Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Site Experience
Leadership Experience | 19 Years
Automation | 20 Years
Operations Support | 23 Years
Fabrication & Maintenance | 5 Years
Material Characterization | 23 Years
Engineering & Projects | 15 Years
Timeline
Generic
Casey Cochran

Casey Cochran

Vail,AZ

Summary

Results-driven Laboratory Supervisor and Project Manager with over 23 years of specialized experience in material characterization, automation, engineering projects, and laboratory operations. Proven success in advancing copper recovery initiatives, including the Leach to the Last Drop (L2LD) program, through expert sampling, assaying, and process optimization. Proficient in leading cross-functional teams and integrating instrumentation and data systems to foster innovation across global mining sites. Committed to enhancing operational efficiency and delivering impactful results in dynamic environments.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Lab Supervisor – Mineralogy

Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
09.2011 - Current
  • Lead mineralogy lab operations, supervising 8–14 employees and contractors
  • Oversee advanced laboratory sample characterization methods and automation systems
  • Drive continuous improvement in lab layout, instrumentation, and data workflows, including ISO quality and safety compliance
  • Managed budget effectively by monitoring expenses, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and prioritizing investments in resources that maximize value for the organization.
  • Contributed to the development of new tests or methodologies through collaborative research efforts with colleagues or external partners.
  • Implemented preventive maintenance schedules for laboratory equipment, resulting in reduced downtime and repair costs.

Sr. Lab Technician – Mineralogy

Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
09.2007 - 09.2011
  • Supported supervision and development of SOP and laboratory safety
  • Assisted in automation integration and instrumentation testing
  • Expedited project completion timelines by coordinating effectively with external partners on sample collection and data sharing processes.
  • Championed safety initiatives within the lab, resulting in fewer incidents and a safer working environment for all team members.

Lab Technician

Geo-Temp – PTC Mineralogy Sanchez
03.2003 - 09.2007
  • Conducted SEM, XRD, NIR, and particle size analysis
  • Maintained lab equipment and ensured data accuracy

Mechanic/Welder

Geo-Temp – PTC Maintenance Sanchez
09.2002 - 03.2003
  • Performed sample prep and mineralogical testing
  • Supported lab expansion and setup

Lab Technician

Geo-Temp – PTC Maintenance Sanchez
05.2002 - 09.2002
  • Fabricated and maintained lab infrastructure
  • Conducted welding, plumbing, and mechanical repairs

Education

High School Diploma -

Morenci Highschool
Morenci, AZ
05.1999

Skills

  • Material Characterization & Analytical Methods
  • Automation & Robotics Integration
  • Project Planning & Execution
  • Instrumentation & Sensor Testing
  • Laboratory Information Systems (LIMS)
  • Cross-Functional Team Leadership
  • Process Optimization & Data Analysis
  • Safety & Environmental Compliance
  • Star LIMS (20 years)
  • AutoCAD
  • MS Office Suite
  • SAP
  • Ariba
  • GSC Systems
  • BarTender (Barcoding)
  • Business Objects

Site Experience

  • Morenci
  • Cerro Verde
  • Sierrita
  • Safford
  • Chino
  • Tyrone
  • Miami (Smelter and Rod Mill)
  • Bagdad
  • Grasberg
  • El Paso

Leadership Experience | 19 Years

  • Crew Leader – Mineralogy (5 years)
  • Supervisor – 8 to 14 Employees and Contractors (14 years)

Automation | 20 Years

  • FLS (IMP, HERZOG), Scotts Automation, Lewis Australia, Verder QATM
  • CASC Line 5/6, AXN automation systems

Operations Support | 23 Years

  • Leaching, concentrator, moly processing, SX/EW, biological sampling
  • Environmental monitoring, reagent testing, CLP, and third-party lab coordination

Fabrication & Maintenance | 5 Years

  • Built irrigation systems, trailers, and automated equipment
  • Performed welding, plumbing, engine repair, and vehicle maintenance
  • Supported secondary crusher maintenance and water jet cutting

Material Characterization | 23 Years

  • SEM, XRD, NIR, CEC, gravity separation, and sampling statistics
  • Density testing for cathodes and metallography

Engineering & Projects | 15 Years

  • Cerro Verde, El Abra, Grasberg, Morenci, TCT, PTC Sanchez – lab setups, feasibility studies, and automation systems
  • Developed ROSCO and LEC Splitters for mineralogy automation
  • Led Exploration Automated Sample Prep XCE (2025)

Timeline

Lab Supervisor – Mineralogy

Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
09.2011 - Current

Sr. Lab Technician – Mineralogy

Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
09.2007 - 09.2011

Lab Technician

Geo-Temp – PTC Mineralogy Sanchez
03.2003 - 09.2007

Mechanic/Welder

Geo-Temp – PTC Maintenance Sanchez
09.2002 - 03.2003

Lab Technician

Geo-Temp – PTC Maintenance Sanchez
05.2002 - 09.2002

High School Diploma -

Morenci Highschool

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