Lead Process Metallurgist - Coal Processing

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Generous annual leave

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Process Metallurgist for its coal processing operations near East London, Eastern Cape. You will lead a team of metallurgists and technicians, optimize recovery, quality, and throughput, and drive safety and environmental compliance.

The ideal candidate has at least 8 years in mineral processing with coal beneficiation, experience in DMS and flotation, strong analytical skills, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or related field.
• 8+ years of mineral processing experience with focus on coal beneficiation.
• Experience with dense medium separation (DMS) and flotation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in metallurgical software for data analysis and reporting.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Knowledge of South African mining regulations and environmental standards.
• Ability to work in a demanding operational environment.
• Experience in East London/Eastern Cape coal mining is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all metallurgical operations for coal processing and beneficiation.
• Develop and monitor process control to optimize recovery, quality, and throughput.
• Perform regular metallurgical testing and analysis to identify improvements.
• Oversee maintenance and calibration of lab equipment and process monitoring.
• Ensure health, safety and environmental compliance in coal operations.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering for efficiency.
• Manage data, produce reports on plant performance, recommend enhancements.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and plant operators; promote continuous improvement.
• Stay updated on coal processing tech and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Coal processing

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy

Tools

Metallurgical software

Job description

Our client, a significant mining operation, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Lead Process Metallurgist to oversee and enhance their coal processing facilities near East London, Eastern Cape. This role is crucial for maximizing the efficiency and yield of coal beneficiation processes, ensuring product quality, and maintaining operational safety and environmental compliance. You will lead a team of metallurgists and technicians, conduct in-depth process analysis, and implement improvement strategies. The ideal candidate will possess substantial experience in coal washing, dense medium separation, and related technologies, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. This is an excellent opportunity to take a leadership position within a key industrial sector in the Eastern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all metallurgical operations related to coal processing and beneficiation.
• Develop, implement, and monitor process control strategies to optimize coal recovery, quality, and plant throughput.
• Conduct regular metallurgical testing and analysis to identify areas for improvement and troubleshoot operational issues.
• Oversee the maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment and process monitoring instrumentation.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations pertaining to coal processing operations.
• Collaborate with mine operations, maintenance, and engineering departments to ensure seamless plant operation and efficiency.
• Manage metallurgical data, prepare regular reports on plant performance, and provide recommendations for enhancements.
• Mentor and develop junior metallurgists and plant operators, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Stay updated on advancements in coal processing technology and best practices.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mineral processing, with a significant focus on coal beneficiation and washing plants.
• Proven experience with dense medium separation (DMS), flotation, and other coal processing technologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in process optimization and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in using metallurgical software for data analysis and reporting.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Understanding of South African mining regulations and environmental standards.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding operational environment.
• Experience within the East London, Eastern Cape region or similar coal mining areas is advantageous.

Benefits

• A competitive salary package commensurate with experience and leadership responsibilities.
• Annual performance bonus and other company-specific incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression within the organization.
• The chance to contribute significantly to the operational success of a key mining entity in East London, Eastern Cape.