Chief Metallurgist - Mineral Processing Specialist

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 4,102,000 - 6,563,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Competitive compensation

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Metallurgist to drive innovation and operational excellence in mineral processing. The role is fully remote, shaping metallurgical strategies worldwide and guiding project teams and operations from anywhere in the world.

The candidate will oversee design, optimization, and troubleshooting of processing plants, with 10+ years in metallurgical operations and strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing or related field.
• 10+ years hands-on mineral processing experience with base/precious minerals.
• Expertise in crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, thickening, filtration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global metallurgical strategies for mineral processing.
• Lead design and commissioning of new facilities and upgrades.
• Optimize operations to improve recovery and reduce costs.

Skills

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Analytical skills

Communication

Mineral processing

Education

PhD or MSc in Metallurgy/Chemical Engineering

Tools

Metso Outotec HSC

JK SimMet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in the Mining sector, is seeking a highly accomplished Chief Metallurgist to drive innovation and operational excellence in mineral processing. This is a prestigious, fully remote position offering the opportunity to shape metallurgical strategies worldwide. You will be responsible for overseeing the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of mineral processing plants, ensuring maximum recovery and product quality. The ideal candidate possesses extensive expertise in various metallurgical processes, including comminution, flotation, leaching, and solid-liquid separation. This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong analytical background and the ability to provide expert guidance to project teams and operations, regardless of their physical location. Your leadership will be critical in enhancing efficiency and sustainability across our client's diverse portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global metallurgical strategies and best practices for mineral processing.
• Lead the metallurgical design and commissioning of new processing facilities and upgrades.
• Optimize existing operations to improve recovery, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Provide expert technical support and troubleshooting for operational challenges across various mine sites.
• Conduct advanced metallurgical test work and interpret results to inform process development.
• Mentor and develop a team of metallurgists and process engineers in a remote capacity.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and innovations in mineral processing and evaluate their applicability.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and engineering departments to foster continuous improvement.
• Develop metallurgical accounting systems and quality control protocols.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, feasibility studies, and investment justifications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in mineral processing, with a significant focus on base metals, precious metals, or industrial minerals.
• Demonstrated expertise in all major metallurgical unit operations (crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, thickening, filtration).
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and provide strategic metallurgical guidance.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., Metso Outotec HSC, JK SimMet).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills suitable for a remote working environment.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with diverse teams globally.
• Published research or contributions to the field of metallurgy is highly desirable.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and exceptional opportunities for career advancement within a leading international Mining organization. You will have the autonomy to shape global metallurgical strategies and contribute to sustainable resource development from anywhere in the world.