Head of Mineral Processing & Plant — Performance Bonuses

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Medical and retirement benefits

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mineral Processing Superintendent to lead the Nelspruit processing plant in Mpumalanga. The role directs metallurgists, engineers, and operators to maximize throughput, recovery, and grade while ensuring safety and environmental compliance.

The ideal candidate has at least 10 years in mineral processing, with 5 in a supervisory role, and a strong background in comminution, flotation, leaching, and solid-liquid separation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in mineral processing with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale metallurgical plants, preferably in base metals or precious metals.
• Strong understanding of comminution, flotation, leaching, and solid-liquid separation processes.
• Expertise in process optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the mineral processing plant, including crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, and dewatering circuits.
• Manage and mentor a team of supervisors, metallurgists, engineers, and plant operators.
• Ensure production targets for volume, recovery, and grade are met or exceeded.
• Enforce stringent health, safety, and environmental standards and procedures.
• Monitor performance metrics and identify areas for improvement and cost reduction.
• Develop and manage operational budgets for the processing department.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Troubleshoot operational and metallurgical issues to maintain continuous plant operation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including process optimization and technology adoption.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and permit conditions.
• Develop and manage training programs for plant personnel.
• Liaise with mine operations, geology, and logistics for seamless integration.
• Prepare regular operational reports for senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Process optimization

Metallurgical principles

Safety leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy or related field

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

Metallurgical accounting

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mineral Processing Superintendent to lead the Nelspruit processing plant in Mpumalanga. The role directs metallurgists, engineers, and operators to maximize throughput, recovery, and grade while ensuring safety and environmental compliance.

The ideal candidate has at least 10 years in mineral processing, with 5 in a supervisory role, and a strong background in comminution, flotation, leaching, and solid-liquid separation.