Lead Metallurgist - Precious Metals

Placements24; Cape Town; Presencial; ZAR 1 800 000 - 2 800 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Highly competitive remuneration and a.

Relocation assistance for Cape Town

International travel opportunities

Exposure to groundbreaking projects

Generous annual leave and other benets

Resumo da oferta

Placements24 is supporting a prominent mining client in Cape Town seeking a Lead Metallurgist with deep expertise in processing gold, platinum and palladium. You will lead the metallurgical department, optimize flowsheets and drive innovation across comminution to refining, while mentoring a high-performance team.

Based in the Western Cape, you will ensure safety, regulatory compliance and sustainable practices, and collaborate with suppliers, research institutes and operations to maximize

Qualificações

• Master's or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in base and precious metals processing, with gold/platinum/palladium focus.
• Proven leadership of metallurgical teams and operations.
• Expertise in flotation, cyanidation, leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, smelting.
• Experience with HSC Chemistry or METSIM and data analytics.

Responsabilidades

• Lead metallurgical department and oversee precious metals processing in Cape Town.
• Develop and optimize flowsheets for gold, platinum, palladium recovery.
• Drive process analysis, troubleshooting, and cost optimization.
• Oversee pilot plants and scale-up studies.
• Ensure laboratory accuracy and reliability of results.
• Provide technical support to operations, maintenance and engineering.
• Maintain relationships with equipment suppliers and research institutes.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance in Western Cape.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and technicians.
• Prepare technical reports and metallurgical accounting.

Conhecimentos

Leadership

Metallurgy expertise

Project management

Communication

Formação académica

Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgy/Chemical Engineering

Ferramentas

HSC Chemistry

METSIM

Descrição da oferta de emprego

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the Cape Town mining industry, is actively seeking a highly experienced and visionary Lead Metallurgist specializing in precious metals. This senior role demands extensive expertise in the processing of gold, platinum, and palladium ores, from comminution to final product refining. The successful candidate will be responsible for optimizing existing plant operations, driving innovation in metallurgical processes, and ensuring efficient recovery of valuable metals. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the metallurgical strategy for significant mining operations based in the Western Cape, contributing directly to the company's profitability and sustainability. We are looking for a forward-thinking leader who can manage a team of skilled metallurgists and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. The Cape Town location provides access to a vibrant professional community and a high quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the metallurgical department, overseeing all aspects of precious metals processing in Cape Town.


• Develop, implement, and optimize metallurgical flowsheets for efficient extraction and recovery of gold, platinum, and palladium.


• Conduct detailed process analysis, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives to maximize yield and minimize costs.


• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale-up studies for new metallurgical processes.


• Manage laboratory operations, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of analytical results.


• Provide expert technical support and guidance to plant operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.


• Develop and maintain strong relationships with equipment suppliers, research institutions, and regulatory bodies.


• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental standards in the Western Cape operations.


• Mentor and develop junior metallurgists and technicians, fostering a high-performance team culture.


• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, metallurgical accounting, and metallurgical forecasts.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.


• A minimum of 10 years of extensive experience in base and precious metals processing, with a strong emphasis on gold, platinum, and palladium metallurgy.


• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing metallurgical teams and operations.


• In-depth knowledge of various metallurgical processes, including flotation, cyanidation, leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and smelting/refining.


• Proficiency with metallurgical simulation software (e.g., HSC Chemistry, METSIM) and data analysis tools.


• Strong understanding of mineral processing, crushing, grinding, and materials handling.


• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.


• Proven ability to manage budgets, resources, and project timelines effectively.


• Familiarity with South African mining regulations and environmental compliance.


• Commitment to safety and sustainable mining practices.

Benefits

• Highly competitive remuneration package, including a significant performance bonus.


• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan.


• Relocation assistance for candidates relocating to Cape Town.


• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.


• Exposure to groundbreaking projects in the precious metals sector.


• A stimulating work environment with a focus on innovation and technological advancement.


• Generous annual leave and other company benefits.


• Be part of a respected organization committed to operational excellence and community engagement.