Process Superintendent - Gold Extraction

Placements24; Southampton; On-site; GBP 82,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life assurance

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Process Superintendent for a leading gold mining operation in Gauteng. Based in Randburg, you will oversee the metallurgical plant, drive safe, efficient operations and maximize gold recovery.

You will manage a large team of metallurgists, operators and technicians, lead continuous improvement and ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental standards. A degree in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering and 10+ years in metallurgical processing are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in metallurgical processing, with at least 5 years in supervision.
• Experience with CIL/CIP, elution, and electrowinning is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the gold extraction process including milling, CIP/CIL, elution, and refining.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team with training and performance feedback.
• Drive continuous improvement to optimise recovery and reduce costs.
• Monitor KPIs and take corrective actions to meet production targets.
• Manage plant budget and control operating expenses.
• Ensure health, safety and environmental standards are strictly followed.
• Collaborate with geology, mine planning and maintenance teams.

Skills

Metallurgy

Chemical engineering

Leadership

Team management

Data analysis

Process control

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading gold mining operation situated in Randburg, Gauteng, is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Process Superintendent to lead their gold extraction plant. This senior role is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of the metallurgical process, ensuring optimal gold recovery rates and consistent product quality. The successful candidate will manage a large team of metallurgists, operators, and technicians, driving continuous improvement initiatives and ensuring strict adherence to safety and environmental standards. This is a key leadership position within a significant mining entity in South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the gold extraction process, including milling, cyanidation, carbon-in-pulp (CIP)/carbon-in-leach (CIL), elution, and refining.
• Ensure the plant operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all environmental regulations and company policies in Randburg.
• Manage and develop a high-performing team, providing leadership, training, and performance feedback.
• Implement and drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize gold recovery, reduce operating costs, and improve plant reliability.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and take corrective actions as needed to meet production targets.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues and provide expert technical guidance to the processing team.
• Manage the plant budget, including operating expenses and capital expenditure.
• Ensure effective inventory management of reagents and consumables.
• Collaborate with geology, mine planning, and maintenance departments to ensure seamless operation.
• Champion a culture of safety, quality, and environmental responsibility within the processing division.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in metallurgical processing, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role in gold extraction.
• Strong knowledge of gold processing techniques, particularly CIL/CIP, elution, and electrowinning.
• Proven track record of successfully managing plant operations, optimizing recovery, and controlling costs.
• Experience with process control systems and data analysis tools.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and manage complex operational challenges.
• In-depth understanding of health, safety, and environmental management systems in the mining industry.
• Registered professional status (e.g., Pr.Eng) is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including substantial performance bonuses and comprehensive benefits such as medical aid, a provident fund, and life assurance. Excellent opportunities for career advancement within a major mining group are available. The company provides a supportive work environment and invests in employee development, offering continuous training and professional growth. Join a leading organization in Gauteng and make a significant impact on gold production in South Africa.