Principal Metallurgist

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybride; ZAR 1 400 000 - 2 100 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Performance bonus

Fully remote position

Professional growth opportunities

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Metallurgist to lead R&D in mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, and pyrometallurgy. The role focuses on optimizing circuits, developing new technologies, and improving metal recovery for multiple commodities.

It is based remotely, serving operations near Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. You will design pilot plant tests, troubleshoot metallurgical problems, and develop process models to predict performance.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in mineral processing with emphasis on R&D and process development.
• Proven ability to optimize mineral processing circuits (e.g., comminution, flotation, leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning).
• Experience with remote or hybrid work settings is essential.

Responsabilités

• Lead development and optimization of metallurgical processes for various mineral commodities.
• Design and execute laboratory and pilot plant tests to evaluate new technologies and improve existing circuits.
• Troubleshoot complex metallurgical problems in operating plants and provide timely solutions.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict plant performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Conduct techno-economic evaluations of new metallurgical processes and capital investment proposals.
• Prepare technical reports and recommendations for senior management.
• Stay abreast of advancements in metallurgical science and assess applications to operations.
• Collaborate with operations, R&D personnel, and external research institutions.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and contribute to the department's technical growth.
• Ensure all activities comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.

Connaissances

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Technical communication

Formation

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Outils

Metallurgical simulation software

Statistical analysis tools

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client is looking for an innovative and highly experienced Principal Metallurgist to lead their metallurgical research and development efforts. This critical role, based remotely but serving operations near Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape , will focus on optimizing mineral processing circuits, developing new processing technologies, and enhancing metal recovery for a variety of commodities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep theoretical knowledge of mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, and pyrometallurgy, combined with a proven ability to translate scientific principles into practical, scalable solutions. You will be responsible for troubleshooting complex metallurgical challenges, conducting pilot plant trials, and providing expert technical guidance to plant operations and engineering teams. This is a unique opportunity to drive innovation and significantly impact the efficiency and profitability of our client's processing facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of metallurgical processes for various mineral commodities.
• Design and execute laboratory and pilot plant test programs to evaluate new technologies and improve existing circuits.
• Troubleshoot complex metallurgical problems encountered in operational plants, providing timely and effective solutions.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict plant performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Conduct techno-economic evaluations of new metallurgical processes and capital investment proposals.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, research findings, and recommendations for senior management.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in metallurgical science and technology, and assess their applicability to our client's operations.
• Collaborate with operational teams, R&D personnel, and external research institutions.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and contribute to the technical growth of the department.
• Ensure all metallurgical activities comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mineral processing, with a strong emphasis on R&D and process development.
• Demonstrated success in optimizing mineral processing circuits (e.g., comminution, flotation, leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning).
• Expertise in metallurgical accounting and process control.
• Proficiency with metallurgical simulation software and statistical analysis tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information effectively.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr. Eng., Pr. Sci. Nat.) is highly desirable.
• Experience in a remote or hybrid work setting is essential.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package.
• Comprehensive benefits including health insurance and retirement contributions.
• Performance bonus structure.
• Fully remote position offering significant flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional growth, continuous learning, and contributing to cutting-edge metallurgical advancements.

Our client is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce, and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.