Lead Metallurgist - Remote

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,976,000 - 2,964,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & bonuses

Full remote work flexibility

Professional growth opportunities

Global project exposure

Access to R&D & cutting-edge tech

Health and wellness programs

Professional development allowance

Collaborative virtual culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Metallurgist to guide a fully remote technical team in mineral processing. You will oversee development, optimization, and troubleshooting of metallurgical processes across diverse projects worldwide.

Ideal candidates hold advanced degrees in metallurgy or related fields and demonstrate strong leadership, data analytics, and project management skills in a remote environment.

Qualifications

• Requires advanced degree in metallurgy or related field.
• Significant leadership experience in mineral processing/metallurgy.
• Proven ability to develop and optimize complex metallurgical circuits.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced metallurgical designs and flowsheets.
• Lead and mentor a virtual team of metallurgists and process engineers.
• Optimize plants to improve recovery, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.
• Conduct test programs and interpret results to guide development.
• Troubleshoot issues and provide technical solutions for performance improvements.
• Collaborate with R&D on new processing technologies.
• Prepare technical reports and economic evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable practices.

Skills

Team leadership

Remote leadership

Data analysis

Project management

Communication

Remote work

Education

Master's degree in Metallurgy

PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Metso Outotec

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leader in the mining industry, is seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Metallurgist to join their fully remote technical team. This position offers the chance to shape the future of mineral processing from anywhere in the world. You will be responsible for overseeing the development, optimization, and troubleshooting of metallurgical processes across various projects. The role demands a deep understanding of mineral processing, comminution, flotation, and hydrometallurgy, combined with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. As a remote leader, you will guide a team of metallurgists, foster collaboration, and ensure the efficient and sustainable extraction of valuable minerals. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional looking to make a significant impact in a flexible, remote-first environment. Your expertise will be crucial in driving metallurgical innovation and maximizing recovery rates for our client's diverse mineral assets, with a particular focus on projects relevant to the Sandton , Gauteng operational sphere, though the role itself is fully remote.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced metallurgical process designs and flowsheets.
• Optimize existing processing plants to improve recovery, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency.
• Lead and mentor a team of metallurgists and process engineers in a virtual setting.
• Conduct metallurgical test work programs and interpret results to guide process development.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and provide technical solutions for plant performance improvements.
• Collaborate with research and development teams on new processing technologies.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, process documentation, and economic evaluations.
• Ensure adherence to environmental regulations and promote sustainable processing practices.
• Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and technological advancements in metallurgy.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in mineral processing and metallurgy, including significant experience in a leadership role.
• Proven track record in developing and optimizing complex metallurgical circuits for various commodities.
• Strong knowledge of comminution, gravity separation, flotation, leaching, and electrowinning.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software (e.g., Metso Outotec, HSC Chemistry) and data analysis tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills, tailored for a remote work environment.
• Ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and formulate effective solutions.
• Experience working with a geographically dispersed team and collaborating across functions.
• Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in metallurgical processes.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Full remote work flexibility with support for home office setup.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging mining projects globally.
• Access to cutting-edge metallurgical research and development.
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
• Allowance for professional development and conference attendance.
• Collaborative and forward-thinking virtual work culture.