Mineral Processing Superintendent

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 160,000 - 266,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Comprehensive benefits

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Mineral Processing Superintendent to lead a processing plant in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. The role oversees all operations, directs a diverse team, and drives improvements for recovery, safety, and cost efficiency.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in mineral processing with a track record in leadership, process optimization, and collaboration across maintenance, engineering and geology. Hybrid work setup offered with strong career progression.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering or Mineral Processing.
• Master’s degree or professional certifications are advantageous.
• 10+ years in mineral processing with at least 5 years in a supervisory role.
• Experience in comminution, flotation or gravity separation.
• Strong metallurgical accounting, process control and optimization.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily mineral processing plant operations to meet targets, quality, and costs.
• Lead metallurgists, engineers, technicians and operators to safety and performance.
• Drive continuous improvement to optimize recovery and plant reliability.
• Ensure health, safety, environmental standards compliance for Queenstown region.
• Monitor performance, analyze data, and develop improvement strategies.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering and geology to optimize assets.
• Manage budgets, control expenditures, and report financial performance.
• Oversee root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Champion adoption of new technologies and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Metallurgy knowledge

Process optimization

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mineral Processing

Master's degree advantageous

Tools

Processing software

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent mining group, is seeking an experienced Mineral Processing Superintendent to lead and manage their processing operations in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This senior leadership role is responsible for the overall performance, efficiency, and safety of the mineral processing plant, ensuring optimal recovery of valuable commodities. The Superintendent will oversee all aspects of plant operations, including comminution, flotation, gravity separation, and water management, while driving continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise in mineral processing, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven ability to manage complex operations and diverse teams within the Queenstown, Eastern Cape area.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the mineral processing plant, ensuring production targets, quality standards, and cost efficiencies are met.
• Manage and develop a team of metallurgists, engineers, technicians, and operators, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and performance.
• Implement and drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize process recovery, reduce operating costs, and enhance plant reliability.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, environmental, and community relations standards and regulations applicable to Queenstown, Eastern Cape .
• Monitor plant performance, analyze key metallurgical and operational data, and develop strategies for improvement.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and geology departments to ensure effective plant operation and asset management.
• Manage operational budgets, control expenditures, and report on financial performance.
• Oversee process troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and the implementation of corrective actions.
• Champion the adoption of new technologies and best practices in mineral processing.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a related field.
• A Master's degree or relevant professional certifications are advantageous.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mineral processing operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven expertise in managing complex processing circuits, including comminution, flotation, and/or gravity separation.
• Strong understanding of metallurgical accounting, process control, and plant optimization techniques.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with a track record of effectively managing and motivating large operational teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in relevant processing software and ERP systems.
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including performance bonuses and a comprehensive benefits program. This hybrid role allows for strategic oversight from both site and a remote/office-based location. It presents a significant opportunity for career advancement within a leading mining organization operating in the Queenstown, Eastern Cape region. Join a company committed to operational excellence and sustainable mining practices.