Lead Metallurgical Engineer - Processing Operations

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Performance bonuses

Medical plan

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Lead Metallurgical Engineer to oversee metallurgical processing across major mining assets near Cape Town. You will set strategy, mentor the metallurgical team, and drive safety, efficiency and recovery improvements in a demanding industrial environment.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Metallurgy or related field (Master's preferred), 10+ years in metallurgical engineering with 5+ in leadership, and strong expertise in mineral processing, process

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in metallurgical engineering, with at least 5 years in a lead or supervisory role within the mining industry.
• Proven track record of optimizing complex mineral processing operations (e.g., flotation, leaching, gravity separation).
• Strong understanding of metallurgical accounting, process control, and quality management systems.
• Experience with mineral processing simulation software (e.g., MetSim, JKSimMet) is highly desirable.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Ability to analyze complex data sets and translate them into actionable operational improvements.
• A deep commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the metallurgical engineering team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Develop, implement, and monitor metallurgical process strategies to maximize mineral recovery and product quality.
• Conduct root cause analysis for operational challenges and implement effective, data-driven solutions.
• Oversee the design, commissioning, and optimization of mineral processing equipment and circuits.
• Manage metallurgical accounting, reporting, and performance metrics, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and exploration teams to ensure seamless integration of metallurgical processes.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and best practices in mineral processing and implement relevant innovations.
• Ensure all operations comply with stringent health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Develop and manage the metallurgical department's budget and resource allocation.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Data analysis

Communication

Project management

Mineral processing

Process optimization

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Master's degree advantageous

Tools

MetSim

JKSimMet

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Lead Metallurgical Engineer to oversee and optimize the metallurgical processing operations for their significant mining assets near Cape Town, Western Cape . This critical leadership position will be responsible for driving efficiency, improving recovery rates, and ensuring the cost-effective operation of all mineral processing plants. The successful candidate will provide technical direction, mentorship, and strategic planning to the metallurgical team, playing a key role in enhancing the company's overall performance and profitability. This role requires a blend of strong technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in a demanding industrial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the metallurgical engineering team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Develop, implement, and monitor metallurgical process strategies to maximize mineral recovery and product quality.
• Conduct root cause analysis for operational challenges and implement effective, data-driven solutions.
• Oversee the design, commissioning, and optimization of mineral processing equipment and circuits.
• Manage metallurgical accounting, reporting, and performance metrics, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and exploration teams to ensure seamless integration of metallurgical processes.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and best practices in mineral processing and implement relevant innovations.
• Ensure all operations comply with stringent health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Develop and manage the metallurgical department's budget and resource allocation.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field; a Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in metallurgical engineering, with at least 5 years in a lead or supervisory role within the mining industry.
• Proven track record of optimizing complex mineral processing operations (e.g., flotation, leaching, gravity separation).
• Strong understanding of metallurgical accounting, process control, and quality management systems.
• Experience with mineral processing simulation software (e.g., MetSim, JKSimMet) is highly desirable.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Ability to analyze complex data sets and translate them into actionable operational improvements.
• A deep commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.
• Familiarity with the unique geological and operational context of the Western Cape region's mining sector.

Benefits

• This position offers an attractive salary package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive medical and retirement plans.
• Opportunities for professional development, international exposure, and career advancement are abundant.
• The hybrid work model provides flexibility while ensuring essential on-site presence.
• Join a leading mining company and shape the future of mineral processing in Cape Town .