Lead Metallurgist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan with employer

Global travel for site visits

Professional development budget

Annual bonus structure

Home office setup stipend

Access to advanced research tools

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct is seeking a highly accomplished Lead Metallurgist to join their remote, strategic team. You will oversee and optimize mineral processing, improve recovery, and ensure sustainable extraction across mining operations.

This remote‑first role requires deep metallurgical knowledge, 10+ years in process development, and experience with METSIM or HSC Chemistry. You will mentor engineers, lead projects, and collaborate with R&D and operations for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in metallurgical process development and operations within the mining industry.
• Expertise in hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, or mineral processing.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of metallurgical processes for various mineral commodities.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale‑up studies for new metallurgical techniques.
• Analyze process data to identify areas for improvement in recovery, grade, and efficiency.
• Develop and implement quality control measures for metallurgical operations.
• Collaborate with R&D teams on new technology evaluation and implementation.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to metallurgical engineers and technicians.
• Manage metallurgical projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
• Develop and maintain metallurgical accounting systems and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to metallurgical processes.
• Troubleshoot complex processing challenges and implement effective solutions.

Skills

Remote team leadership

Analytical thinking

Data-driven approach

Project management

Education

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy/related field

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking a highly accomplished Lead Metallurgist to join their innovative team. This is a fully remote, strategic position that will oversee and advance the metallurgical processes for their mining operations. You will be responsible for optimizing mineral processing, improving recovery rates, and ensuring the efficient and sustainable extraction of valuable commodities. As a remote‑first organization, we empower our experts with the tools and autonomy to drive significant improvements from anywhere in the world. This role demands a deep technical understanding of metallurgical principles, extensive experience in process development and optimization, and a passion for innovation. You will collaborate with site‑based teams, research and development, and operational management to implement best practices and push the boundaries of metallurgical science. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to shape the future of our client's processing capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of metallurgical processes for various mineral commodities.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale‑up studies for new metallurgical techniques.
• Analyze process data to identify areas for improvement in recovery, grade, and efficiency.
• Develop and implement quality control measures for metallurgical operations.
• Collaborate with R&D teams on new technology evaluation and implementation.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to metallurgical engineers and technicians.
• Manage metallurgical projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
• Develop and maintain metallurgical accounting systems and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to metallurgical processes.
• Troubleshoot complex processing challenges and implement effective solutions.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in metallurgical process development and operations within the mining industry.
• Proven expertise in hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, or mineral processing.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a data‑driven approach.
• Experience with metallurgical simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry).
• Demonstrated ability to lead remote teams and manage complex projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations and sustainability practices in mining.
• Ability to interpret assay results and mineralogical data.
• Strong understanding of process control and automation in metallurgical plants.

Benefits

• Excellent annual salary of R.
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexible hours.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Opportunities for global travel for site visits and conferences.
• Professional development and training budget.
• Annual bonus structure based on performance and company success.
• Home office setup stipend and ongoing technical support.
• Access to advanced research and analytical tools.
• A culture of innovation and continuous improvement.