Senior Extractive Metallurgist - Base Metals

Placements24; United States; Remote; USD 108,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life assurance

Relocation assistance

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Extractive Metallurgist specializing in base metals to optimize metallurgical processes for copper, zinc, lead or nickel. You will lead projects, analyze processes, oversee lab work and trials, and implement robust control strategies to enhance recovery and efficiency in a major SA processing facility.

The role requires 9+ years in extractive metallurgy, with deep hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy knowledge, and proficiency in METSIM, HSC Chemistry or Aspen Plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage projects to optimize base metal extractive metallurgy (flotation, leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning).
• Conduct process analysis, troubleshooting, and debottlenecking to improve recovery and reduce costs.
• Oversee lab work and pilot trials to evaluate improvements and new tech.
• Develop and implement process control strategies for plant performance.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with operations, R&D and engineering to implement changes.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and presentations for management.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and process engineers.
• Stay current with advancements in base metal extractive metallurgy.
• Manage relationships with external tech providers and suppliers.
• Contribute to metallurgical strategies and asset management plans.
• Assist in evaluating new project opportunities and due diligence.

Skills

Leadership

Process optimization

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent international entity within the mining and metals sector, is actively seeking a highly accomplished Senior Extractive Metallurgist specializing in Base Metals . This role is pivotal in optimizing and advancing the metallurgical processes for recovery of key base metals, contributing to operational excellence and profitability. The position is based in East London, Eastern Cape , offering a unique opportunity to apply advanced metallurgical expertise in a dynamic industrial environment. The successful candidate will be instrumental in process improvement, troubleshooting, and potentially the development of new extraction technologies. This is a significant career opportunity for a seasoned metallurgist to lead critical initiatives and make a lasting impact on a key processing facility in South Africa .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage projects focused on the optimization and improvement of base metal extractive metallurgy processes (e.g., flotation, leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning).
• Conduct detailed process analysis, troubleshooting, and debottlenecking to enhance recovery, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Oversee and interpret laboratory test work and pilot plant trials to evaluate process improvements and new technologies.
• Develop and implement process control strategies and operating parameters to ensure consistent and efficient plant performance.
• Ensure all metallurgical operations comply with stringent health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with operational teams, R&D, and engineering departments to implement process changes and capital projects.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, feasibility studies, and presentations for management and stakeholders.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior metallurgists and process engineers.
• Stay current with the latest advancements and innovations in base metal extractive metallurgy.
• Manage relationships with external technology providers, consultants, and equipment suppliers.
• Contribute to the development of metallurgical strategies and long-term asset management plans.
• Assist in the evaluation of new project opportunities and the due diligence process.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
• A minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in extractive metallurgy, with a strong specialization in base metals (e.g., copper, zinc, lead, nickel).
• Proven track record of successfully optimizing metallurgical processes and implementing process improvements.
• In-depth knowledge of base metal processing techniques, including hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy.
• Experience with process simulation and modeling software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry, Aspen Plus).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively manage teams and projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively across different departments and disciplines.
• Willingness to travel to various sites as required.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical aid, retirement fund, and life assurance.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within a global organization.
• Exposure to cutting-edge metallurgical technologies and challenging projects.
• Relocation assistance may be available for suitable candidates.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment focused on innovation and operational excellence.