Metallurgist - Mineral Processing

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

On-site accommodation or living-out

Industry conferences

Living-out allowance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Metallurgist to oversee mineral processing operations at a facility near Bloemfontein. You will optimize recovery and concentrate quality, design processes, troubleshoot, and drive continuous improvement across crushing, grinding, flotation and leaching.

Work with plant operators, engineers and lab staff; mentor juniors; ensure safety and quality standards; participate in modernization initiatives and professional development.

Qualifications

• Degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in mineral processing operations, preferably in gold, platinum, or base metals.
• In-depth knowledge of flotation, leaching, and hydrometallurgical processes.
• Proficiency with process simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of plant operations, troubleshooting, and process control.

Responsibilities

• Operate and optimize mineral processing circuits, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot plant test work to evaluate new processing methods and reagents.
• Analyze process data to identify root causes of inefficiencies and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and implement strategies for improving metal recovery, concentrate grade, and costs.
• Ensure adherence to quality control standards and safety within the plant.
• Train and mentor junior metallurgists and plant operators on best practices.

Skills

Mineral processing

Flotation

Leaching

Process optimization

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Metallurgist to oversee mineral processing operations at their facility near Bloemfontein . This role is essential for optimizing the recovery and quality of valuable minerals from mined ore. You will be responsible for process design, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives within the plant. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of comminution, flotation, leaching, and other mineral processing techniques, coupled with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations. You will work closely with plant operators, engineers, and laboratory staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and optimize various mineral processing circuits, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching.


• Conduct laboratory and pilot plant test work to evaluate new processing methods and reagents.


• Analyze process data to identify root causes of inefficiencies and implement corrective actions.


• Develop and implement strategies for improving metal recovery, concentrate grade, and operational costs.


• Ensure adherence to stringent quality control standards and safety protocols within the processing plant.


• Train and mentor junior metallurgists and plant operators on process best practices.

Requirements

• Degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.


• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mineral processing operations, preferably in gold, platinum, or base metals.


• In-depth knowledge of flotation, leaching, and hydrometallurgical processes.


• Proficiency with process simulation software and data analysis tools.


• Strong understanding of plant operations, troubleshooting, and process control.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective team collaboration.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance incentives.


• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.


• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.


• On-site accommodation may be available or a generous living-out allowance.


• A key role in a significant mining operation with a focus on technological advancement.