Plant Metallurgist

Nicolor®; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicolor® operates a gold processing plant in Klerksdorp and seeks a Plant Metallurgist to optimize metallurgical performance, improve gold recovery, and provide technical support for safe, cost-effective production.

The role involves monitoring processing circuits, conducting test work, troubleshooting issues, and driving continuous improvement with cross-functional teams. On-site, full-time, with emphasis on safety and environmental compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in metallurgy, mineral processing, chemical engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a gold processing plant, with exposure to CIL/CIP operations.
• Strong understanding of gold extraction processes (crushing, milling, leaching, adsorption, elution, electrowinning, smelting).
• Experience with metallurgical accounting and process optimization.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures, sampling, and statistical data analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with metallurgical software is an advantage.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary mining environment.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work on a mine site.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimize gold processing plant performance to maximize recovery and throughput.
• Analyze plant operating data and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Conduct metallurgical accounting and ensure the accuracy of production reporting.
• Monitor key process parameters across crushing, milling, leaching, CIL/CIP, elution, electrowinning, and tailings management.
• Investigate plant performance issues and implement corrective actions.
• Design, supervise, and evaluate metallurgical test work and plant trials.
• Ensure compliance with metallurgical operating procedures and quality standards.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly metallurgical performance reports.
• Support budgeting and cost-control initiatives by identifying efficiency improvements.
• Collaborate with maintenance, production, geology, and laboratory teams; provide coaching to operators and junior metallurgists.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

Data analysis

Leadership

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Metallurgy

Professional registration (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Metallurgical software

Job description

We are seeking a qualified and experienced Plant Metallurgist to join our gold processing operation. The successful candidate will be responsible for optimizing plant performance, improving gold recovery, monitoring metallurgical processes, and providing technical support to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production.

Company Description

Nicolor® is the largest privately owned gold processing plant in South Africa and forms part of a dynamic Family Office Group of Companies. Established in the 1950s, the plant has grown into a leading operation in the gold processing industry, serving diverse ore sources. Operating under private ownership, the organization focuses on agile management, sustainable growth, and innovation. The company places strong emphasis on empowerment and skills development for young professionals, contributing to a brighter future for South Africa.

Role Description

The Plant Metallurgist is a full-time, on-site role based at Nicolor® in Klerksdorp. This role is responsible for monitoring and optimizing metallurgical processes, including gold extraction, recovery, and plant efficiency across all processing circuits. Day-to-day activities include analyzing plant performance data, conducting metallurgical test work, troubleshooting process issues, and implementing improvements to enhance throughput, recovery, and cost-effectiveness. The Plant Metallurgist collaborates with operations, maintenance, safety, and environmental teams to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and company policies. The role also involves preparing technical reports, training plant personnel in metallurgical best practices, and contributing to projects focused on sustainability, environmental rehabilitation, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a gold processing plant, with exposure to CIL/CIP operations.
• Strong understanding of gold extraction processes, including crushing, milling, leaching, adsorption, elution, electrowinning, and smelting.
• Experience with metallurgical accounting and process optimization.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures, sampling, and statistical data analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with metallurgical software is an advantage.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary mining environment.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work on a mine site

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional registration with a recognized engineering or metallurgical body.
• Experience with plant commissioning, process improvement projects, or operational excellence programs.
• Knowledge of'ISO quality management systems and environmental compliance.

Key Competencies

• Process optimization and troubleshooting
• Data analysis and reporting
• Leadership and teamwork
• Planning and organization
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• Safety leadership
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimize gold processing plant performance to maximize recovery and throughput.
• Analyze plant operating data and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Conduct metallurgical accounting and ensure the accuracy of production reporting.
• Monitor key process parameters, including crushing, milling, gravity recovery, flotation (if applicable), leaching, CIL/CIP, elution, electrowinning, and tailings management.
• Investigate plant performance issues and implement corrective actions.
• Design, supervise, and evaluate metallurgical test work and plant trials.
• Ensure compliance with metallurgical operating procedures and quality standards.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly metallurgical performance reports.
• Support budgeting and cost-control initiatives by identifying efficiency improvements.
• Work closely with maintenance, production, geology, and laboratory teams to achieve production
• Provide technical coaching and training to plant operators and junior metallurgists.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives and best metallurgical practices.

Working Conditions

• Based at a gold mining operation.
• Frequent exposure to processing plant environments.
• May require shift work, standby duties, and travel between mine sites.
• Compliance with PPE requirements and mine safety standards is mandatory.

A. SALARY

Salary will be in accordance with the Nicolor salary scale.