Principal Geologist

About SQM Australia Pty Ltd

SQM Australia Pty Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A (SQM or the SQM Group). SQM group is one of the largest lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide producers in the world and a producer of potassium nitrate and iodine worldwide. SQM is dual listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Santiago Stock Exchange. SQM's products are sold in over 110 countries through its worldwide distribution network.

To advance the group's vision of developing a stable supply of responsibly produced critical minerals, SQM group has partnered with industry-leading companies including two joint ventures: the Mt Holland project with Australia's Wesfarmers Limited and Hancock Prospecting to develop the Andover project. Both projects are in Western Australia.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Exploration & Resources, the Principal Geologist role is to understand in detail the overarching mineral system, formation and mineralogy of the SQM International Lithium deposits.

This role will require ongoing collaboration with the Business Development Team in the search for new lithium projects globally and will also support the Exploration Team in the review and assessment of SQMi owned and Joint Venture exploration projects.

This role is primarily based in our Perth office but may require up to 6 months field work annually (on flexible rosters), based on operational requirements.

Qualifications & experience

• Tertiary qualification in Geology (or similar) and Postgraduate studies in mineral systems.
• Minimum 15+ years of combined experience across key disciplines including Exploration, Resource Estimation, Geometallurgy, Ore Body Knowledge, and Mineral Systems.
• Prior experience in production environments is essential.
• Advanced knowledge of mineral deposits and models, with a strong understanding of mining operations and the resource conversion into a reserve.
• Previous training or experience in Spatial Variability Assessment or Geostatistics will be highly regarded.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Proven track record of collaborative work with other disciplines (Mining/Process/Engineering) required.
• The ability to develop leadership and sound personnel management skills. A demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.

Tasks & responsibilities

• Adhering to, and promoting SQMi corporate values: Excellence, Safety, Integrity, and Sustainability.
• Take personal responsibility to ensure that assigned task and project executions are conducted in a safe manner, using and maintaining SQM tools such as standard work procedures, hazard analyses, routine inspections, and behavioural observations.
• Develope, update, promote, and adhere to SQMi internal methodologies, policies, procedures, and standards by consistently maintaining a high quality of work across all allocated functions.
• Collaborate with SQMi and JV Partner technical teams to continuously improve the geological understanding and ore characterisation studies of SQMi's current assets (mineral paragenesis, deformation and alteration events).
• Support the Resource Team in collaboration with the Process and Mining Team, with the integration of geological and metallurgical data into the resource model (supporting with mineralogical and geochemical interpretation).
• Lead R&D and innovation related to Ore Body Knowledge, geometallurgy, the LCT pegmatite mineral system and exploration methodologies.
• Establish and maintain effective lines of communication within the organization; working alongside International geology teams within the SQMi organisation.
• Facilitate information sharing between the Exploration and Resources Team, Mining and Processing Teams with R&D Chile and JV partners in Australia.
• Assist with prospectivity analysis and generative targeting to identify new jurisdictions for world class pegmatite discovery.
• Track relevant academic studies and communicating new advances to the Geology Group. Lead academic research efforts that will advance exploration models to drive new discoveries of lithium.
• Provide training/workshops internally, or to SQMi's partners. Contribution to a working environment which is conducive to creative ideas and open discussion.
• Collaborate in the maintenance and improvement of QAQC procedures and review and reporting of QAQC data, internally for SQM and in active collaboration with third parties.
• Focused attention to the company strategy and to value creation opportunities.
• Effectively communicate results and recommendations to management.
• Work in Perth CBD offices coupled with attendance to conferences, business meetings and occasional field visits to current operations and to assess potential acquisitions/partnerships.

Benefits

• Competitive market salary.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Private Health Insurance and Life Insurance provided by the Company.
• Opportunity to work with International teams.
• Cohesive and supportive team culture.

This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute to a growing lithium company whilst working within a focused and committed team. To take this opportunity, submit your resume and cover letter demonstrating your experience and relation to the above criteria.

Recruitment Process

Our recruitment process considers your skills and experience and how they align with the requirements of the role. We also require checks to demonstrate your suitability for the role. Shortlisting for this role will commence immediately.