Lead Metallurgist - Base Metals Processing

Placements24; Rustenburg; Híbrido; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.700.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Housing allowance

Relocation support

International training opportunities

Medical and dental insurance

Pension fund

Annual performance bonus

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 seeks an experienced Lead Metallurgist to lead base metals processing near Rustenburg, North West. You will guide a team of metallurgists and technicians, drive recovery improvements, and collaborate with R&D on new processing tech for copper, nickel and PGMs.

You will develop test programs, optimize circuits, supervise data analysis, and ensure safety and environmental standards across operations. Strong leadership and analytical skills are essential.

Formación

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering is required.
• Minimum 10 years in base metals processing with significant PGM and Nickel metallurgy experience.
• Expertise in flotation, leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a technical team.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in metallurgical modeling and simulation.
• Willingness to travel to site locations.

Responsabilidades

• Lead and mentor a team of metallurgists and plant operators to achieve production and quality targets.
• Develop, implement and monitor metallurgical test work programs to optimize circuit performance and recovery.
• Troubleshoot complex metallurgical issues and identify root causes for process deviations.
• Oversee metallurgical accounting, data analysis and reporting for plant operations.
• Collaborate with R&D teams on evaluation and implementation of new processing technologies.
• Ensure adherence to safety, health and environmental standards in all metallurgical activities.
• Manage laboratory operations and ensure the accuracy of analytical results.
• Provide technical support for plant commissioning, upgrades and debottlenecking projects.
• Develop and maintain process simulation models for operational optimization.
• Contribute to long-term metallurgical strategies and capital expenditure proposals.

Conocimientos

Team leadership

Metallurgical modeling

Data analysis

Flotation

Leaching

Solvent extraction

Electrowinning

Communication skills

Problem solving

Willingness to travel

Educación

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

Herramientas

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized mining and metals company, is seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Metallurgist to spearhead their base metals processing operations near Rustenburg, North West . This senior role is crucial for optimizing plant performance, driving metallurgical recovery improvements, and developing innovative processing solutions. The Lead Metallurgist will be responsible for providing expert technical guidance, leading a team of metallurgists and technicians, and collaborating with research and development teams to enhance extraction efficiencies for copper, nickel, and platinum group metals. This is a prime opportunity to influence the technical direction of a major processing facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of metallurgists and plant operators to achieve production and quality targets.
• Develop, implement, and monitor metallurgical test work programs to optimize circuit performance and recovery.
• Troubleshoot complex metallurgical issues and identify root causes for process deviations.
• Oversee metallurgical accounting, data analysis, and reporting for plant operations.
• Collaborate with R&D teams on the evaluation and implementation of new processing technologies.
• Ensure adherence to safety, health, and environmental standards in all metallurgical activities.
• Manage laboratory operations and ensure the accuracy of analytical results.
• Provide technical support for plant commissioning, upgrades, and debottlenecking projects.
• Develop and maintain process simulation models for operational optimization.
• Contribute to the development of long‑term metallurgical strategies and capital expenditure proposals.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in base metals processing, with significant experience in PGM and Nickel metallurgy .
• Demonstrated expertise in flotation, leaching, solvent extraction, and electrowinning processes.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a technical team.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in metallurgical modeling and simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry).
• Excellent understanding of chemical principles governing mineral processing.
• Experience with statistical process control and data analysis techniques.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• A proactive approach to problem‑solving and continuous improvement.
• Willingness to travel to site locations as required.

Benefits

Our client provides a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, along with an annual performance-based bonus. Comprehensive medical and dental insurance is provided, as well as a generous pension fund contribution. Opportunities for international training and career advancement within the group are significant. A housing allowance or assistance with relocation expenses will be provided. Our client is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, promoting innovation, and ensuring the highest standards of operational safety and environmental responsibility. Join a leader in the metals industry.