Senior Metallurgist - Mineral Processing Optimization

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Metallurgist to join its mining and minerals processing client in Welkom, Free State. The role emphasizes optimizing plant performance, improving recovery, and reducing costs across crushing, grinding, flotation, and refining stages.

The candidate will bring extensive experience in mineral processing/metallurgy, strong leadership, and a track record of delivering process improvements while upholding safety and environmental standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 7 years in mineral processing and metallurgy.
• Strong understanding of comminution, flotation, gravity separation, hydrometallurgy, and pyrometallurgy.
• Proven experience in process optimization, troubleshooting, and scale-up.
• MetSIM and JKSimMet knowledge is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills at all levels.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practices.
• Experience in budgeting and project timelines.

Responsibilities

• Oversee metallurgical operations and ensure efficient mineral processing.
• Develop and monitor metallurgical test work and process improvements.
• Analyze plant data to optimize grinding, flotation, leaching, and refining.
• Troubleshoot issues and implement corrective actions to maintain throughput.
• Maintain metallurgical accounting and reporting systems.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Collaborate with engineers and management to meet targets and reduce costs.
• Stay updated on new technologies in mineral processing and metallurgy.
• Conduct audits and feasibility studies for projects or upgrades.
• Mentor junior staff and foster continuous improvement.

Skills

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Analytical skills

Budget management

Decision-making

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

MetSIM

JKSimMet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the mining and minerals processing sector, is actively seeking a highly experienced Senior Metallurgist to join their operational team in Welkom, Free State . This role is pivotal in optimizing the performance of our mineral processing plants, focusing on enhancing recovery rates, improving product quality, and reducing operational costs. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of various metallurgical processes, from comminution to downstream refining, and a proven ability to troubleshoot complex challenges. You will be instrumental in driving innovation and efficiency within our processing facilities, ensuring we meet and exceed production targets while adhering to the highest safety and environmental standards. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding career opportunity within a well-established organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage metallurgical operations, ensuring efficient and effective mineral processing.
• Develop, implement, and monitor metallurgical test work and process improvements.
• Analyze plant performance data to identify opportunities for optimization in areas such as grinding, flotation, leaching, and refining.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement corrective actions to maintain plant efficiency and throughput.
• Develop and maintain metallurgical accounting and reporting systems.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Collaborate with engineers, operations personnel, and management to achieve production targets and cost efficiencies.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and methodologies in mineral processing and metallurgy.
• Conduct metallurgical audits and feasibility studies for new projects or process upgrades.
• Mentor and develop junior metallurgical staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mineral processing and metallurgy, preferably within the base metals or precious metals sector.
• Strong understanding of comminution, flotation, gravity separation, hydrometallurgy, and pyrometallurgy.
• Proven experience in process optimization, troubleshooting, and scale-up.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software (e.g., MetSIM, JKSimMet) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practices.
• Experience in managing budgets and project timelines.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package that reflects the experience and expertise of the successful candidate, along with performance-based bonuses and comprehensive benefits including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and relocation assistance if required. Opportunities for professional development, continuous training, and career advancement are abundant. Join a leading company in the mining industry and contribute to its ongoing success in Welkom, Free State .