Senior Metallurgist: Mineral Processing & Optimization

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance bonuses

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, Free State, is seeking a Senior Metallurgist to optimize mineral processing, drive plant performance, and reduce costs. You will lead technical investigations, mentor staff, and collaborate with management to implement improvements across grinding, flotation, leaching, and refining circuits.

The role requires expertise in base/precious metals, mineralogy understanding, and experience with process simulation and metallurgical accounting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field from a recognized university.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mineral processing, with a strong focus on metallurgical operations in the mining sector.
• Proven expertise in base metals or precious metals processing, including specific experience with flotation, CIL/CIP, or smelting operations.
• Strong understanding of mineralogy, hydrometallurgy, and pyrometallurgy.
• Proficiency in metallurgical accounting, process simulation software, and statistical analysis tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making capabilities.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng, SAIMM) is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize metallurgical processes, including crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, and refining, to maximize mineral recovery and grade.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot plant test work to evaluate new processing technologies and optimize existing circuit parameters.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure consistent plant performance and product quality.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, diagnose performance issues, and recommend corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot complex metallurgical problems and provide expert technical support to plant operations.
• Collaborate with geologists and engineers to understand ore characteristics and their impact on processing.
• Develop and manage metallurgical budgets and capital expenditure proposals for plant upgrades and improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations related to metallurgical operations.
• Mentor and train junior metallurgists and plant operators on best practices in mineral processing.
• Prepare detailed metallurgical reports, presentations, and recommendations for senior management.

Skills

Metallurgy

Flotation

Leaching

Process control

Data analysis

Budgeting

Leadership

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Process simulation software

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

Placements24 in Welkom, Free State, is seeking a Senior Metallurgist to optimize mineral processing, drive plant performance, and reduce costs. You will lead technical investigations, mentor staff, and collaborate with management to implement improvements across grinding, flotation, leaching, and refining circuits.

The role requires expertise in base/precious metals, mineralogy understanding, and experience with process simulation and metallurgical accounting.