Chief Metallurgist - Mineral Processing

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Med & Dental insurance

Retirement fund

Bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Metallurgist in Centurion, Gauteng, to lead the mineral processing division. This role focuses on optimizing recovery, improving concentrate grade and driving metallurgical innovation across complex ore bodies.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering with 10+ years in mineral processing and proven leadership. You will manage a multidisciplinary team, run pilot studies, and deliver strategic metallurgical improvements with strong

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in mineral processing with strong leadership experience.
• Expertise in flotation, comminution, leaching and related metallurgical processes.
• Experience with complex ore bodies and diverse mineral commodities.
• Proficiency with process simulation software and statistical tools.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, projects and technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee metallurgical operations design, optimization and troubleshooting.
• Develop strategies to improve recovery, grade and efficiency.
• Lead and mentor metallurgists and technicians, fostering high performance.
• Conduct pilot and bench studies to test new technologies.
• Analyze data to identify trends and drive corrective actions.
• Ensure health, safety and environmental compliance in the plant.
• Collaborate with R&D for metallurgical innovations and project evaluations.
• Prepare budgets and capex justifications for metallurgical projects.

Skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Budgeting & project management

Continuous improvement

Education

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent force in the Mining sector, is seeking an accomplished and visionary Chief Metallurgist to lead their mineral processing division. This senior role, based in Centurion, Gauteng, ZA , is critical for optimizing recovery rates and driving innovation in our client's metallurgical operations. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in mineral processing, comminution, flotation, and hydrometallurgy, coupled with a strong track record of managing complex technical teams and projects. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a leader to shape the future of metallurgical practices within a leading mining organization, contributing to enhanced efficiency and profitability. You will be at the forefront of metallurgical advancements and operational improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of metallurgical operations, including process design, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and implement innovative metallurgical strategies to improve recovery, concentrate grade, and operational efficiency.
• Manage and mentor a team of metallurgists and technicians, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and bench-scale testing to evaluate new process technologies and improvements.
• Analyze metallurgical data, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to ensure consistent performance.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations within the metallurgical plant.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to drive metallurgical innovation and new project evaluations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, budgets, and capital expenditure justifications for metallurgical projects.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in mineral processing, with significant leadership experience.
• Expertise in flotation, comminution, leaching, and other relevant metallurgical processes.
• Proven experience with complex ore bodies and diverse mineral commodities.
• Strong knowledge of process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry) and statistical analysis tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, projects, and technical teams effectively.
• A passion for innovation and continuous improvement in metallurgical science and engineering.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary, comprehensive medical and dental insurance, a generous retirement fund, and performance-based bonuses. This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth, international travel for conferences and site visits, and the chance to lead groundbreaking metallurgical initiatives. You will work in a state-of-the-art facility with a dedicated and highly skilled team. The company also provides relocation assistance and a supportive work environment that values expertise and leadership.