Senior Mine Metallurgist - Base Metals Processing

Placements24; Kimberley; On-site; CAD 101,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Leave allowance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Mine Metallurgist for a leading mining company in Kimberley to optimize base metals processing, including copper, zinc, and lead. You will manage metallurgical operations, lead a team of metallurgists and technicians, and collaborate with operations and engineering to improve recovery and concentrate grade.

Based in Kimberley, the role requires a Master’s in Metallurgy or related field and 8+ years of hands-on experience, with strong knowledge of crushing, grinding,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on base metals processing experience (copper, zinc, lead).
• Proven experience in managing metallurgical operations and leading technical teams.
• In-depth knowledge of mineral processing techniques: crushing, grinding, flotation, solid-liquid separation.
• Proficiency with metallurgical simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of process control and automation in a plant environment.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities.
• Familiarity with mining regulations and environmental compliance in relevant contexts.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize all metallurgical processes for base metals at the Kimberley operation.
• Develop strategies to improve metal recovery, concentrate grade, and process efficiency.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, analysis, and troubleshooting to resolve operational issues.
• Manage the metallurgical laboratory and ensure accurate and timely analytical results.
• Lead and mentor a team of metallurgists, technicians, and operators.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with mine planning, operations, and maintenance to align goals.
• Monitor plant performance against targets and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare detailed metallurgical reports, production forecasts, and cost analyses.
• Stay current with new technologies and best practices in base metals processing.

Education

Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Metallurgical simulation software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading mining company with significant operations in the Kimberley region, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mine Metallurgist to manage and optimize their base metals processing facilities. This role is crucial for ensuring efficient and cost-effective recovery of valuable metals, including copper, zinc, and lead. The successful candidate will oversee all metallurgical operations, from comminution and flotation to thickening and dewatering, driving improvements in recovery, grade, and operational efficiency. Based in Kimberley, you will lead a team of skilled metallurgists and technicians, and work closely with operations and engineering departments. We are looking for an individual with a deep understanding of base metals metallurgy, process control, and a proven track record of implementing successful optimization strategies. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a major mining enterprise in the Northern Cape and advance your career in a challenging and rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize all metallurgical processes for base metals at the Kimberley operation.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve metal recovery, concentrate grade, and process efficiency.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, analysis, and troubleshooting to resolve operational issues.
• Manage the metallurgical laboratory and ensure accurate and timely analytical results.
• Lead and mentor a team of metallurgists, technicians, and operators.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations in the Northern Cape.
• Collaborate with mine planning, operations, and maintenance teams to align metallurgical goals with overall mine objectives.
• Monitor plant performance against targets, identify deviations, and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare detailed metallurgical reports, production forecasts, and cost analyses.
• Stay current with new technologies and best practices in base metals processing.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in base metals processing, including copper, zinc, and lead.
• Proven experience in managing metallurgical operations and leading technical teams.
• In-depth knowledge of mineral processing techniques, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and solid-liquid separation.
• Proficiency with metallurgical simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of process control and automation in a plant environment.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities.
• Familiarity with South African mining regulations and environmental compliance.
• Experience working in the Kimberley or Northern Cape mining context is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits package.
• Relocation assistance to Kimberley.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Exposure to diverse base metals projects in a significant mining region.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Generous leave allowance and other company benefits.