Principal Metallurgist - Hydrometallurgy

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation

Global health benefits

Remote work flexibility

Professional development opportunities

International collaboration

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Metallurgist specializing in Hydrometallurgy to join a global leader in resource extraction on a remote basis within South Africa. You will develop, optimize, and troubleshoot hydrometallurgical processes to maximize recovery and efficiency across commodities.

This role requires an MSc/PhD, 12+ years of experience, and strong leadership and communication skills to mentor teams and guide technical direction across worldwide projects.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with Hydrometallurgy specialization.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive hydrometallurgical process development and operations experience.
• Proficiency in leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, electrowinning, and precipitation processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimization of hydrometallurgical processes.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale test work for new process evaluations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in hydrometallurgical plants.
• Develop and validate process models and simulations for hydrometallurgical circuits.
• Evaluate and adopt new technologies and equipment for hydrometallurgy.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to metallurgical teams.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and process design documents.
• Ensure safety, environmental compliance, and quality control.
• Collaborate with geologists, engineers, and operations managers to integrate solutions.
• Stay updated on global advancements and industry best practices.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

MSc or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field with Hydrometallurgy specialization

Tools

Metallurgical simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in resource extraction, is actively seeking a distinguished Principal Metallurgist specializing in Hydrometallurgy to join their world-class team on a fully remote basis. This is an exceptional opportunity for an expert to contribute to cutting‑edge metallurgical projects from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting complex hydrometallurgical processes, ensuring maximum recovery and efficiency for various commodities. The ideal candidate possesses a profound understanding of aqueous chemistry, process design, and mineral processing technologies, coupled with a proven ability to drive innovation. This remote‑first position requires a highly analytical, strategic, and self‑motivated professional capable of influencing technical direction and collaborating effectively across global teams. You will play a key role in shaping the future of hydrometallurgical processing for our client, impacting operations worldwide and driving technological advancements in the field.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of hydrometallurgical processes.
• Conduct comprehensive laboratory and pilot‑scale test work for new process evaluations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational issues in existing hydrometallurgical plants.
• Develop and validate process models and simulations for hydrometallurgical circuits.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and equipment for hydrometallurgical applications.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to metallurgical teams.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and process design documents.
• Ensure adherence to the highest standards of safety, environmental compliance, and quality control.
• Collaborate with geologists, engineers, and operations managers to integrate process solutions.
• Stay abreast of global advancements in hydrometallurgy and industry best practices.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in Hydrometallurgy.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in hydrometallurgical process development and operations.
• Extensive knowledge of leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, electrowinning, and precipitation processes.
• Proven track record of successfully commissioning and optimizing hydrometallurgical plants.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software relevant to hydrometallurgy.
• Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience mentoring technical staff in a remote setting.
• Familiarity with a wide range of ore bodies and base/precious metal processing.
• Commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and sustainable practices.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive‑level salary and bonus package.
• Comprehensive global health and wellness benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, research, and international collaboration.
• Flexible and autonomous remote work environment.
• Access to leading‑edge research, technology, and a network of experts.
• A culture that fosters innovation and scientific excellence.