Resource Geologist
Location: Southern Utah
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Resource Geologist to play a key role in developing, maintaining, and optimizing geological resource models for an active mining operation. This is a high-impact technical role for a geologist who enjoys combining field geology, data analysis, resource estimation, grade control, and mine operations support.
The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in resource modeling, geological interpretation, drill-hole data analysis, QA/QC, grade control modeling, and mine planning software such as Geovia Surpac, Micromine, and/or Leapfrog. This role will support both current operations and future resource development by building accurate models that guide mining decisions, improve ore control, and support long-term mine planning.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct resource modeling and resource estimation for existing operations and new projects under evaluation.
- Develop geological models, ore domains, ore solids, surface models, structural models, and fault solids.
- Utilize Geovia Surpac, Micromine, Leapfrog, CAD, and other resource modeling tools to create and maintain geological models.
- Digitize wireframes for ore grades using assay results and geological interpretation.
- Digitize faults, geological formations, surfaces, ore zones, and block models.
- Conduct statistical and geostatistical analysis on assay data to support accurate ore-zone grade estimation.
- Run variogram and statistical analysis in support of QA/QC and resource model requirements.
- Create block models with ore values constrained by statistical analysis, geological features, and wireframes.
- Maintain a strong focus on model reconciliation and investigate changes between resource, reserve, grade control, and mining dig-block models.
- Review historical and current geological data for accuracy, consistency, gaps, and errors.
- Convert historical records, assay results, and geological data from Excel, Access, and other formats into usable formats for modeling software.
- Prepare resource modeling reports, volume estimates, ore percentage reports, and technical summaries for management.
- Recommend improvements to resource modeling processes to enhance quality, consistency, accuracy, and efficiency.
- Work with outside consultants on block modeling and resource estimation as needed.
Grade Control & Mine Operations Support.
- Support mine operations through grade-control block model creation and interpretation.
- Ensure geological information from the resource model is accurately carried into grade-control models.
- Assist with wireframing, face mapping, and digital representation of geological features.
- Define and guide appropriate sampling and estimation procedures for mining operations.
- Support core logging, QA/QC standards, drilling standards, sampling standards, and core-management procedures.
- Develop and implement SOPs for resource modeling, QA/QC, drilling, sampling, sample preparation, core handling, and other geological processes.
- Encourage consistency, procedural discipline, and quality controls across technical services and mine operations.
- Train technical services personnel and new employees on Surpac processes, data accuracy, block-model reporting, and resource estimation practices.
- Assist teams in preparing block-model assessments and reporting formats for management.
Technical Analysis & Reporting
- Utilize resource software such as Geovia Surpac, Micromine, and Leapfrog to generate resource and grade-control models.
- Establish systems and standards for resource modeling, QA/QC, drilling, sampling, sample preparation, and geological data management.
- Apply geostatistical analysis and estimation modeling techniques to support accurate resource interpretation.
- Conduct reconciliation validation between resource models, reserve models, grade-control models, and mining dig blocks.
- Prepare detailed technical reports and complete reporting requirements within established timelines.
- Assist with NI 43-101 technical reports, news releases, presentations, and other technical disclosures as required.
Project Management
- Lead and manage drilling programs.
- Prepare wireframes, domain characterizations, ore solids, surface models, and structural interpretations based on drill-hole data, geological mapping, and related site information.
- Coordinate with contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies to ensure project alignment with company goals, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.\
- Participate in feasibility studies, cost estimation, and economic evaluations with a focus on optimizing ore quality and resource value.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Geological Engineering, Geoscience, or a related field.
- 5–10 years of experience as a geologist in mining, exploration, or resource development.
- Minimum of 3+ years of experience in resource modeling, preferably with complex sulfide and oxide ore bodies.
- Strong geological interpretation skills with the ability to apply interpretations to resource estimation.
- Experience with Ordinary Kriging and estimation-quality optimization.
- Experience with Resource and Grade Control estimation in mining or exploration.
- Experience with mine planning and resource modeling software such as Geovia Surpac, Micromine, and/or Leapfrog.
- Understanding of database management, QA/QC procedures, drilling practices, sampling practices, and standard laboratory analytical methods.
- Exposure to drill-and-blast design, blasting management, and wall control.
- Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Contractor management experience.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook.
- Authorized to work in the United States.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5–7 years of dedicated resource modeling experience.
- Professional Geologist certification or eligibility for certification.
- Experience supporting NI 43-101 technical reporting.
- Strong hands-on experience with oxide and sulfide mineral systems.
- Experience supporting active mine operations, grade control, and mine planning teams.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to translate complex geological data into clear recommendations for management and operations teams.
- Strong mentoring and training capabilities.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with geology, metallurgy, engineering, technical services, and operations teams.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-oriented mining environment.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
Why This Role Matters
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on geologist who wants to be closely involved in the full resource cycle — from drilling and data validation to modeling, reconciliation, technical reporting, and operational execution.
to apply send resume to [email protected]