Metallurgist - Processing Plant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical and retirement benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Metallurgist for a mineral processing plant in Rustenburg, North West. You will oversee metallurgical operations, optimize recovery, and drive continuous improvements across crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching.

The role requires strong problem-solving, data analysis, and collaboration with engineering teams to implement upgrades and ensure safety and compliance at the Rustenburg site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in mineral processing metallurgy.
• Experience with base metals or precious metals (gold, PGMs, copper, zinc).
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software and data analysis.
• Strong process control and automation knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control metallurgical processes to ensure optimal performance and recovery rates.
• Conduct laboratory and plant-scale test work to evaluate new processing techniques.
• Analyze metallurgical data, identify trends, and implement process adjustments.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and improve plant efficiency.
• Manage and interpret assay results and metallurgical accounting.
• Ensure safety, health, and environmental standards compliance.
• Prepare technical reports on plant performance and improvements.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams on upgrades.
• Provide technical training and support to plant operators and supervisors.
• Stay updated with the latest metallurgical technologies and practices.

Skills

Metallurgy

Process control

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Lab analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy

Chemical Engineering (related field)

Tools

MetSIM

Statistical software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and analytical Metallurgist to join their advanced mineral processing plant in Rustenburg, North West . This role is crucial for optimizing the recovery of valuable minerals from ore. You will be responsible for the technical oversight and continuous improvement of all aspects of the mineral processing operations, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of metallurgical principles, process control, and troubleshooting complex processing challenges. We are looking for a problem-solver with a passion for process optimization and a commitment to achieving high recovery rates in an efficient and sustainable manner. This position offers the opportunity to work with a variety of mineral commodities and to make a tangible impact on the profitability of the operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and control metallurgical processes to ensure optimal performance and recovery rates.
• Conduct laboratory and plant-scale test work to evaluate new processing techniques and improve existing ones.
• Analyze metallurgical data, identify trends, and implement process adjustments accordingly.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and develop solutions to improve plant efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Manage and interpret assay results and metallurgical accounting.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental standards within the processing plant.
• Prepare technical reports on plant performance, process improvements, and operational challenges.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to implement process upgrades and modifications.
• Provide technical training and support to plant operators and supervisors.
• Stay updated with the latest metallurgical technologies and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mineral processing metallurgy.
• Demonstrated experience with base metals or precious metals processing (e.g., gold, platinum group metals, copper, zinc).
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of process control and automation in metallurgical plants.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently.
• Experience with laboratory analysis and interpretation.
• Knowledge of safety protocols in a chemical processing environment.
• Must be willing to work at the Rustenburg site.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• Relocation assistance may be offered.
• Exposure to advanced metallurgical technologies and practices.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.