Principal Metallurgist - Mineral Processing

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Generous annual leave

International travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Metallurgist to lead strategic mineral processing initiatives from our Cape Town HQ. You will drive recovery, product quality, and process efficiency across diverse mineral streams while guiding a team of metallurgists and technicians.

You will collaborate with R&D, operations, and engineering to meet ambitious production targets, supervise budgets, and ensure safety, environmental, and quality standards across labs and plants. Travel to mine sites will be required.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of progressive mineral processing experience.
• 5+ years in a principal or lead role.

Responsibilities

• Lead metallurgical process development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Develop strategies to improve recovery, grades, and efficiencies.
• Oversee pilot plant studies and full-scale trials.
• Provide technical guidance on comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

MSc in Metallurgy

PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

JKSimMet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the global mining industry, is seeking a distinguished Principal Metallurgist to lead critical mineral processing initiatives from their **Cape Town** headquarters. This senior position requires an individual with extensive expertise in optimizing recovery and product quality across diverse mineral streams. The role involves overseeing process development, troubleshooting complex operational issues, and driving innovation in mineral processing technologies. The Principal Metallurgist will be responsible for setting strategic direction for the metallurgical department, ensuring efficient and cost-effective operations. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of mineral processing for a company committed to sustainable and technologically advanced mining practices. You will collaborate with research and development teams, operations managers, and engineering departments to achieve ambitious production targets. The role is based in the vibrant city of **Cape Town**, offering a stimulating work environment and proximity to diverse natural landscapes. We seek a leader who can inspire teams and deliver exceptional results in a demanding industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and direct metallurgical process development, optimization, and troubleshooting for various mining operations.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance mineral recovery rates, product grades, and process efficiencies.
• Conduct in-depth metallurgical test work analysis, pilot plant studies, and full-scale plant trials.
• Provide expert technical guidance on comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining processes.
• Manage and mentor a team of metallurgists and laboratory technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Develop and manage metallurgical budgets and capital expenditure proposals.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality standards in laboratory and plant operations.
• Collaborate with R&D to explore and implement novel metallurgical technologies.
• Prepare comprehensive metallurgical reports, presentations, and technical documentation.
• Represent the company in technical forums and industry conferences.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in mineral processing, with at least 5 years in a principal or lead role.
• Demonstrated expertise in base metals, precious metals, or industrial minerals processing.
• In-depth knowledge of hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes.
• Proven track record in process simulation and modeling (e.g., using METSIM, JKSimMet).
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with experience presenting to senior management and external stakeholders.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) or equivalent professional registration is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel to various mine sites as required.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive executive compensation package, including a competitive base salary, significant bonus potential, and comprehensive benefits. These include top-tier medical aid, provident fund, life insurance, and substantial annual leave. We provide unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, international travel, and involvement in groundbreaking projects. The position is based in scenic **Cape Town**, offering a high quality of life. Employees have access to advanced training programs and can contribute to shaping the future of sustainable mining practices. Join a globally recognized organization renowned for its innovation and commitment to its workforce.