Head of Metallurgy, Base Metals Processing

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 2,400,000 - 4,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical scheme

Life insurance

Pension fund

Relocation assistance

Housing support

Career progression and international</

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Chief Metallurgist to lead processing operations in Rustenburg, North West. You will oversee all metallurgical activities from plant design to R&D, driving innovation, safety, and sustainability while maximizing metal recovery and product quality.

You will lead a skilled team, collaborate with engineers and geologists, manage the metallurgical budget, and ensure compliance with regulations in a high-stakes mining environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 12+ years of progressive metallurgical processing experience, with leadership roles.
• Expertise in processing base metals (Cu, Ni, Zn, PGMs).
• Strong knowledge of mineral processing including comminution, flotation, hydrometallurgy.
• Experience with process simulation software METSIM / HSC Chemistry.
• Proven ability in process optimization, troubleshooting, and R&D.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Safety and environmental management systems knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all metallurgical operations (crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, refining).
• Develop and optimize metallurgical processes to improve recovery and product quality.
• Oversee process control systems and plant efficiency within design parameters.
• Conduct metallurgical test work and pilot studies for new technologies.
• Troubleshoot operational problems to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Metallurgy expertise

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Communication

Safety management

Project management

Education

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

Outotec HSC Chemistry

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Chief Metallurgist to lead processing operations in Rustenburg, North West. You will oversee all metallurgical activities from plant design to R&D, driving innovation, safety, and sustainability while maximizing metal recovery and product quality.

You will lead a skilled team, collaborate with engineers and geologists, manage the metallurgical budget, and ensure compliance with regulations in a high-stakes mining environment.