Metallurgical Superintendent

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive package

Hybrid work

Career growth

Benefits package

Bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a leading mining client in Rustenburg to appoint a Metallurgical Superintendent. The role balances on-site leadership with remote strategic planning to optimize processing operations in a major mining hub.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in mineral processing, with at least 5 years in supervision, and a proven track record of improving recovery, reducing costs, and delivering capital upgrades. Strong leadership and safety focus are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering.
• 10+ years in mineral processing with 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Proven track record in plant optimization, cost reduction and process improvements.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with capital upgrade projects and plant maintenance coordination.

Responsibilities

• Supervise metallurgical processing plant operations (crushing, grinding, flotation, refining).
• Develop strategies to improve recovery rates, concentrate grades and overall efficiency.
• Monitor performance via sampling, assaying and metallurgical accounting.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Lead and develop a team of metallurgists, technicians and operators.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and identify cost-reduction opportunities.
• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance to ensure equipment reliability and upgrades.
• Troubleshoot issues and implement effective solutions to maintain optimal performance.
• Report metallurgical performance and improvement initiatives to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Mining operations

Mineral processing

Project management

Budget control

Safety leadership

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Metallurgical accounting

Capital upgrades

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized mining powerhouse, is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Metallurgical Superintendent to oversee their processing operations. This pivotal role requires a strategic leader with deep expertise in mineral processing, plant optimization, and team management. While the role is based in Rustenburg, a hybrid work arrangement is offered, allowing for a balance between on-site operational leadership and remote strategic planning. You will be responsible for ensuring the efficient and safe extraction of valuable minerals, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and maintaining the highest standards of metallurgical performance. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact within a key mining hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage all aspects of the metallurgical processing plant, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and refining.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize recovery rates, concentrate grades, and overall plant efficiency.
• Monitor plant performance through regular sampling, assaying, and metallurgical accounting.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations within the processing plant.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of metallurgists, technicians, and operators.
• Manage operational budgets, control costs, and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability and implement upgrades.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement effective solutions to maintain optimal performance.
• Report on metallurgical performance, operational challenges, and improvement initiatives to senior management.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mineral processing, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Extensive knowledge of various metallurgical processes relevant to base metals and precious metals.
• Proven track record in optimizing plant performance, improving recovery, and reducing operating costs.
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with metallurgical accounting systems and quality control procedures.
• Experience with project management and implementing capital upgrades.
• Ability to work effectively in both on-site operational and remote strategic capacities.

Benefits

• An executive-level salary package of R per annum.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to lead critical metallurgical operations in a major mining region.
• Access to advanced processing technologies and methodologies.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and retirement benefits.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.