Lead Metallurgist - Processing Optimization

Placements24; George; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Competitive salary and bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Life insurance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Metallurgist to drive remote optimization of mineral processing across SA sites and global teams. You will lead recovery improvements, pilot studies, and cost reductions while ensuring environmental compliance from a home office.

The role requires a PhD/Master in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering, 10+ years in mineral processing, and hands-on experience with METSIM/JKSimFloat. You will mentor staff, report findings, and stay ahead of industry best practices.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years in mineral processing with focus on optimization and scale-up.
• Experience leading metallurgical projects and remote teams.
• Expertise in comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining.
• Proficiency in METSIM, JKSimFloat, and data analysis software.
• Strong understanding of mineralogy and its processing impact.
• Excellent remote communication and stakeholder management.
• Proven ability to drive innovation in complex operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis and optimization of mineral processing plants to maximize metal recovery and minimize costs.
• Develop and implement new metallurgical processes to boost efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
• Run pilot studies and scale-up simulations for new techniques.
• Troubleshoot processing issues and provide guidance to site operations.
• Collaborate with R&D to explore novel metallurgical solutions.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and process design documents.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and staff.
• Monitor industry trends and best practices in metallurgy.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Leadership experience

Remote team management

Mineral processing optimization

Data analysis

Communication skills

Project leadership

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Metallurgy/Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

JKSimFloat

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is pioneering the future of the mining industry with a focus on sustainable and efficient resource extraction. We are seeking an exceptional Lead Metallurgist to spearhead our processing optimization efforts. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere while collaborating closely with our global teams. You will be responsible for analyzing and improving current mineral processing operations, developing innovative solutions to enhance recovery rates and reduce operational costs, and ensuring that all processes meet stringent environmental standards. This role is ideal for a forward‑thinking metallurgist looking to drive significant change in a virtual environment, impacting operations across various South African mining sites. Your insights will directly influence the company's profitability and sustainability goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis and optimization of mineral processing plants, focusing on maximizing metal recovery and minimizing operational expenses.
• Develop and implement new metallurgical processes and technologies to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and scale-up simulations for new processing techniques.
• Troubleshoot complex processing issues and provide expert technical guidance to site operations teams.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to explore novel metallurgical solutions.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and process design documents.
• Mentor and guide junior metallurgists and technical staff.
• Monitor industry trends and best practices in metallurgy and mineral processing.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, health, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in mineral processing, with a significant focus on process optimization and scale-up.
• Demonstrated experience in leading metallurgical projects and teams, preferably in a remote setting.
• Expertise in various metallurgical processes, including comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software (e.g., METSIM, JKSimFloat) and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of mineralogy and its impact on processing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively manage remote teams and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to drive innovation and implement change in a complex operational environment.

Benefits

• As a fully remote role, our client offers unparalleled flexibility.
• You will receive a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, commensurate with your extensive experience.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance are provided, along with a robust retirement savings plan and life insurance.
• We support continuous professional development through online courses, virtual conferences, and access to industry publications.
• This role provides the unique opportunity to shape the future of metallurgical practices from the comfort of your home office, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient mining sector.