Metallurgist - Mineral Processing

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Relocation assistance

Modern processing facilities

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Metallurgist to optimize mineral processing at their Mossel Bay plant in the Western Cape. You will oversee crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching, and lead process improvements to boost recovery while reducing costs.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Metallurgy or related field with at least 5 years in mineral processing, plus hands-on circuit experience and proficiency in METSIM/HSC Chemistry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy.
• Hands-on experience with mineral processing circuits (flotation, gravity separation, leaching).
• Proficiency in process simulation software (METSIM, HSC Chemistry).
• Strong analytical skills and experience with SPC.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize mineral processing plant operations, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale tests to evaluate new processing methods and improve existing ones.
• Analyze plant performance data to identify opportunities for yield improvement and cost reduction.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement solutions to maintain plant efficiency and product quality.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure consistent operation.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations within the processing plant.

Skills

Mineral processing

Data analysis

Process optimization

SPC (Statistical Process Control)

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a dedicated Metallurgist to join their mineral processing operations in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is essential for optimizing the recovery of valuable minerals from ore through efficient and innovative processing techniques. You will be responsible for overseeing plant operations, conducting process testing, and implementing improvements to enhance yield and reduce costs. Collaborating closely with plant operators, engineers, and the research and development team, you will play a key role in ensuring the plant meets its production targets while maintaining high standards of safety and environmental compliance. This is a hands‑on opportunity within a significant operational hub in the Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize mineral processing plant operations, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale tests to evaluate new processing methods and improve existing ones.
• Analyze plant performance data to identify opportunities for yield improvement and cost reduction.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement solutions to maintain plant efficiency and product quality.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure consistent operation.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the processing plant.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy.
• Hands‑on experience with various mineral processing circuits (e.g., flotation, gravity separation, leaching).
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry).
• Strong analytical skills and experience with statistical process control (SPC).
• Ability to work effectively in a plant environment and collaborate with operations teams in Mossel Bay .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance‑related bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for successful candidates.
• Access to modern processing facilities and opportunities for skill development.
• A supportive team environment focused on operational efficiency and innovation.