Principal Metallurgist - Base Metals Processing

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive travel & relocation support

Bonuses & share options

Medical aid and pension

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West is seeking a Principal Metallurgist to lead processing operations and optimize metallurgical performance for base metal extraction. You will drive R&D, feasibility studies and cost-effective recovery of valuable minerals, while mentoring a technical team.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering, 10+ years of base metal experience, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 10+ years in base metal metallurgy with proven optimization experience.
• Extensive mineral processing knowledge: flotation, leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning.
• Experience leading metallurgical projects and research.
• Proficient in metallurgical simulation software and advanced data analysis tools.
• Strong base metal chemistry and thermodynamics understanding.
• Excellent leadership, project management and communication skills.
• Experience mentoring technical teams; willing to reside or commute to Rustenburg.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize metallurgical processes for base metal extraction.
• Lead R&D initiatives to develop new metallurgical technologies.
• Conduct test work and pilot studies to assess viability.
• Troubleshoot issues to improve recovery, grade and throughput.
• Develop metallurgical accounting systems for production tracking.
• Prepare reports, feasibility studies and economic evaluations.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and management to meet targets.
• Mentor metallurgists and technicians for continuous improvement.

Skills

Metallurgy

Process optimization

Data analysis

R&D leadership

Simulation software

Project management

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Metallurgical simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the South African mining industry, is seeking an experienced and innovative Principal Metallurgist to lead their processing operations in Rustenburg, North West . This senior position is responsible for optimizing and troubleshooting complex metallurgical processes, particularly in the extraction of base metals. The Principal Metallurgist will drive process improvements, conduct feasibility studies for new technologies, and ensure the efficient and cost-effective recovery of valuable minerals. This role requires a profound understanding of mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, and pyrometallurgy, alongside strong leadership and analytical capabilities. You will be instrumental in enhancing plant performance and maximizing metal yields.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize metallurgical processes for base metal extraction, including comminution, flotation, leaching, and electrowinning.
• Lead R&D initiatives to develop and implement new metallurgical technologies and process enhancements.
• Conduct detailed metallurgical test work and pilot plant studies to assess process viability.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement corrective actions to improve recovery, grade, and throughput.
• Develop and manage metallurgical accounting systems to ensure accurate tracking of metal production.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and economic evaluations for process upgrades and new projects.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and management teams to achieve production targets and strategic goals.
• Mentor and develop a team of metallurgists and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations related to metallurgical operations.
• Represent the company in technical forums and engage with industry experts.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in base metal metallurgy, with a proven track record in process optimization and development.
• Extensive knowledge of mineral processing techniques, including flotation, leaching, solvent extraction, and electrowinning.
• Demonstrated experience in leading metallurgical projects and research initiatives.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software and advanced data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of base metal chemistry and thermodynamics.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Experience in managing and mentoring technical teams.
• Must be willing to reside in or commute to Rustenburg, North West .
• Previous experience in the South African platinum or gold mining sectors is highly regarded.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive executive-level salary package, including significant bonuses and share options.
• The comprehensive benefits include top-tier medical aid, an excellent pension fund, and generous leave provisions.
• Opportunities for international travel and attendance at global mining conferences are available.
• Professional development and ongoing training are strongly supported.
• Relocation assistance to Rustenburg will be provided for the successful candidate.