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

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.