is "Safety First." The Company is committed to help employees continuously improve their efforts to work in the most safe, inclusive, socially, and environmentally responsible manner practicable. Employee safety and health, both on and off the job, are critically important to the Company. Therefore, ASARCO LLC requires employees to have and effectively demonstrate good working knowledge of modern safety systems. Each employee will take prime responsibility for ensuring that s/he works within all required safety procedures and processes.
ASARCO LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates must possess a current and valid driver's license. Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check and pre-employment physical including a drug screen (hair analysis).
ASARCO LLC offers an excellent low cost benefits package for medical/prescription/ dental/vision, disability coverage, life insurance and other optional coverage, and 401(k) plan with company match.

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