Lead Metallurgist - Processing

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Pension fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Metallurgist to head the mineral processing plant in Welkom, Free State. You will oversee the full metallurgical cycle, drive process innovations, and lead a team of specialists to deliver optimal recovery and product quality.

The role blends on-site operations with data-driven analysis, offering a hybrid work arrangement in a dynamic mining environment and opportunities for professional growth within the organization.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering with relevant mineral processing knowledge.
• Proven track record in mineral processing and metallurgy with leadership experience.
• Strong safety, regulatory, and environmental awareness.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily metallurgical operations across comminution, flotation, leaching and refining.
• Develop and optimize processes to maximize metal recovery and minimize costs.
• Mentor and manage metallurgists, technicians and operators.
• Prepare metallurgical reports, budgets and forecasts.

Skills

Leadership

Metallurgy

Process optimization

Team management

Problem-solving

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

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

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the mining sector, is seeking an accomplished Lead Metallurgist to spearhead their mineral processing operations in Welkom, Free State . This critical leadership role involves overseeing the entire metallurgical process, from comminution and flotation to leaching and refining, ensuring optimal recovery rates and product quality. You will be responsible for driving innovation, improving process efficiencies, and managing a team of skilled metallurgists and technicians. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in a wide range of metallurgical techniques, coupled with strong leadership and problem-solving capabilities. This position requires a blend of on-site operational involvement and strategic, data-driven analysis, reflecting a hybrid work arrangement that ensures effective site management and process optimization. Based in the heart of the Free State 's goldfields, this role offers a challenging yet rewarding career opportunity within a company committed to operational excellence and technological advancement in the mining industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operations of the metallurgical processing plant.
• Develop, implement, and optimize metallurgical processes to maximize metal recovery and minimize costs.
• Oversee the quality control of processed minerals to meet market specifications.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement effective solutions.
• Manage and mentor a team of metallurgists, technicians, and operators.
• Conduct metallurgical test work and interpret results to guide process improvements.
• Collaborate with mine planning, engineering, and environmental teams to ensure integrated operations.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Prepare detailed metallurgical reports, budgets, and forecasts.
• Stay current with advancements in metallurgical technologies and methodologies.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree 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 expertise in gold processing (e.g., CIL, CIP, flotation, smelting).
• Strong understanding of plant operations, process control, and optimization techniques.
• Experience with metallurgical accounting and reporting.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry) is an advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in both a site-based and analytical capacity.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Commitment to safety and environmental best practices.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive salary package, including attractive bonuses and long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits include medical aid, a generous pension fund, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development, including international conference attendance and advanced training programs, are readily available.
• The company fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, offering significant career growth prospects within the Welkom operations and across the wider group.
• This hybrid role offers a dynamic work environment in the robust Free State mining sector, supporting a healthy work-life balance.