Main Purpose The Metallurgist / Process Engineer is responsible for providing high-level technical expertise across multiple mining and metallurgical projects, operations, and strategic initiatives. The role combines due-diligence capability, operational support, and technical governance, ensuring that all projects, studies, and operations meet required technical, economic, and safety standards. The position also supports the company’s trading arm with metallurgical insight and may represent the organisation on industry or partner technical committees. Key Responsibilities 1. Due Diligence & Technical Evaluation - Conduct detailed technical due diligence on mining and processing projects. - Review PFS, FS, BFS and operational studies. - Assess process designs, flowsheets, mass balances, and operating risks. - Evaluate CapEx and OpEx cost estimates. - Identify risks, optimisation opportunities, and value levers. - Build technoeconomic model for the project/operation 2. Site Visits & Operational Audits - Carry out structured site visits. - Perform plant walk-downs and gather operational data. - Prepare detailed site visit reports. - Diagnose bottlenecks and recommend improvements. 3. Support to Trading & Commercial Teams - Provide metallurgical evaluations of concentrates, intermediates, and ores. - Model recovery expectations, penalty elements, and payabilities. - Support commercial negotiations with technical insights. 4. Support to Company Operations & Partners - Offer process engineering guidance to operating assets. - Assist with troubleshooting, optimisation studies, and production forecasting. - Contribute to SOPs, testwork programs, and metallurgical accounting. 5. Peer Review & Technical Governance - Conduct independent peer reviews of reports and process designs. - Validate engineering assumptions and design criteria. - Support project stage-gates by reviewing deliverables. 6. Representation on Technical Committees - Act as company representative on technical committees. - Review and challenge operating plans and budgets. - Ensure alignment with corporate strategy and ESG standards. - Facilitate communication between operations and corporate teams Knowledge Skills And Abilities - Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical, Chemical, or Process Engineering. Experience & Competencies - 10+ years of experience in minerals processing or metallurgical operations. - Experience with feasibility studies, testwork, and process modelling. - Experience in process design. - Strong understanding of CapEx/OpEx drivers and benchmarking. - Experience in due diligence, audits, and technical reviews. - Proficiency in modeling (METSIM, HSC, SysCAD) advantageous. - Strong analytical and communication skills. - Ability to travel domestically and internationally. - Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and English Attributes & Behaviours - Excellent technical rigor and attention to detail. - Ability to work independently and challenge assumptions. - Strong business acumen. - Collaborative approach with stakeholders. - High professional integrity. - Ability to work in a cross functional team environment. At the heart of global supply, Trafigura connects vital resources to power and build the world. Through our Metals and Minerals, Oil & Petroleum Products and Gas, Power and Renewables, commercial divisions, we use infrastructure, logistics and financing to connect producers and consumers, using our deep understanding of the markets we serve to make supply more efficient, secure and sustainable. We are accelerating our investments in renewable energy, including hydrogen, ammonia and other low-carbon energy technologies required for the transition to a low carbon future. We are committed to responsible business practices and we work with our stakeholders to improve environmental and social standards, bringing greater trust and transparency to global supply chains. A career at Trafigura offers a gateway to working on some of the most exciting challenges of a rapidly changing world – from helping to optimise supply chains to developing infrastructure and new markets. In a culture that is founded on openness and energy, our people work as part of a multinational, globally connected team and thrive in a fast-paced environment where they can nurture and commercialise bold ideas. Everyone has a voice and is empowered to collaborate across geographies and disciplines to help shape our business and the wider world. We know the importance and value of diversity in our business and we invest in attracting, developing and retaining talent from all backgrounds. Founded in 1993, Trafigura is one of the largest independent employee-owned commodities groups in the world with over 12,000 people working across more than 60 offices. The Trafigura Group owns global multi-metals producer Nyrstar; fuel storage and distribution company Puma Energy; and joint ventures Impala Terminals, a port and logistics provider, and Nalo Renewables, investing in wind, solar and battery storage projects.
