Metallurgical Technician x 1 (Mt Holland)

About Us 

Covalent Lithium is a new greenfield lithium project that is currently under construction to develop the Mt Holland lithium project and produce battery-quality lithium hydroxide in Western Australia. Our project is backed by the expertise and funding of our joint venture partners – SQM and Wesfarmers. 

The Mt Holland project consists of a mine and concentrator located south of Southern Cross and a refinery at Kwinana that will produce 50,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide once construction and commissioning is complete. Our lithium hydroxide will be exported to international manufacturers to produce over 1 million electric vehicles. This is an exciting opportunity to join a battery metals project that is driving the new energy sector in WA.

Employee Benefits 

We are committed to supporting, empowering and rewarding our people with a range of benefits available:

• Access to flexible work arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering free confidential coaching and support services 
• Company-paid parental and study leave 
• Short-term incentive programs 
• Salary sacrifice options such as superannuation and novated leasing 
• Discounted health insurance 
• Discounted airport parking for FIFO team

The Role

The Metallurgical Technician is tasked with carrying out laboratory and metallurgical test work as directed, calibration and maintenance of online process control equipment and conducting routine plant sampling. The Metallurgical Technician will gain an understanding of the operational and technical aspects of the processing plant and laboratory, in order to assist the Metallurgist in plant optimisation and improvement projects.

This is a Permanent Full-Time FIFO position ex Perth to our Mt Holland site on a 8:6 roster.

Key Responsibilities 

• Assist in providing and maintaining a safe work environment, implement and deliver compliance, and SHE&C plans, management systems and processes within the processing plant, including supporting operation such as maintenance and laboratory
• Active participation in the establishment of a health and safety culture 
• Developing and operating methods and procedures related to the operational, metallurgical and process technician tasks
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting to the operations team to achieve production targets
• Develop and perform metallurgical test work programs under the guidance of site metallurgists
• Reviewing and improving standards and safe operating procedures for the metallurgical lab and field works
• Ability to read, understand and interpret engineering drawings (P&IDs,PFD)
• Conduct routine daily, weekly and monthly surveys to gather critical data and ensure timely and accurate results, including, crusher surveys and Mill Inspections 
• Assist in the development of budget/forecasting physical, cost models, personnel and capital justification to accurately predict production and operating costs and setting up a system to ensure performance against models.
• Leadership skills, including providing technical and guidance for the Processing Operations teams

Role Requirements

• Applicants studying towards a Metallurgical qualification are encouraged to apply
• Certificate IV in laboratory skills desired
• Valid driver’s license
• First Aid Certificate
• WA Radiation Safety qualifications desired but not essential 
• 3+ years in fixed plant processing or in a commercial lab environment 
• Experience in hard rock lithium processing desired but not essential 
• Technical knowledge and experience in lab management processes, including lab sample management systems
• Operation of crushing, dens medium separation, milling and flotation circuits desired
• Experience in conducting metallurgical test work programs
• Experience in delivering operational improvement projects
• Demonstrated track record of problem solving and solution implementation
• Ability to work in remote and/or arid environmental conditions

A full position description can be requested at *******@covalentlithium.com

A competitive remuneration package commensurate with the role, candidate experience, skills and qualifications will be offered. 

Our team members are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. Candidates from all backgrounds and ages are encouraged to apply, including First Nations People, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, people with disabilities and those with neurodiverse, intersectional, or multiple diverse characteristics.

Covalent Lithium is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, with a focus on our employees. We recognise skills, expertise, commitment and living our values of Purpose, Care, Accountability and Collaboration. Our goal is to attract, develop, motivate, reward, and retain the best people in the industry. 

By applying for this position, you agree to the collection, use and disclosure of your Personal Information in accordance with Covalent Lithium’s Privacy Statement.