Principal Metallurgical Engineer - Base Metals Processing

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Relocation assistance

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Metallurgical Engineer to lead our base metals processing operations near Randburg, Gauteng. You will drive innovation, optimize recovery, and ensure high-quality metal concentrates through advanced hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and mineral processing expertise.

The role requires 10+ years in metallurgical processing of base metals, leadership capabilities, and the ability to travel to mine sites and conferences.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years in metallurgical processing with base metals focus.
• Experience with copper, zinc, lead, nickel or other base metals.
• Experience with flotation, leaching, smelting, refining, and solvent extraction.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the metallurgical team in process optimization, operational improvements, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and implement innovative metallurgical strategies to maximize metal recovery and product quality.
• Conduct feasibility studies and pilot plant trials for new process technologies.
• Analyze plant performance data and implement data-driven improvements.
• Oversee metallurgical accounting and ensure accurate reporting of production metrics.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Provide expert technical guidance to operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Mentor and develop junior metallurgical engineers and technicians.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers and technology providers.
• Stay abreast of global trends and advancements in base metals processing.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Strategic thinking

Project management

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Metallurgy

Ph.D. in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Metallurgical simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the base metals mining industry, is seeking an accomplished Principal Metallurgical Engineer to lead their processing operations near Randburg, Gauteng. This senior role demands extensive expertise in the development, optimization, and troubleshooting of complex metallurgical processes for the extraction of base metals such as copper, zinc, and nickel. You will be responsible for driving innovation, improving recovery rates, enhancing operational efficiencies, and ensuring the consistent production of high-quality metal concentrates. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership capabilities and a deep technical understanding of mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, and pyrometallurgy. We are committed to fostering a culture of safety, sustainability, and technological advancement. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to make a substantial impact at a senior level within a leading mining organization. Your technical leadership will be pivotal for the success of our base metals processing facilities in the Randburg area.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the metallurgical team in process optimization, operational improvements, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and implement innovative metallurgical strategies to maximize metal recovery and product quality.
• Conduct feasibility studies and pilot plant trials for new process technologies.
• Analyze plant performance data and implement data-driven improvements.Oversee metallurgical accounting and ensure accurate reporting of production metrics.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Provide expert technical guidance to operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Mentor and develop junior metallurgical engineers and technicians.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers and technology providers.
• Stay abreast of global trends and advancements in base metals processing.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in metallurgical processing, with a strong focus on base metals.
• Proven expertise in the metallurgical treatment of copper, zinc, lead, nickel, or other significant base metals.
• Experience with various metallurgical processes, including flotation, leaching, smelting, refining, and solvent extraction.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation and modeling software is highly desirable.
• Experience in managing metallurgical budgets and capital projects.
• Ability to travel to mine sites and international conferences as required.
• Must be legally entitled to work in South Africa and reside or be willing to relocate near Randburg.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package commensurate with extensive experience.
• Significant performance-based bonus and incentive programs.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund contributions.
• Exceptional opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• Relocation assistance package available for qualified candidates.
• A stimulating work environment focused on innovation and technical excellence.