Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive compensation package

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance for exceptional候

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer for its George, Western Cape-based operations. The role blends on-site and remote work to optimize metallurgical circuits, improve recovery, and reduce costs.

You will lead a team of metallurgists and engineers, driving process improvements and ensuring regulatory compliance. You will design and optimize plants, analyze data, and pilot new technologies in collaboration with R&D and operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in metallurgy or chemical engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years in metallurgical process engineering, with 3+ years in lead/supervisory roles within mining.
• Extensive knowledge of mineral processing circuits (comminution, flotation, gravity separation, hydrometallurgy).
• Experience with process simulation software (MetSIM, HSC Chemistry, JKSimMet).
• Strong leadership, communication, and project-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design, implementation, and optimization of metallurgical process plants.
• Develop strategies to improve mineral recovery, concentrate grades, and overall efficiency.
• Conduct process modeling, simulation, and data analysis to identify enhancements.
• Troubleshoot metallurgical and operational problems in real-time.
• Lead and mentor a team of metallurgical engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and engineering to pilot and scale new technologies.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations and standards.
• Prepare technical reports, process documentation, and performance reviews.
• Manage project budgets, resources, and timelines for improvements.
• Stay abreast of industry advancements and emerging processing technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Hybrid work adaptability

Education

BEng in Metallurgy

BSc in Metallurgy

Tools

MetSIM

HSC Chemistry

JKSimMet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the South African mining sector , is seeking an experienced and dynamic Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer to join their operations based in George, Western Cape . This hybrid role offers a blend of on-site and remote work flexibility. You will be responsible for optimizing and innovating metallurgical processes across our client's diverse mineral processing facilities. This pivotal position requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of mineral processing circuits, including comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining. The Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer will drive process improvement initiatives, troubleshoot complex operational issues, and ensure the efficient and sustainable extraction of valuable commodities. You will lead a team of metallurgists and process engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement. This role is critical to enhancing recovery rates, reducing operational costs, and maintaining the highest standards of environmental stewardship. By leveraging advanced analytical techniques and collaborating across departments, you will make significant contributions to the company's profitability and operational efficiency. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to exert influence over critical processing operations and contribute to the success of a respected mining entity.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the design, implementation, and optimization of metallurgical process plants.
• Develop and execute strategies to improve mineral recovery, concentrate grades, and overall process efficiency.
• Conduct detailed process modeling, simulation, and data analysis to identify areas for enhancement.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex metallurgical and operational problems in real-time.
• Lead and mentor a team of metallurgical engineers and technicians, providing technical guidance and support.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and engineering departments to pilot and scale up new process technologies.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations and standards across all processing activities.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, process documentation, and performance reviews.
• Manage project budgets, resources, and timelines for process improvement initiatives.
• Stay abreast of industry advancements and emerging technologies in metallurgical processing.

Requirements

• BEng or BSc in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in metallurgical process engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role within the mining industry .
• Extensive knowledge of mineral processing circuits (e.g., comminution, flotation, gravity separation, hydrometallurgy).
• Proven experience with process simulation software (e.g., MetSIM, HSC Chemistry, JKSimMet).
• Strong understanding of analytical techniques and laboratory procedures.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and teams effectively.
• Experience with process control and automation systems is an advantage.
• A strong commitment to safety, environmental sustainability, and operational excellence.
• Ability to work effectively in both on-site and remote settings within a hybrid model.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• This hybrid role offers the flexibility to balance office-based responsibilities with remote work.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement are abundant.
• You will be part of a collaborative and innovative work environment, working on challenging and impactful projects within the mining sector .
• Relocation assistance may be provided for exceptional candidates.
• This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on operational efficiency and sustainability in one of South Africa's key resource regions.
• Enjoy working with a supportive team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of metallurgical science.