Principal Metallurgist: Lead Mineral Processing Innovation

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Health & life insurance

Retirement savings plan

Relocation package

International travel

Cutting-edge metallurgical tech

Job summary

Placements24, based in Cape Town, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Metallurgist to lead complex mineral processing projects, optimize ore processing, and implement new technologies to improve yield and reduce costs.

You will oversee pilot studies, mentor a multidisciplinary team, and collaborate with R&D, operations, and engineering to drive innovation while ensuring safety, environmental, and quality standards across the operation in the Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Honours or Master’s degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10–15 years in mineral processing/extractive metallurgy with leadership experience.
• Experience across commodities including precious metals, base metals or industrial minerals.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale metallurgical projects and drive process improvements.
• Proficiency with METSIM and JKSimMet and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage advanced mineral processing strategies to maximize metal recovery and product quality.
• Lead metallurgical test work programs and pilot plant studies.
• Analyze plant performance data to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues related to comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining.
• Oversee the design and commissioning of new metallurgical equipment and process upgrades.
• Mentor and develop a team of metallurgists and process engineers, providing technical guidance and leadership.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and engineering departments to drive innovation and implement best practices.
• Ensure all metallurgical operations adhere to stringent safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, economic evaluations, and recommendations for management.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in metallurgical science and technology.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Data analysis

Technical writing

Education

Honours or Master’s degree in Metallurgy / Chemical Engineering or related field

PhD (advantage)

Tools

METSIM

JKSimMet

Job description

Placements24, based in Cape Town, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Metallurgist to lead complex mineral processing projects, optimize ore processing, and implement new technologies to improve yield and reduce costs.

You will oversee pilot studies, mentor a multidisciplinary team, and collaborate with R&D, operations, and engineering to drive innovation while ensuring safety, environmental, and quality standards across the operation in the Western Cape.