Principal Metallurgist - Beneficiation

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Retirement annuity

Relocation support

International travel

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Metallurgist to lead complex metallurgical projects in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This senior role focuses on advancing beneficiation, optimizing processes, and driving innovation in mineral processing and metal recovery.

You will collaborate with a team of scientists and engineers, supervise pilot plants, mentor staff, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and manage project budgets to enhance profitability and sustainability of operations.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Metallurgy or related field from a reputable university.
• Minimum 12 years in industrial metallurgy with a focus on mineral processing.
• Proven track record leading R&D and implementing new technologies.
• Experience with flotation, leaching, hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D initiatives to improve metallurgical recovery and process efficiency.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot metallurgical processes for minerals.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale-up studies.
• Provide expert guidance and mentor junior metallurgists and engineers.
• Prepare detailed metallurgical reports from test work.
• Collaborate with related teams to ensure sustainable operations.
• Stay updated on advances and assess applicability to operations.
• Ensure safety, health, and environmental compliance in labs and plants.
• Develop and manage project budgets and timelines.
• Contribute to design and commissioning of new plants.

Skills

R&D leadership

Process optimization

Data analysis

Flotation

Leaching

Hydrometallurgy

Pyrometallurgy

Education

PhD or MSc in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished entity within the mining and minerals processing industry , is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Metallurgist to join their esteemed team. This senior role is integral to advancing the company's beneficiation processes and will be based in the scenic and strategically important town of Stellenbosch, Western Cape . The Principal Metallurgist will be responsible for leading complex metallurgical projects, optimizing existing processes, and driving innovation in mineral processing and metal recovery. This position requires a deep technical expertise, strong analytical capabilities, and a passion for developing sustainable and efficient metallurgical solutions. You will collaborate with a team of leading scientists and engineers, contributing to the company's reputation for technological excellence and operational efficiency in the competitive global market. The successful candidate will have a profound impact on the profitability and sustainability of our client's operations by ensuring the highest standards in mineral processing and value addition.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development initiatives to improve metallurgical recovery rates and process efficiencies.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot complex metallurgical processes for various mineral commodities.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale-up studies for new metallurgical technologies.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior metallurgists and process engineers.
• Conduct detailed metallurgical test work, analyze results, and prepare comprehensive technical reports.
• Collaborate with mineral processing, mining, and environmental teams to ensure integrated and sustainable operations.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in metallurgical science and technology and assess their applicability to company operations.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, health, and environmental regulations in laboratory and plant settings.
• Develop and manage metallurgical project budgets and timelines.
• Contribute to the design and commissioning of new metallurgical plants and process modifications.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field from a reputable university.
• A minimum of 12 years of extensive experience in industrial metallurgy, with a significant focus on mineral processing and beneficiation .
• Proven track record in leading R&D projects and successfully implementing new technologies.
• Expertise in various metallurgical techniques, including flotation, leaching, hydrometallurgy, and pyrometallurgy.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry) and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of mineralogy and its impact on process design and performance.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Experience in supervising and mentoring technical staff.
• Must possess the legal right to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including significant bonus potential and comprehensive benefits such as private medical insurance and a generous retirement annuity.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development, including attending leading industry conferences, are provided.
• Support for relocation to the beautiful Stellenbosch region is available.
• The company cultivates an innovative and collaborative work environment, valuing scientific rigor and promoting a sustainable approach to resource management.
• The vibrant academic and cultural setting of Stellenbosch offers an exceptional quality of life.