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Extractive Metallurgist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Extractive Metallurgist

Moab, UT · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The Role We are seeking an Extractive Metallurgist to join our growing technical team in Moab, UT. This role will play a critical part in the development, optimization, and scale-up of mineral ...

A minimum of 10 years of extractive metallurgy and mineral processing experience required. * Five or more years of assay and metallurgical laboratory management experience required. * Experience in ...

Bachelor's degree in Mineral Processing, Extractive Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering * Metallurgical testing in a laboratory setting is required * Demonstrated leadership skills * Good ...

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Bachelor's degree in Mineral Processing, Extractive Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering * Metallurgical testing in a laboratory setting is required * Demonstrated leadership skills * Good ...

New

Bachelor's degree in Mineral Processing, Extractive Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering * Metallurgical testing in a laboratory setting is required * Demonstrated leadership skills * Good ...

New

Junior Metallurgist

Tucson, AZ

$78K - $96K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mineral Processing, Extractive Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering * Metallurgical testing in a laboratory setting is required * Demonstrated leadership skills * Good ...

Project Metallurgist

Fairbanks, AK · On-site

$83K - $102K/yr

Degree majoring in Metallurgical Engineering / Extractive Metallurgy / Chemical Engineering from a recognised tertiary institution or other engineering degree and relevant experience. * Minimum 3 ...

Project Metallurgist

Fairbanks, AK · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Degree majoring in Metallurgical Engineering / Extractive Metallurgy / Chemical Engineering from a recognised tertiary institution or other engineering degree and relevant experience.Minimum 3 years ...

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Extractive Metallurgist information

See salary details

$32K

$90.7K

$119.5K

How much do extractive metallurgist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for extractive metallurgist in the United States is $90,692.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an extractive metallurgist do?

An extractive metallurgist is a professional who specializes in separating valuable metals from ores and other raw materials. They develop and optimize processes such as crushing, grinding, leaching, smelting, and refining to efficiently extract metals like gold, copper, iron, and others. Their work is crucial in the mining industry, ensuring that metals are recovered in an environmentally responsible and cost-effective manner. Extractive metallurgists also work on improving existing extraction techniques and developing new technologies to increase yield and reduce waste.

What are some common challenges faced by extractive metallurgists when scaling up laboratory processes to full-scale production?

Extractive metallurgists often encounter challenges when transitioning processes from the laboratory to industrial scale, such as differences in reaction kinetics, heat and mass transfer, and equipment limitations. Issues like maintaining consistent product quality, optimizing energy usage, and managing environmental impacts can become more complex at larger scales. Collaborating closely with engineers, plant operators, and environmental specialists is essential to troubleshoot problems and ensure smooth scale-up. Adaptability and effective communication are key skills that help extractive metallurgists address these challenges successfully.

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

To thrive as an Extractive Metallurgist, you need a solid background in chemistry, metallurgy, and process engineering, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with metallurgical testing equipment, process simulation software, and safety protocols is essential, and certifications such as Chartered Engineer status can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help professionals excel in this role. These competencies are crucial for optimizing metal extraction processes, ensuring safety, and maximizing operational efficiency in mining and refining environments.

What is the difference between Extractive Metallurgist vs Mineral Processing Engineer?

AspectExtractive MetallurgistMineral Processing Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Metallurgy, Chemical, or Materials EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Mineral Processing, Chemical, or Metallurgy Engineering
Work EnvironmentSmelting plants, refining facilities, research labsProcessing plants, mineral beneficiation facilities, labs
Industry UsageMining, metal production, refiningMining, mineral processing, ore beneficiation

Both roles focus on extracting valuable metals from ores, but an Extractive Metallurgist specializes in refining and metal recovery processes, while a Mineral Processing Engineer concentrates on ore beneficiation and initial processing. They often work together in mining operations, sharing similar credentials and work environments.

More about Extractive Metallurgist jobs

What cities are hiring for Extractive Metallurgist jobs?

Cities with the most Extractive Metallurgist job openings:

What states have the most Extractive Metallurgist jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Extractive Metallurgist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Extractive Metallurgist jobs are:

Infographic showing various Extractive Metallurgist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $90,692 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Extractive Metallurgist

Mariana Minerals

Moab, UT • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

About Mariana Minerals
Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We're reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
The Role
We are seeking an Extractive Metallurgist to join our growing technical team in Moab, UT. This role will play a critical part in the development, optimization, and scale-up of mineral processing systems for Mariana's global operations. The ideal candidate brings strong process engineering and metallurgical expertise, ideally in zinc or copper, and thrives in fast-paced, startup environments where independence, creativity, and problem solving are essential.
You'll work closely with operations, engineers, machine learning experts, and data scientists to develop innovative solutions that improve efficiency, recovery, and throughput across our projects.
What You'll Do
  • Design, test, and optimize mineral processing flowsheets for new and existing projects.
  • Lead laboratory, pilot-scale, and plant trials for process validation and improvement.
  • Analyze metallurgical data to improve recovery, efficiency, and cost performance.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams on process design and scale-up.
  • Partner with data scientists and ML engineers to integrate advanced analytics and predictive models into process optimization.
  • Support commissioning and ramp-up of new facilities, with significant travel to sites.
  • Contribute to Mariana's culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and safety.
What You'll Bring
  • Degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or Process Engineering.
  • Hands-on mineral processing experience (zinc or copper preferred, broader base considered).
  • Proven ability to work independently in dynamic environments, with strong problem-solving skills.
  • Experience working in startup or entrepreneurial settings.

Desired Qualifications
  • Background in industrial technology or product development.
  • Experience collaborating with machine learning engineers or data scientists.
  • Exposure to digitized process monitoring and automation systems.
Our culture is built on three principles:
Extreme Ownership - We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions.
Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate - We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale.
Share Your Legos - We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.
Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply.