Lead Metallurgist

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Metallurgist to direct mineral processing operations in Centurion. You will lead a team of metallurgists, optimize plant performance, and implement new technologies to improve recovery and product quality. Hybrid remote/on-site work allows strategic oversight and hands-on troubleshooting.

The role requires 10+ years in mineral processing, with expertise in comminution, flotation, leaching, and solid-liquid separation, plus leadership and process-simulation experience.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in mineral processing operations.
• In-depth knowledge of comminution, flotation, leaching, and solid-liquid separation technologies.
• Experience with metallurgical accounting and process simulation software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid remote/on-site capacity.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize all mineral processing plant operations, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize mineral recovery and minimize operational costs.
• Conduct metallurgical test work and pilot plant trials to evaluate new processing techniques and reagents.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and provide technical guidance to plant personnel to resolve processing challenges.
• Prepare detailed metallurgical reports and present findings to senior management and project teams.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations within the processing plant.

Skills

Comminution

Flotation

Leaching

Solid-liquid separation

Metallurgical accounting

Process simulation

Analytical skills

Leadership

Education

MSc or PhD in Metallurgy

Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Metallurgical accounting software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Lead Metallurgist to direct their mineral processing operations in Centurion . This senior role is responsible for optimizing plant performance, improving recovery rates, and ensuring the efficient processing of various mineral commodities. You will lead a team of metallurgists and technicians, troubleshoot complex processing challenges, and implement new technologies to enhance operational efficiency and product quality. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in mineral processing and a strong understanding of pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy, driving process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize all mineral processing plant operations, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching.


• Develop and implement strategies to maximize mineral recovery and minimize operational costs.


• Conduct metallurgical test work and pilot plant trials to evaluate new processing techniques and reagents.


• Troubleshoot operational issues and provide technical guidance to plant personnel to resolve processing challenges.


• Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the processing plant.


• Prepare detailed metallurgical reports and present findings to senior management and project teams.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.


• Minimum of 10 years of hands‑on experience in mineral processing operations, with a strong focus on gold or PGMs .


• In‑depth knowledge of comminution, flotation, leaching, and solid‑liquid separation technologies.


• Experience with metallurgical accounting and process simulation software.


• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and leadership skills.


• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid remote/on‑site capacity.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and attractive bonus potential.


• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement savings plan.


• Support for ongoing professional development and continuing education.


• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities and pilot plants.


• A stimulating work environment focused on innovation and technical excellence.