Lead Metallurgist - Processing & Recovery Optimization

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

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package with performance Incent

Health insurance

Relocation assistance

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Metallurgist to head a metallurgical team at a mineral processing plant in Rustenburg, North West. The role focuses on optimizing metal recovery through advanced processing techniques, with a strong emphasis on safety and environmental compliance.

You will drive technical innovation, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with engineering for plant upgrades while balancing on-site presence with remote analysis and reporting.

Qualifications

• Master's or 1st professional degree in metallurgy or related field.
• Strong knowledge of mineral processing and metal recovery.
• Excellent analytical and report-writing abilities.
• Experience with SPC and process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the metallurgical team in plant operations.
• Oversee daily mineral processing plant performance and safety.
• Develop strategies to improve recovery and efficiency.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, pilot trials, and feasibility studies.
• Analyze process data and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with engineering for plant upgrades and new projects.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and recommendations.

Education

MSc or MEng in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Metallurgical simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized entity in the mineral resources sector, is actively recruiting a highly skilled and experienced Lead Metallurgist to spearhead their advanced mineral processing plant operations in Rustenburg, North West . This pivotal role involves leading a team of metallurgists and technicians dedicated to optimizing the recovery of valuable metals through efficient and innovative processing techniques. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of various metallurgical processes, including comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining, coupled with a strong analytical mindset. You will be instrumental in enhancing plant performance, improving recovery rates, and minimizing operational costs, all while ensuring the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to influence key processing strategies within a major mining operation located in the heart of South Africa's platinum-rich region, North West . We are seeking a forward-thinking leader who can drive technical innovation, mentor junior staff, and contribute to the overall success and sustainability of our client's processing activities. Your expertise will be vital in maintaining our client's competitive edge in the market through superior metallurgical performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the metallurgical team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the mineral processing plant, ensuring optimal performance.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve metal recovery rates and process efficiencies.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, pilot plant trials, and feasibility studies.
• Analyze process data to identify areas for optimization and implement corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and provide expert technical support to plant personnel.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental protocols and regulations.
• Manage the metallurgical laboratory and ensure the accuracy of analytical results.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams on plant upgrades and new project developments.
• Prepare detailed technical reports on metallurgical performance and recommendations.

Requirements

• MSc or MEng in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in mineral processing, with a focus on base metals or platinum group metals.
• Proven experience in leading metallurgical teams and projects.
• In-depth knowledge of various metallurgical unit processes and their optimization.
• Proficiency with metallurgical simulation and modeling software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and report-writing abilities.
• Commitment to safety and environmental best practices.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC).
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work model, balancing on-site presence with remote analysis and reporting.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, performance incentives, comprehensive health insurance, and a robust retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional growth, further training, and international exposure are available.
• This hybrid role allows for flexibility while ensuring critical on-site operational oversight.
• Relocation assistance can be provided.

Join our esteemed client in Rustenburg, North West and contribute to the advancement of metallurgical science in a dynamic industry.