Lead Metallurgist - Base Metals Processing (PGM/Ni)

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing allowance

Relocation support

International training opportunities

Medical and dental insurance

Pension fund

Annual performance bonus

Job summary

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

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 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.

Skills

Team leadership

Metallurgical modeling

Data analysis

Flotation

Leaching

Solvent extraction

Electrowinning

Communication skills

Problem solving

Willingness to travel

Education

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

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

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.