Exploration Manager, Chile

Apply nowRequisition Number: 492963
Contract Type: On-going / Permanent
Country: Chile
Location: Santiago
Site: Santiago Office
Categories: Exploration

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. has grown from a small mineral operation in Zambia into a multinational mining business in less than two decades, with a global portfolio of copper and nickel assets in Europe, Africa, Australia and South America. This phenomenal growth is down to FQM people who have strived to be Bolder, Smarter and Driven in everything they do.

In March 2013, First Quantum Minerals acquired Inmet Mining Corporation, a Canadian-based mining company primarily producing copper and zinc from mines in Finland, Spain and Turkey, with also a major copper deposit under development in Panama, known as Cobre Panama. The combination of the First Quantum and Inmet assets has created one of the world’s leading copper producers with a geographically diversified portfolio of high-quality operations and development projects in eight countries across five continents.

With a strategic plan to produce more than 1.3 million tonnes per annum of copper within five years, the Company is poised to become the largest, widely-held pure-play copper producer and one of the top five copper producers in the world.

The First Quantum exploration group prides itself on discovery through smart geoscience, utilizing innovation, bold strategies and an empowered flat management structure to provide a dynamic framework for our modest but highly motivated exploration teams.

Exploration Manager, Chile

A position has become available for an experienced geologist to lead a dynamic exploration team in Chile.

First Quantum has commenced a major exploration initiative in Chile to complement its growth strategy in Latin America.  The company has attained a strong ground position in the country through the acquisition of Inmet Mining in 2013 and is in the process of expanding this further through generative programmes and joint venture partnerships.

The Exploration Manager will provide technical and managerial leadership to an experienced exploration team consisting of Chilean and expatriate geoscientists. The position will be responsible for building and progressing a portfolio of early stage copper-gold exploration projects as well as the identification of more advanced targets for potential acquisition or joint venture.

The Exploration Manager for Chile will report to the Regional Exploration Manager for Latin America, based in Peru, but will also work closely as part of a global technical and management team together with the Exploration Director and Group Chief Geologist.

This exciting but challenging role requires that the candidate will be self-motivated, ambitious and resilient with a history of target generation and exploration success. To be effective in the role the incumbent will have excellent communication skills, be open to new ideas, new ways of working and a collaborative technical environment.

Required Technical Skills, Training & Experience

• Minimum BSc degree in Geology, preferably higher.
• Have strong English and Spanish language abilities.
• At least 15 years of varied experience including copper porphyry exploration.
• Proven technical and managerial abilities relevant to exploration including:
• Target generation in a Cu-Au porphyry and epithermal environments.
• Integration and interpretation of geological, geophysical and geochemical datasets.
• Regional exploration programme planning and execution.
• Formulating operating plans and associated budgets.
• Leadership of staff and contractors at district to country level.
• A high level of scientific and analytical ability.
• Proven high levels of integrity and a reputation for the same.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities include:

• Leadership of safe, environmentally sound and efficient field-based operations.
• Develop positive working relationships with JV partners, local authorities and communities.
• Supervision and training of national and expatriate geologists.
• Integration and interpretation of multidisciplinary exploration datasets.
• Develop and refine regional exploration targets.
• Identification of potential acquisition or joint venture opportunities.
• Regular reporting on exploration progress against objectives.
• Maintain professional relationships with a range of external contractors.

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A competitive remuneration package including eligibility for the companies share and bonus scheme will be negotiated.

The role is based in Santiago.