Lead Metallurgist: Process Optimization & R&D (Cape Town)

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Professional growth opportunities

International exposure

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town, Western Cape, seeks a Principal Metallurgist with a proven track record in mineral processing to lead design, optimization and R&D across multiple sites.

The role combines leadership of a metallurgical team, project delivery, and strategic process improvements; hybrid working near Cape Town is offered with opportunities for international exposure and advanced facilities.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in mineral processing and metallurgy, with leadership experience.
• Expertise in comminution, flotation, leaching and related processes.
• Proficient in METSIM/JKSimMet and statistical analysis.
• Strong leadership, communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development and optimization of mineral processing flowsheets for various commodities.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale up results to full-scale production.
• Perform detailed metallurgical test work and produce technical reports.
• Provide expert consultancy and troubleshoot complex processing issues across sites.
• Develop strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance recoveries.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and innovations in metallurgical processing.
• Collaborate with operations, R&D and management to meet strategic goals.
• Mentor junior metallurgists, engineers and laboratory staff.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, environmental and quality standards.
• Manage metallurgical projects, budgets and timelines.

Skills

Leadership

Metallurgy

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy or related

Tools

METSIM

JKSimMet

Job description

Placements24 in Cape Town, Western Cape, seeks a Principal Metallurgist with a proven track record in mineral processing to lead design, optimization and R&D across multiple sites.

The role combines leadership of a metallurgical team, project delivery, and strategic process improvements; hybrid working near Cape Town is offered with opportunities for international exposure and advanced facilities.