Lead Metallurgist - Base Metals Processing

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical cover

Retirement fund

Performance-related bonuses

Hybrid work arrangements

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Metallurgist for a major mining operation near George, Western Cape. The role leads metallurgical processing across base metals, optimizing recovery and product quality while driving safety and technical excellence.

You will manage a team of metallurgists and technicians, develop test programs, analyze plant data, and deliver reports and capital proposals. Hybrid work options include occasional site travel to optimize operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in metallurgical processing with base metals focus.
• Leadership experience overseeing technical teams and plant operations.
• Experience with process optimization and troubleshooting in mineral processing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee base metals processing operations including crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching and refining.
• Develop and monitor metallurgical test work programs to optimize recovery and grade.
• Analyze plant performance data, identify bottlenecks and implement improvements.
• Lead and mentor metallurgists and technicians, ensuring safety and excellence.
• Prepare metallurgical reports, capital proposals and performance summaries.
• Collaborate with mining, geology and maintenance teams for integrated operations.
• Manage metallurgical budget and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Process optimization

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

JKSimMet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major diversified mining operation situated near George, Western Cape, is actively seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Metallurgist. This senior position is central to optimizing the processing of a range of base metals, ensuring maximum recovery and product quality. The Lead Metallurgist will be responsible for overseeing metallurgical operations, driving process improvements, and leading a team of skilled professionals. This role offers a significant opportunity to influence operational efficiency and sustainability within a key mining hub in the Western Cape, South Africa. The successful candidate will contribute to strategic decision-making and innovation in metal processing.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all aspects of base metals processing operations, including crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, and refining.
• Develop, implement, and monitor metallurgical test work programs to optimize recovery, grade, and cost efficiency.
• Analyze plant performance data, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions for continuous improvement.
• Lead and mentor a team of metallurgists and technicians, fostering a culture of technical excellence and safety.
• Ensure adherence to all health, safety, environmental, and quality standards in the George processing plant.
• Collaborate with mining engineers, geologists, and maintenance teams to ensure integrated and efficient operations.
• Manage the metallurgical budget, controlling operational costs and identifying areas for savings.
• Stay current with emerging metallurgical technologies and best practices, recommending adoption where appropriate.
• Prepare detailed metallurgical reports, including process performance summaries, recovery investigations, and capital expenditure proposals.
• Troubleshoot complex processing challenges and provide timely, effective solutions.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in metallurgical processing, with a significant focus on base metals (copper, zinc, lead, nickel).
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing technical teams and overseeing plant operations.
• Proven track record in process optimization, troubleshooting, and implementing improvements in mineral processing plants.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software (e.g., METSIM, JKSimMet) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of mineralogy, beneficiation techniques, and hydrometallurgical/pyrometallurgical processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaunt effectively across different departments and with external stakeholders.
• Experience in managing operational budgets and capital projects.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to other sites or for industry conferences.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations pertaining to mineral processing in the Western Cape.

Benefits

• This position offers a competitive salary package, reflecting the seniority and responsibility of the role.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage, retirement fund participation, performance-related bonuses, and opportunities for career advancement within a leading mining group.
• Our client provides a dynamic and challenging work environment, with potential for hybrid work arrangements.
• Support for professional development and ongoing training in the latest metallurgical techniques is provided.
• Join us in George and play a key role in the future of base metals extraction.