Chief Metallurgist - Base Metals

Placements24; George; Presencial; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.900.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Performance bonus

Private health insurance

Retirement plan

Relocation support

International travel

Leave entitlement

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is recruiting a Chief Metallurgist for its George, Western Cape operations. The role oversees metallurgical activities, drives process optimization, and leads trials and pilot tests to advance recovery and product quality in base metals mining.

The position requires 10+ years in mineral processing and metallurgy, strong leadership, and expertise across crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, and pyrometallurgical concepts. Relocation support and international travel may be offered.

Formación

• 10+ years in mineral processing and metallurgy, with base metals mining.
• Experience optimizing metallurgical circuits and improving plant performance.
• Knowledge of crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning.
• Experience with metallurgical simulation and modeling software.

Responsabilidades

• Lead and manage metallurgical operations at the George facility, base metals focus.
• Develop, implement, and optimize metallurgical processes to enhance recovery and cost-efficiency.
• Oversee plant tests, lab analyses, and pilot plant operations for new processing tech.
• Troubleshoot complex metallurgical issues and advise operations and engineering teams.
• Manage metallurgical accounting and report metal balances and recoveries.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of metallurgists and technicians.

Conocimientos

Metallurgy

Plant optimization

Laboratory analysis

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Educación

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

Herramientas

Simulation software

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client is a leading force in the **mining** industry, currently seeking a highly accomplished and results-oriented **Chief Metallurgist** to oversee and advance their processing operations in **George, Western Cape**. This pivotal role demands extensive expertise in mineral processing, beneficiation, and hydrometallurgy/pyrometallurgy. You will be responsible for optimizing plant performance, driving innovation in metallurgical techniques, and ensuring the efficient and sustainable extraction of valuable commodities. The **Chief Metallurgist** will play a critical role in maximizing recovery rates, minimizing operational costs, and adhering to stringent environmental standards. This is a challenging yet rewarding position for a seasoned professional looking to make a substantial impact in a key operational hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all metallurgical operations at the **George** facility, focusing on base metals.
• Develop, implement, and optimize metallurgical processes to enhance recovery, product quality, and cost-efficiency.
• Oversee plant trials, laboratory analysis, and pilot plant operations to test and validate new processing technologies.
• Troubleshoot complex metallurgical issues and provide expert guidance to operations and engineering teams.
• Develop and maintain metallurgical accounting systems and ensure accurate reporting of metal balances and recoveries.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in metallurgical science and technology, recommending their adoption where appropriate.
• Ensure all metallurgical activities comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations within the **mining** sector.
• Manage the metallurgical budget and resource allocation effectively.
• Collaborate with research and development teams on long-term process improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of metallurgists and technicians.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in mineral processing and metallurgy, with a strong emphasis on base metals **mining**.
• Demonstrated success in optimizing complex metallurgical circuits and improving plant performance.
• In-depth knowledge of various metallurgical unit processes (e.g., crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning).
• Experience with metallurgical simulation and modeling software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and lead cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with relevant environmental legislation and best practices in **South Africa**.
• Experience in **George** or similar operational **mining** environments is advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly attractive remuneration package reflecting the seniority of the role.
• Performance-based annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive private health insurance and robust retirement savings plan.
• Significant annual leave entitlement.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development through industry conferences and training.
• A key leadership role within a respected **mining** organization.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for candidates relocating to **George**.
• Access to cutting-edge processing facilities and technologies.