Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer - Base Metals

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive remuneration

Medical aid & retirement fund

Performance-based bonuses

Professional growth opportunities

Hybrid work arrangements

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking a Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer to head base metals processing operations. You will drive innovation, optimize plant performance, and oversee the metallurgical chain from comminution to refining, ensuring maximum yield and product quality.

The role requires a Master’s degree and 10+ years in metallurgical processing, with strong leadership, analytical skills, and experience in flotation, leaching, and simulations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of hands-on metallurgical experience in base metals processing.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, optimization, and troubleshooting of metallurgical processes for base metal extraction.
• Oversee design and implementation of new processing technologies and equipment upgrades.
• Manage and mentor a team of metallurgical engineers and technicians.
• Develop process control strategies to maximize recovery and product quality.
• Conduct process audits and performance analyses to identify improvements and cost reductions.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Data-driven

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prominent force in the Mining sector, currently seeking an exceptional Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer to spearhead their advanced processing operations based in Cape Town, Western Cape . This pivotal role requires a seasoned professional to drive innovation, optimize plant performance, and ensure the efficient extraction of valuable base metals. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire metallurgical process, from comminution and flotation to refining, ensuring maximum yield and product quality. This position offers the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art technology and contribute to the sustainable development of significant mining projects. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, a deep technical understanding of mineral processing, and a commitment to operational excellence in the challenging Cape Town, Western Cape environment. You will be a key member of the senior technical team, influencing strategic decisions and driving process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, optimization, and troubleshooting of metallurgical processes for base metal extraction.
• Oversee the design and implementation of new processing technologies and equipment upgrades.
• Manage and mentor a team of metallurgical engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to maximize recovery, throughput, and product quality.
• Conduct regular process audits and performance analyses, identifying areas for improvement and cost reduction.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards within the processing plant.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to evaluate and pilot new metallurgical techniques and reagents.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, feasibility studies, and operational guidelines.
• Manage vendor relationships for process equipment and consumables.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in metallurgical engineering within the global Mining industry.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in metallurgical process engineering, with a strong emphasis on base metals processing in the Mining industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in flotation, leaching, solid-liquid separation, and refining processes.
• Proven track record in process optimization, scale-up, and troubleshooting of complex mineral processing plants.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a data-driven approach.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry) is a plus.
• Strong understanding of project management principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in the Cape Town, Western Cape region or similar operational environments is preferred.

Benefits

• Highly competitive remuneration package reflecting expertise and leadership.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Performance-based bonuses and annual salary reviews.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• A dynamic work environment with exposure to cutting-edge Mining technologies.
• Potential for hybrid work arrangements, offering flexibility.
• Relocation assistance provided for candidates relocating to Cape Town, Western Cape .