Operations Manager, Mining
Location: Springer Mine & Processing Mill – Imlay / Winnemucca, NV (In-Person)
Company: Blue Moon Metals Inc.
Department: Metallurgy & Processing Plant Operations
Reports To: Site Construction Manager
Position Summary
The Operations Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operation, optimization, and mechanical maintenance of the Springer 1,200 tpd flotation circuit and milling facility. As Blue Moon Metals advances the restart of this world-class tungsten and critical metals skarn deposit, this role will spearhead operational readiness, circuit commissioning, and steady-state processing. The manager will direct chemical reagent dosing, metallurgical recovery balancing, and a dedicated team of operators to maximize concentrate grade and recovery under rigorous safety standards.
Core Responsibilities
1. Process Control & Metallurgical Optimization
- Direct the daily operation of the automated rod/ball mills and multi-stage flotation circuits (tungsten, molybdenum, and sulphides).
- Maximize metallurgical recovery rates and concentrate grades for complex skarn ore bodies through continuous assay analysis.
- Oversee precise chemical reagent balancing, managing the delivery and dosing of collectors, frothers, depressants, and modifiers.
- Interface directly with metallurgical labs to adjust circuit profiles based on changing mineralogy and ore feed variations.
2. Operations & Commissioning Readiness
- Lead operational readiness planning, circuit water-testing, and the eventual hot commissioning of the refurbished flotation cells.
- Collaborate closely with the Project Engineering and Maintenance Manager to coordinate plant shutdowns, mechanical overhauls, and structural adjustments.
- Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process controls for shift operators and metallurgical technicians.
3. Leadership & Safety Culture
- Lead, mentor, and schedule a rotating 24/7 crew of mill operators, technicians, and laborers.
- Cultivate a strict "Zero-Harm" safety-first culture in complete alignment with Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) guidelines.
- Manage workplace risk assessments, hazard identification, and mandatory Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols inside the processing mill.
4. Reagent & Budget Administration
- Formulate and execute the operational budget for process reagents, consumables, and mill liners.
- Manage vendor relationships and quality control metrics for chemical reagent supply chains.
- Track and report daily key performance indicators (KPIs) regarding mill throughput, tailing grades, and utility consumption.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a highly related technical field. Equivalent extensive operational experience may be evaluated.
- Experience: Minimum of 5–8 years of progressively responsible experience in industrial flotation operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management capacity.
- Technical Metallurgy Background: Deep, technical knowledge of base metal or critical mineral separation. Direct experience working with tungsten (scheelite), molybdenum, or skarn mineral systems is a significant advantage.
- Regulatory Compliance: Robust working knowledge of MSHA standards for surface metal/nonmetal processing facilities.
- Work Conditions: Willingness to work in a hands-on, high-production industrial mill environment. Must reside within or be willing to relocate to a commutable distance from the Imlay/Winnemucca, NV area.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive benefits package
- 401(k)
- Career development and advancement opportunities
Pay Range & Compensation Package
Compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.