Technical Lead - Refinery & Value-added Products

Purpose/Objective

To act as a technical expert and advisor in driving innovation, process improvement, and strategic technology adoption across copper refining and value-added product development. The role focuses on identifying emerging global technologies, designing recovery frameworks for high-value by-products, and recommending circular economy-aligned strategies. This includes leading global benchmarking studies, evaluating cost-benefit scenarios for new technologies, and supporting the development of sustainable, high-efficiency refining processes. The position will also guide the integration of ESG principles and secondary metal recovery approaches to build a future-ready, value-optimized copper refinery ecosystem

Key Responsibilities of Role

Advanced Futuristic Technology in Refining & Value-Added Products - Evaluate next-gen electrorefining and electrowinning technologies including high-current density cathode systems, novel anode materials, and pulse/plating techniques for impurity control. - Recommend hydrometallurgical or solvent extraction technologies for specific impurity rejection (e.g., arsenic, bismuth, antimony). - Drive R&D for value-added downstream products including micro-alloyed copper conductors, rolled foils for Li-ion batteries, and oxygen-free copper grades. Strategic Refining & Process Innovation - Conduct advanced modeling (e.g., electrolyte chemistry simulations, impurity deposition kinetics) to fine-tune current efficiency and minimize anode passivation. - Lead benchmarking on energy-specific consumption (kWh/tonne), anode-cathode cycle optimization, and tankhouse automation best practices. - Recommend inline sensors, IoT-based monitoring, and machine learning algorithms for predictive maintenance and quality control in refining operations By-Product Utilization & Value Addition - Perform detailed techno-economic feasibility studies for setting up or scaling refining and rod mill capacities, including sensitivity analyses on feed grade, impurity load, and metal premiums. - Build cost models for high-purity refining and rolling processes (e.g., twin-roll casting, extrusion) to support product pricing strategies, and ROI post implementation during operations. - Align capital deployment decisions for specialized alloy production with market demand, product premium realizations, and operating margin forecasts. Initial Financial Analysis - Conduct cost-benefit analyses to assess strategic investments in new refining technologies and product innovation. - Collaborate with finance and other stakeholders to evaluate business impact by aligning CAPEX and OPEX models with long-term ROI and sustainability goals. Sustainability & ESG Integration - Formulate strategies to reduce refining emissions, optimize energy use, and enhance ESG compliance for sustainable operations. - Collaborate with stakeholders to integrate recycled metals into value-added product lines, ensuring alignment with circular economy principles.

Technical Competencies

Metals Market Intelligence,Strategic Investment Planning,Metals Processing & Refining Know-How,Sourcing & Procurement Know-How,Downstream Metals Applications & Advanced Manufacturing,Process Automation, AI & SAP Integration,Environmental & Regulatory Compliance,Quality Control & Product Standardization,Data Analytics and Reporting

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s/Master’s in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science. 10-15 years of experience in refining operations, value-added product development, and process improvement.