Lead Metallurgist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement planning

International travel opportunities

Performance incentives

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Metallurgist to head metallurgical operations in Durban, SA. You will optimize mineral processing, drive R&D initiatives, and ensure industry standards are met while leading a team of professionals on-site with occasional travel.

The role blends laboratory analysis with field oversight, offering hybrid work, competitive benefits, and opportunities for advanced projects in a major mining hub.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in metallurgy or related field required.
• At least 10 years of mineral processing/metallurgy experience.
• Proven track record in process optimization and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize all mineral processing plant aspects including comminution, flotation, and leaching.
• Develop and implement new metallurgical processes to improve recovery and reduce costs.
• Conduct pilot plant trials and scale-up studies for new processes.
• Analyze plant performance data and recommend corrective actions.
• Lead and mentor metallurgists and technicians to foster continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in Metallurgy/ Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Metallurgical simulation software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a results-oriented Lead Metallurgist to spearhead their metallurgical operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This senior role is responsible for optimizing mineral processing and extraction techniques to maximize recovery and product quality from various ores. You will lead a team of metallurgists and technicians, drive research and development initiatives, and ensure compliance with industry best practices and environmental standards within the mining industry. This is a critical position that offers the chance to influence process design and operational efficiency in a key South African industrial hub, blending laboratory analysis with on-site operational oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize all aspects of the mineral processing plant, including comminution, flotation, and leaching circuits.
• Develop and implement new metallurgical processes and technologies to improve recovery rates and reduce costs.
• Conduct pilot plant trials and scale-up studies for new metallurgical processes.
• Analyze plant performance data, troubleshoot operational issues, and recommend corrective actions.
• Manage the metallurgical laboratory, ensuring quality control and accurate assaying.
• Lead and mentor a team of metallurgists and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mineral processing and metallurgy, with significant exposure to various commodities.
• Proven track record in process optimization and troubleshooting in a mining or mineral processing environment.
• Experience with metallurgical simulation software and data analysis.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to different sites and collaborate with teams in Durban and other locations.

Benefits

• Attractive salary with performance incentives and benefits.
• Hybrid work model allowing for a blend of office and remote work.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement planning.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.
• A collaborative work environment focused on innovation and operational excellence in mining .