- Advance your career and be a part of a high-performing mining company in Laos, with growth projects in Southeast Asia
- Drive strategic metallurgical initiatives for two successful operational mines in Laos
- Relocation required - working from Vientiane Office in Laos, with regular site travel
PanAust Limited is an Australian-headquartered copper and gold producer in Laos, with pre-development and exploration assets in Laos, Chile and Papua New Guinea. The Company is focused on a sustainable business model associated with the production and sale of copper and gold, delivery of production goals and growth.
Phu Bia Mining’s producing assets are the Phu Kham Copper-Gold Operation and the Ban Houayxai Gold-Silver Operation, both located in the Company’s 1,200 square-kilometre. The company has a Mineral Exploration and Production Agreement (MEPA) with the Government of Laos which regulated exploration, development and mining activities within the Contract Area, and sets out the Company’s tax and royalty obligations.
Responsibilities
The Principal Metallurgist position is based in our regional shared services office, located in the Lao capital of Vientiane supporting both Phu Kham Copper-Gold and Ban Houayxai Gold-Silver Operations. Reporting to the General Manager Growth and Development, this position will lead and optimise metallurgical processes to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable extraction and processing of metals, whilst also playing a crucial role in risk management, safety, and the professional development of the metallurgical team.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conduct detailed analyses of ore samples to determine their physical and chemical properties, supporting resource quality and quantity assessments
- Design, implement, and oversee metallurgical test programs, including laboratory tests, pilot plant trials, and full-scale testing to identify the most efficient and cost-effective extraction and processing methods
- Develop and refine process flow sheets, selecting appropriate technologies and equipment, and collaborate with engineering teams to design processing plants optimised for ore characteristics and project requirements
- Prepare comprehensive capital and operating cost estimates to support project financial planning and feasibility studies
- Support financial evaluations by contributing to Return on Investment, Net Present Value, and Internal Rate of Return analyses to assess project economic viability
- Evaluate and minimise the environmental impact of metallurgical processes, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and promote responsible mining practices in line with social and governance standards
- Identify technical, financial, and operational risks associated with metallurgical processes and develop effective mitigation strategies
- Collaborate with geologists, engineers, environmental specialists, and financial teams to deliver integrated feasibility studies, and clearly communicate findings and recommendations to executives, investors, and regulatory stakeholders
- Provide strategic direction and leadership for metallurgical processes across all company operations, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and objectives
- Serve as the primary technical expert in metallurgy, offering guidance and support to site-based metallurgists and project teams
- Oversee metallurgical aspects of new and ongoing projects, ensuring optimal design, implementation, and performance of metallurgical processes
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation in metallurgical practices, incorporating the latest technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency and productivity
- Ensure all metallurgical processes comply with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, promoting sustainable and responsible mining practices
- Ensure adherence to all relevant local, national, and international regulations, including safety standards and environmental laws
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with metallurgical processes, ensuring safe and efficient operations
- Mentor and develop metallurgical staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth
We require the successful candidate to relocate to Vientiane, Laos. This role is residentially based, working Monday to Friday out of our Vientiane Office with regular site travel. Relocation assistance and residential packages will be available for the successful candidate.
Skills and experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or Mineral Processing (Master’s preferred but not essential)
- 10+ years in metallurgy, with a significant portion in operational roles at mine sites
- Must have extensive and recent Gold experience
- Deep knowledge of mineral processing and extractive metallurgy, specific to the ore body (e.g., gold, copper, iron ore)
- Proven success in leading metallurgical teams and delivering process improvements
- Strong Commitment to safety and environmental compliance
- Strong ability and commitment to training and supporting the growth of Lao National employees
- Unwavering safety focus
Our culture
High performance outcomes, Respect for people, Integrity, Excellence in communications, High-calibre people and Alignment of employee to company objectives
Benefits
We offer a competitive remuneration packaging including bonus incentive (potential tax advantages), children’s education (if applicable) and housing allowance, medical and insurance cover, parental leave and more. This role is based out of the Vientiane office with regular travel to site required. Company transport is provided via a drive-in, drive-out arrangement. While on site, employees are accommodated in a modern mine camp featuring a variety of Western and Asian cuisine, a wet mess, and excellent recreational facilities including a football field, gym, and pool tables.
Why Join Us?
- Our Values: We embrace our values of Care, Leadership, Integrity and Performance and treat these as the foundations of our great culture
- Remuneration: We offer a competitive salary, bonus and benefits package based off relevant market data
- Sustainability: We actively focus on our environmental footprint and build upon community development initiatives in communities where we operate
PanAust is focussed on building a workforce that embraces diversity and inclusion, creating an environment of belonging that brings us all together through employee connection, security and community, harnessing what make each other unique. As an Equal Opportunity employer, we encourage and welcome applications from all genders, abilities, generations and cultural backgrounds.
Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding their application status.
If you’d like to learn more about us, please visit www.PanAust.com.au
|