Chief Technical Officer (Metallurgy / Processing / Tailings) South America

The Chief Technical Officer will lead the technical strategy and metallurgical development of gold tailings retreatment and recovery projects. This role is responsible for optimizing processing technologies, guiding metallurgical test work, and providing technical leadership throughout project development, from feasibility through commissioning and operations.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and optimization of metallurgical flowsheets for gold recovery from tailings, including CIL, CIP, and Heap Leach processes. Design and oversee metallurgical test work programs, laboratory campaigns, and pilot plant studies to validate recovery strategies. Optimize gold recovery, reagent consumption, and overall plant performance through continuous technical evaluation and process improvements.

Provide technical oversight and mentorship to process engineering and metallurgical teams responsible for plant design, optimization, and operations. Deliver metallurgical expertise during feasibility studies, engineering design, construction, commissioning, and ramp-up phases. Support technical due diligence and evaluation of new tailings retreatment opportunities, including resource characterization and processing suitability.

Ensure compliance with cyanide management codes, environmental regulations, and best industry practices. Drive innovation and adoption of emerging technologies for the processing of low-grade and complex tailings resources.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline. 15+ years of experience in gold processing plant operations, metallurgical design, or project development. Strong technical expertise in CIL/CIP and Heap Leach processing. Experience in tailings retreatment or reprocessing projects is highly preferred.

Proven track record of leading technical teams and contributing to successful project development.