Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer - Base Metals Extraction

Placements24; Cape Town; Sur place; ZAR 1 800 000 - 2 400 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional growth

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer to oversee base metals processing in Cape Town. The role focuses on optimizing comminution, flotation, leaching, and SX/EW to maximize recovery, efficiency, and environmental compliance.

You will lead a team of metallurgists and process engineers, develop and implement flowsheets, and report KPIs to senior management while collaborating with R&D, engineering, and operations on capital projects.

Qualifications

• Degree in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering; Master's preferred.
• 10+ years in metallurgical processing; 5+ years in leadership within mining.
• Experience with base metals circuits: crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, SX/EW.
• Proficiency with METSIM or Outotec HSC Chemistry.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsabilités

• Provide strategic direction for base metals processing.
• Develop, implement and optimize metallurgical flowsheets to improve recovery and product quality.
• Oversee plant operations, troubleshoot deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Mentor metallurgists and process engineers; foster continuous improvement.
• Conduct metallurgical testwork and pilot plant trials for new technologies.
• Develop and report KPIs for metallurgical performance to senior management.
• Ensure safety, health and environmental compliance in operations.
• Collaborate on process design, debottlenecking and capital projects.
• Manage external vendor relationships for equipment and chemicals.

Connaissances

Metallurgical processing

Leadership

Process optimization

Data-driven analysis

Project management

Formation

B.Sc./B.Eng. in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Master's degree advantageous

Outils

METSIM

Outotec HSC Chemistry

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the mining and metals sector, is actively searching for an experienced and visionary Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer to oversee critical operations based in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA . This leadership position is responsible for optimizing and advancing the metallurgical processes involved in base metals extraction, ensuring maximum yield, efficiency, and environmental compliance. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of comminution, flotation, leaching, and solvent extraction processes, coupled with a proven track record of innovation and problem-solving within complex metallurgical environments. This role is crucial for driving operational excellence and profitability in our client's mining ventures.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the metallurgical department, providing strategic direction and technical expertise for base metals processing.
• Develop, implement, and optimize metallurgical flowsheets to enhance recovery rates and product quality.
• Oversee plant operations, troubleshooting process deviations, and implementing corrective actions.
• Manage and mentor a team of metallurgists and process engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Conduct detailed metallurgical testwork and pilot plant trials to evaluate new technologies and process improvements.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) for metallurgical performance and report on progress to senior management.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, health, and environmental regulations within the metallurgical operations.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations teams on process design, debottlenecking, and capital projects.
• Manage external vendor relationships for equipment and chemical supply.

Requirements

• B.Sc. or B.Eng. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline. A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in metallurgical processing, with at least 5 years in a leadership or senior engineering role within the mining industry.
• Extensive knowledge of base metals extraction circuits, including crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, thickening, filtration, and solvent extraction (SX/EW).
• Demonstrated experience with process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, Outotec HSC Chemistry).
• Strong understanding of mineralogy, thermodynamics, and kinetics relevant to metallurgical processes.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage projects, and drive process improvements.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Professional registration (e.g., PrEng) is preferred.
• Willingness to travel to various mine sites as required.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, including a competitive base salary, annual bonus, medical aid, and a retirement fund. Extensive opportunities for professional growth and development within a leading international mining corporation are available. The role is based in the vibrant city of Cape Town , offering a dynamic lifestyle and excellent work-life balance. We provide a challenging yet rewarding work environment that fosters innovation and rewards performance.