Laboratory Processor Grade 1

Valterra Platinum; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading PGM production company is seeking a Laboratory Processor to conduct metallurgical analysis and ensure compliance with safety standards. The position requires a Grade 12 education with Pure Mathematics and Physical Science, along with a minimum of 6 months experience in a laboratory setting. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge of operational processes and possess strong chemical handling skills. Join a high-performance team committed to operational excellence and safety.

Benefits

Opportunities for learning and development

Market-aligned rewards and recognition

Commitment to safety and health

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months experience as a Laboratory Processor Grade 2.
• Knowledge of operational processes within scope of role.
• Assessed competent on applicable Laboratory Skills Programs.

Responsibilities

• Apply safety and health principles consistently.
• Manage and prepare samples for analysis.
• Ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Laboratory analysis

Chemical handling

Risk management

Compliance

Health and safety principles

Education

Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics and Physical Science

Tools

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Job description

Company Description

Valterra Platinum, formerly Anglo American Platinum, is a leading primary producer of platinum group metals (PGMs), with integrated mining, smelting, and refining operations in South Africa and Zimbabwe, marketing the metal we produce globally. Following our demerger from Anglo American plc, Valterra Platinum is now an independent, publicly listed company with a primary and secondary listing on the Johannesburg and London stock exchanges respectively.

As we embark on this exciting new chapter, Valterra Platinum is positioned to define and pursue its own strategy, anchored in operational excellence, sustainability, and value creation for the long-term. With full accountability for our performance and growth, we are focused on strengthening our capabilities across the entire PGM value chain, from mine to market.

Our independence empowers us to deepen our commitment to stakeholders and lead with purpose – to Unearth Value to Better Our World. We remain steadfast in our ambition to be the world’s foremost producer of platinum group metals, while embedding safety and sustainability in everything we do.

If you're driven by purpose and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, we invite you to join us. Apply today and be part of something bigger.

Location

Rustenburg, Base Metal Refiners (BMR)

NB: First preference will be afforded to internal BMR applicants, in line with internal mobility, who meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Job Description

The role is responsible for performing tasks in an area of a section in accordance with Work Instructions and executing instructions issued by their senior in order to produce accurate and timely results. The role also supports the Laboratory Technician / Shift Leader in optimizing and continually improving the operation of the section.

Job Responsibilities Include (but Are Not Limited To)

Safety & Health

• Consistently apply Safety & Health principles in all team interactions and take personal responsibility for your own safety and others to ensure zero harm and elimination of fatalities.
• Identify specific risks within working area and adhere to discipline‑specific plans/system to avoid these risks.
• Material usage to standard: adherence to standards required for chemicals, glassware, and equipment (e.g., MSDS, handling and use of glassware and equipment).

Performance & Delivery

Work Management

• Compliance & Quality: Adhere to work instructions, quality standards, and SHE principles to ensure accurate and timely results.
• Sample Management: Receive, register, collect, and prepare samples using approved methods.
• Laboratory Analysis: Perform metallurgical and analytical processes including furnace operations, XRF pellet preparation, Na₂O₂ fusions, NiS milling, pressure dissolution, electrolysis, and trace element analysis.
• Wet Chemistry: Conduct pipetting, dilution, leaching, titrations, pH/conductivity/redox measurements, and reagent purity testing.
• Chemical & Gas Handling: Safely manage chemicals, reagents, and gas cylinders; monitor and replenish stock.
• Waste Management: Ensure safe removal and disposal of waste in line with SHE standards.

Sustainability & Social

• Support delivery of the relevant BU and Group sustainability initiatives and activities.
• Input into Valterra Platinum Business Unit‑level cross‑functional integration on sustainability.
• Contribute to building relationships with key stakeholders relevant to Corporate Affairs at both Operational and Business Unit level, ensuring engagements are consistent with Business Unit and Group sustainability initiatives and standards.

People & Teams

• Act in line and support a purpose‑led, high performing culture, applying the company values and principles of inclusion and diversity.
• Actively engage as a team member in all team processes.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance of the discipline with external (legislative, regulatory, permitting) requirements.
• Ensure compliance of the discipline with Valterra Platinum compliance requirements.
• Adhere to compliance governance within the team.

Qualifications

• Grade 12, with Pure Mathematics and Physical Science.

Certifications

• Assessed competent on applicable Laboratory Skills Programs (Primary Sample Preparation, Secondary Sample Preparation and either Fire Assay or Water Analysis, Handling of gas cylinders and Particle size distribution).

Experience

• Minimum 6 months experience as a Laboratory Processor Grade 2.
• Knowledge of operational processes within scope of role.
• Competent to use the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• ORM A1.
• English literate.
• Basic financial metrics, cost and value management & budgeting tools.
• Risk management techniques and critical controls.
• Leadership tools for implementing a culture of purpose‑led high performance and change.
• Safety, health and environment, legislative, statutory, regulatory, and permitting requirements.

Technical Skills

• Monitoring of benchmarks and identification of performance gaps.
• Delivery of safe operational performance over 1–3‑month time horizon.
• Establishment of a culture within team in which safety and health is paramount and that results in zero fatalities.

Additional Information

Who We Are

We are a Southern African PGM producer, marketing metals globally, with a presence across 8 regions and 17 sites. Our operations include 4 operating mines, 3 smelters, and 2 refineries, giving us full control across the Platinum Group Metals (PGM) value chain—from resource to market.

We explore, we mine, we concentrate, we smelt, we refine, and we market. As a result, we have an in-depth knowledge of PGM production and markets. Using this knowledge, we invest in developing sustainable markets for PGMs, partnering directly with research institutions as well as customers in the industrial, jewellery and investment sectors.

With 3 global marketing hubs and a team of over 29,000 employees, we serve a diverse international customer base while remaining deeply rooted in Southern Africa.

What We Offer

We Offer

• Meaningful work in a high‑performance, values‑led environment.
• Market‑aligned reward and recognition.
• Opportunities for learning, development and progression.
• A culture that respects diversity and encourages innovation.
• A clear commitment to safe Operations.

Inclusion and Diversity

Valterra Platinum is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfill their potential.

Valterra Platinum has a zero tolerance to dignity harms, these include all acts of gender‑based violence, bullying, harassment and victimisation. Ensuring the safety of our employees extends beyond physical safety and includes the eradication of harmful behaviours from our workplace. This responsibility extends to everyone at Valterra Platinum both during work hours and outside of work. We are unconditional in creating a respectful, inclusive, and safe working environment to ensure that no colleague will be violated or harassed under our watch.

How To Apply

To apply for this role, please complete our online application form via this job advert.

Closing Date: 26 January 2026