Metallurgical Superintendent

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Medical aid & retirement fund

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a senior Metallurgical Superintendent for its Durban operations. Lead a metallurgical plant team, drive recovery and product quality, and optimize processing in a challenging mining environment.

You will oversee laboratory operations, safety, and cross‑department collaboration to ensure plant reliability and profitability. A strong track record in mineral processing and leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years in mineral processing/metallurgy with 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of mineral processing, separation, and related technologies.

Responsibilities

• Supervise metallurgical plant operations including crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching and refining.
• Lead test work, optimization strategies, and maximize recovery and concentrate grade.
• Ensure product quality meets market specs and customer requirements.
• Manage reagents, consumables, costs and safety compliance.
• Mentor metallurgists, technicians and operators; drive safety and high performance.
• Troubleshoot issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate with maintenance, engineering and geology teams for reliability.
• Oversee metallurgical lab and ensure analytical accuracy and reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Data analysis

Metallurgy

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's / Master's in Metallurgy

Tools

Metallurgical software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading resource extraction company, is actively seeking a highly skilled Metallurgical Superintendent to join their operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the plant's metallurgical processes, ensuring optimal recovery rates, product quality, and operational efficiency. You will lead a team of metallurgists and technicians, driving innovation and continuous improvement in beneficiation and processing. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of mineral processing techniques, advanced analytical skills, and a proven ability to manage complex operations in a challenging industrial environment. This is a critical leadership position that directly impacts the profitability and success of the mine's processing facility. The Durban location provides access to a skilled workforce and robust infrastructure, making it an ideal setting for this vital role.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage the day-to-day operations of the metallurgical plant, including crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, and refining processes.
• Develop, implement, and monitor metallurgical test work and process optimization strategies to maximize mineral recovery and concentrate grade.
• Ensure consistent product quality that meets market specifications and customer requirements.
• Oversee the management of chemical reagents and consumables, optimizing usage and controlling costs.
• Lead and mentor a team of metallurgists, laboratory technicians, and plant operators, fostering a culture of safety and high performance.
• Troubleshoot process issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations within the metallurgical facility.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and geology departments to ensure plant reliability and operational synergy.
• Manage the metallurgical laboratory and ensure the accuracy and reliability of analytical results.
• Prepare detailed reports on plant performance, recovery, costs, and recommendations for improvement.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mineral processing and metallurgy, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in the metallurgical processing of relevant commodities (e.g., base metals, precious metals, coal).
• Strong understanding of physical and chemical separation processes.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional leadership and team management capabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Familiarity with health, safety, and environmental management systems in a mining context.
• Experience working in the KwaZulu-Natal region or similar processing environments is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including an attractive base salary and performance-based bonuses.
• A comprehensive benefits program encompasses medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and paid annual leave.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth, training, and career advancement within a leading international mining group are provided.
• This role offers the chance to make a tangible impact on operational success.
• The Durban-based position ensures access to a vibrant city and a stable operational base.