Principal Metallurgist - Base Metals Processing

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Performance-based bonuses

Health, retirement and life insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Metallurgist in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal to lead advanced processing operations and R&D initiatives. You will guide a team of metallurgists and engineers, optimize circuits, and drive innovation in base metals extraction to improve recovery and efficiency.

The role requires extensive experience in comminution, flotation, leaching, and hydrometallurgy/pyrometallurgy, with strong leadership and collaboration across engineering and geology teams.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Eng or related field.
• 12+ years in metallurgical processing with 5+ in senior roles.
• Experience in base metals and mineral processing fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert leadership on base metals metallurgical processing.
• Lead optimization of circuits to maximize metal recovery and efficiency.
• Oversee pilot plant programs and scale-up of new processes from lab to plant.
• Guide R&D projects on innovative processing technologies and reagents.
• Mentor metallurgists and engineers to foster continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with geology, mining, and engineering teams across functions.
• Prepare technical reports and feasibility studies for senior management and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Metallurgy expertise

Leadership

Process optimization

Hydrometallurgy

Mineral processing

Team mentorship

Technical reporting

Education

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Metallurgist to lead advanced processing operations and research initiatives within their Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal facility. This senior role is critical for optimizing existing metallurgical processes, developing innovative techniques for base metals extraction, and ensuring efficient and sustainable operations. You will be a key technical advisor, guiding a team of metallurgists and engineers, and collaborating with R&D departments to push the boundaries of metallurgical science. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence process design, troubleshoot complex challenges, and contribute to the economic viability of our mining assets. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in comminution, flotation, leaching, and hydrometallurgy/pyrometallurgy, with a strong understanding of mineral characterization and its impact on recovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership and guidance on all aspects of base metals metallurgical processing, including comminution, flotation, gravity separation, leaching, solvent extraction, and electrowinning.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot complex metallurgical circuits to maximize metal recovery, concentrate grades, and operational efficiency.
• Lead R&D projects focused on innovative processing technologies, reagent development, and novel extraction methods.
• Oversee the design and implementation of pilot plant programs and the scale-up of new processes from laboratory to plant scale.
• Conduct detailed metallurgical accounting, variance analysis, and cost optimization studies.
• Mentor and develop a team of metallurgists and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.
• Collaborate closely with geology, mining, and engineering departments to ensure integrated mine-to-metal strategies.
• Prepare high-level technical reports, presentations, and feasibility studies for senior management and key stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations related to metallurgical operations.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in metallurgical processing, with at least 5 years in a senior or principal role focusing on base metals (e.g., copper, nickel, zinc, platinum group metals).
• Deep theoretical and practical knowledge of mineral processing fundamentals and advanced metallurgical techniques.
• Proven experience in process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry) and statistical analysis tools.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex projects from conception to implementation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a results-oriented approach.
• Membership in relevant professional bodies (e.g., SAIMM) is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience, including significant performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits plan covering health, retirement, and life insurance.
• This hybrid role allows for a balance between on-site collaboration at our Pietermaritzburg operations and remote work flexibility.
• We provide opportunities for continuous professional development, including attendance at international conferences and advanced training programs.
• Join a leading organization with a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and employee growth, working on cutting-edge metallurgical challenges.