Metallurgist - Base Metals

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Career advancement

International exposure

Learning and development

Sustainable production

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an accomplished Metallurgist specializing in base metals near Sandton to optimize recovery and quality of metals through efficient processing. You will conduct research, develop and implement improvements, troubleshoot issues, and ensure plant performance meets targets for yield and cost.

The ideal candidate has a strong theoretical background in extractive metallurgy coupled with practical plant experience and will work with operators, engineers, and management to drive

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in extractive metallurgy, with a focus on base metals processing.
• Strong understanding of mineral processing unit operations (e.g., comminution, flotation, leaching, smelting).
• Proficiency in metallurgical data analysis and process simulation software.
• Experience with laboratory testing and pilot plant operations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Optimize metallurgical processes for base metals to maximize recovery and grade.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement solutions to improve plant performance and reduce costs.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot plant testwork to evaluate new process technologies and reagents.
• Develop and maintain process control strategies and quality assurance protocols.
• Analyze process data and generate reports on plant performance, trends, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with operations and engineering teams on process design, upgrades, and commissioning.

Skills

Metallurgy expertise

Data analysis

Laboratory testing

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Metallurgy / Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Metallurgist specializing in base metals to join their processing plant near Sandton . This role is integral to optimizing the recovery and quality of valuable metals through efficient and effective processing techniques. You will conduct research, develop and implement process improvements, troubleshoot operational issues, and ensure that plant performance meets targets for yield, grade, and cost. The ideal candidate will have a strong theoretical background in extractive metallurgy, coupled with practical experience in a plant environment. You will work collaboratively with plant operators, engineers, and management to drive operational excellence and innovation in metal processing. This position offers a significant opportunity to impact the efficiency and profitability of major base metal operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize metallurgical processes for base metals (e.g., copper, zinc, nickel, lead) to maximize recovery and grade.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement solutions to improve plant performance and reduce costs.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot plant testwork to evaluate new process technologies and reagents.
• Develop and maintain process control strategies and quality assurance protocols.
• Analyze process data and generate reports on plant performance, trends, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with operations and engineering teams on process design, upgrades, and commissioning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in extractive metallurgy, with a focus on base metals processing.
• Strong understanding of mineral processing unit operations (e.g., comminution, flotation, leaching, smelting).
• Proficiency in metallurgical data analysis and process simulation software.
• Experience with laboratory testing and pilot plant operations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and in a team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for career advancement and international exposure.
• Continuous learning and development in advanced metallurgical techniques.
• Work within a leading organization in the base metals sector.
• Contribute to efficient and sustainable metal production.