Lead Metallurgist - Mineral Processing

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Relocation package

Housing allowance

Professional development

Paid holidays

R&D access

Growth into senior management

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Lead Metallurgist in Rustenburg to drive the metallurgical strategy across mineral processing circuits. You will oversee a team of metallurgists and technicians, guiding optimization of comminution, flotation, leaching, and related processes to boost recovery and cut costs.

The role requires a Master’s/PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering, 10+ years in mineral processing with 3+ in leadership, and a proven track record in SA mining environments.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years in mineral processing/metallurgy with at least 3 years in leadership.
• Proven track record optimizing complex processing circuits for precious/base metals/PGMs.
• Extensive knowledge of mineral processing equipment and best practices.
• Proficiency with metallurgical simulation software and statistical tools.
• Strong understanding of mineralogy and chemical principles relevant to mineral processing.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize all mineral processing plant operations (comminution, classification, gravity/circuit flows).
• Lead and mentor metallurgists, technicians, and operators.
• Develop and implement innovative metallurgical strategies to improve recovery and reduce costs.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and laboratory tests for new technologies.
• Analyze process data to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental regulations are followed.
• Collaborate with exploration, mining, and engineering teams for integration.
• Prepare technical reports, metallurgical balance sheets, and performance reviews.
• Manage budgets and CAPEX for metallurgical projects.
• Represent the company in technical forums and with external partners.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Team management

Communication

Data analysis

Process optimization

Education

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Metsim

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent name in the global Mining industry, is actively recruiting for a distinguished Lead Metallurgist to spearhead their mineral processing operations in Rustenburg, North West . This senior position requires a visionary leader with extensive expertise in optimizing comminution, flotation, leaching, and other mineral processing circuits. The Lead Metallurgist will be responsible for driving innovation, improving recovery rates, reducing operational costs, and ensuring the highest standards of product quality. You will manage a team of metallurgists and technicians, providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence metallurgical strategies at a large-scale operation in a key mining hub of South Africa. The role demands a deep understanding of mineralogy, chemical principles, and process engineering applied to a wide range of commodities. The successful candidate will be a key contributor to the company's success and sustainability efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize all aspects of the mineral processing plant, including comminution, classification, gravity separation, flotation, and hydrometallurgy.
• Lead and mentor a team of metallurgists, technicians, and operators, fostering technical excellence and professional growth.
• Develop and implement innovative metallurgical strategies to enhance recovery, improve concentrate grades, and reduce operational costs.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and laboratory test work to evaluate new processing technologies and improve existing circuits.
• Analyze process data to identify trends, troubleshoot operational issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations in all processing activities.
• Collaborate with exploration, mining, and engineering departments to ensure seamless integration of metallurgical considerations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, metallurgical balance sheets, and performance reviews.
• Manage the metallurgical budget and capital expenditure projects related to process improvements.
• Represent the company in technical forums and maintain relationships with external research institutions and suppliers.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mineral processing and metallurgy, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Proven track record in optimizing complex processing circuits for precious metals, base metals, or PGM's.
• Extensive knowledge of mineral processing equipment, technologies, and industry best practices.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software (e.g., Metsim, HSC Chemistry) and statistical analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of mineralogy, chemistry, and physical chemistry principles relevant to mineral processing.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and budgets effectively.
• Experience working in large-scale mining operations, preferably within South Africa .
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Benefits

• A highly competitive executive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Relocation package available for qualified candidates moving to Rustenburg .
• Significant opportunities for professional development and international training.
• Company-provided housing or housing allowance.
• Annual leave and paid holidays.
• Access to cutting-edge metallurgical research and development.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment with a global industry leader.
• Clear career path towards senior management positions.