Chief Metallurgist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Presencial; ZAR 3.500.000 - 5.200.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Executive compensation package

Performance bonus

Relocation assistance

International travel opportunities

Professional development support

State-of-the-art facilities

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Metallurgist to lead our clients’ processing operations in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The role oversees all aspects of mineral processing to maximize metal recovery and product quality, with a focus on innovation, cost control, and environmental compliance.

The successful candidate will drive plant performance, mentor a team of metallurgists and engineers, and collaborate with R&D and operations to deliver safe, reliable processing solutions at scale.

Formación

• Master's or PhD in metallurgy, chemical engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive metallurgical leadership experience in mining/metals.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and optimize mineral processing teams.

Responsabilidades

• Lead metallurgical department with strategic direction and technical oversight.
• Oversee design and optimization of mineral processing circuits (comminution, flotation, leaching, refining).
• Develop strategies to maximize metal recovery, product quality and plant efficiency.
• Manage budgets, projects, and personnel; ensure health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering and operations to integrate metallurgy into projects.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Metallurgical expertise

Process optimization

Project management

Team leadership

Educación

Masters or PhD in Metallurgy/Chemical Engineering

Herramientas

Process modeling software

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

About the Role Our client, a significant player in the global mining and metals sector, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Chief Metallurgist to lead their processing operations in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA . This senior leadership position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of mineral processing, including comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining, to maximize metal recovery and product quality. The Chief Metallurgist will drive innovation, optimize plant performance, ensure compliance with environmental standards, and manage a team of metallurgists and technicians. We are looking for a candidate with a deep understanding of metallurgical principles, extensive experience in process optimization, and a proven ability to lead and inspire technical teams. This is a critical role offering the chance to significantly impact the company's operational success and strategic direction. The position demands strong analytical skills, excellent problem-solving capabilities, and a forward-thinking approach to metallurgical challenges. You will be responsible for setting metallurgical strategies, evaluating new technologies, and ensuring the efficient and cost-effective processing of diverse mineral resources. The successful applicant will play a key role in improving recovery rates, reducing operating costs, and enhancing the environmental performance of the processing plants. Collaboration with research and development, engineering, and operations teams is essential. The work involves overseeing complex chemical and physical processes. The successful candidate will be a recognized expert in the field, capable of providing high-level technical guidance and strategic insights to senior management. This role is based at our state-of-the-art facilities in the beautiful region of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the metallurgical department, providing strategic direction and technical expertise.
• Oversee the design, operation, and optimization of mineral processing plants, including comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining circuits.
• Develop and implement metallurgical strategies to maximize metal recovery, product quality, and plant efficiency.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, pilot plant trials, and scale-up studies for new processes or improvements.
• Troubleshoot complex processing issues and implement effective solutions to maintain optimal plant performance.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements in metallurgical operations.
• Manage metallurgical budgets, capital expenditure proposals, and operating costs effectively.
• Mentor and develop the metallurgical team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations teams to integrate metallurgical expertise into project development and operational enhancements.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in metallurgical technologies and methodologies relevant to the mining industry.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for senior management.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in metallurgical operations, including significant experience in leadership roles within the mining and metals industry.
• Proven expertise in various mineral processing techniques (e.g., flotation, hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy) for base and precious metals.
• Strong understanding of chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, and mineralogy.
• Demonstrated experience in process modeling, simulation, and optimization using relevant software.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, projects, and personnel effectively.
• Experience with environmental management and permitting in metallurgical processes.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) or equivalent professional accreditation is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel to various mine sites and operations as required, based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA .

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including base salary, performance bonus, and long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits and retirement provisions.
• Generous relocation assistance package.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional engagement.
• Leadership development programs and support for continued professional growth.
• Significant influence on company strategy and operational direction.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and processing technologies.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment with a highly skilled team.
• Annual leave and other statutory benefits.
• Opportunity to contribute to the sustainable development of the mining sector.