Principal Metallurgist

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development budget

Flexible remote work for project leads

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Metallurgist to lead advanced R&D in mineral processing at the Pretoria hub. You will guide complex projects, run in-depth metallurgical tests, and advise operations to implement cutting-edge solutions for precious and base metals.

You will mentor staff, collaborate across R&D, operations and engineering, and contribute to sustainable development in South Africa's mineral resources.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years in mineral processing.
• Experience developing and scaling up metallurgical processes.
• Expertise in process simulation software (METSIM, JKSimMet) and analytical techniques.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and understanding of mineral chemistry and physics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute complex metallurgical test work programs on diverse ore bodies.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot mineral processing circuits (crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching).
• Analyze metallurgical data, interpret results and prepare reports.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations and engineering to implement new technologies.
• Provide expert mentorship to processing plant staff and junior metallurgists.

Skills

Hydrometallurgy

Pyrometallurgy

Process simulation

METSIM

JKSimMet

Metallurgy knowledge

Problem solving

Education

MSc or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related

Tools

METSIM

JKSimMet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in mineral processing and extraction, is seeking a highly skilled Principal Metallurgist to join their advanced research and development team based in Pretoria . This senior role is pivotal in driving innovation in mineral processing technologies, optimizing plant performance, and developing new metallurgical solutions for complex ores. You will lead complex projects, conduct in-depth metallurgical testing, and provide expert guidance to operations across the company. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence metallurgical best practices and contribute to the sustainable development of South Africa's rich mineral resources from a strategic Pretoria hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute complex metallurgical test work programs on various ore bodies.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot mineral processing circuits, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching.
• Analyze metallurgical data, interpret results, and prepare detailed technical reports and recommendations.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and engineering teams to implement new technologies and process improvements.
• Provide expert metallurgical advice and mentorship to processing plant staff and junior metallurgists.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mineral processing, with a strong background in hydrometallurgy and/or pyrometallurgy.
• Proven experience in developing and scaling up metallurgical processes, particularly for precious and base metals.
• Expertise in process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, JKSimMet) and advanced analytical techniques.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a deep understanding of mineral chemistry and physics relevant to Pretoria 's mineral sector.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with annual performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Significant budget for professional development, conferences, and training.
• Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options for project leadership.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge metallurgical challenges in the Pretoria region.