Principal Metallurgist – Base Metals Processing

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus structure

Executive-level benefits package incl.

Relocation assistance

International exposure opportunities

Access to R&D facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Metallurgist to helm advanced mineral processing operations in Cape Town. The role requires deep hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy knowledge and oversight of design, optimization, and implementation of cutting-edge processes for base metals.

You will lead a skilled team across R&D, operations, and engineering, drive improvements in recovery and product quality, develop process models, and ensure environmental compliance while coordinating with site

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years in base metals processing with hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy.
• Experience with process simulation software (METSIM, JKSimMet).
• Proven track record leading metallurgical projects.
• Strong knowledge of mineralogy, flotation, leaching, SX, and electrowinning.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and optimization of base metal metallurgical processes.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale-up from lab to plant.
• Troubleshoot processing issues and implement solutions.
• Develop models and simulations to improve recovery and quality.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to team.
• Collaborate with mine planning and engineering teams.
• Prepare detailed reports for stakeholders.
• Stay updated on new metallurgical technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Team mentoring

Education

PhD in Metallurgy

MSc in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

JKSimMet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the extractive industries, is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Principal Metallurgist to lead their advanced mineral processing operations in Cape Town, Western Cape . This critical role involves overseeing the development, optimization, and implementation of cutting‑edge metallurgical processes for base metal concentrates. You will be instrumental in driving efficiency, improving recovery rates, and ensuring the highest quality output from our processing facilities. The ideal candidate will possess a profound knowledge of hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy, coupled with significant experience in process simulation, troubleshooting, and scale-up. This position demands strong leadership qualities, a data-driven approach, and a passion for advancing metallurgical science within the demanding mining sector. You will work closely with operations, R&D, and engineering teams to achieve ambitious production targets and maintain our client's competitive edge. The role is based in Cape Town and requires a significant presence at our operational sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of metallurgical processes for base metals.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and process scale-up from laboratory to commercial scale.
• Troubleshoot complex processing issues and implement effective solutions.
• Conduct metallurgical test work and data analysis to improve recovery and product quality.
• Develop and maintain process models and simulations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and implement sustainable processing practices.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the metallurgical team.
• Collaborate with mine planning and engineering departments to integrate processing with extraction.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and present findings to management and project stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of new metallurgical technologies and industry advancements.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of extensive experience in base metals processing, with a strong focus on hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy .
• Demonstrated expertise in process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, JKsimMet).
• Proven ability to lead complex metallurgical projects from conception to completion.
• Strong understanding of mineralogy, flotation, leaching, solvent extraction, and electrowinning.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional leadership and team management capabilities.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with environmental management in mineral processing.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to operational sites from Cape Town .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and an attractive bonus structure.
• Executive-level benefits package including health, life, and disability insurance.
• Generous relocation assistance if applicable.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and international exposure.
• Access to state-of-the-art research and development facilities.
• A stimulating and dynamic work environment.
• Annual performance reviews and salary increments.