Principal Metallurgist - Platinum Group Metals

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Top-tier medical aid

Provident fund

Life and disability insurance

Relocation support

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Metallurgist to lead PGMs processing in Rustenburg, North West. The role demands strategic direction, technical leadership, and mentorship of a metallurgical team to optimize flotation, smelting and refining processes.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in metallurgical processing, with strong project management and regulatory knowledge, and will drive innovation and performance across the plant.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Metallurgy or related field.
• 10+ years in metallurgical processing with PGMs focus.
• Expertise in flotation, leaching, refining and mineralogy.
• Proven leadership and team mentoring experience.
• Strong knowledge of SA mining regulations and SPC/data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Oversee metallurgical processing of PGMs from ore to final product.
• Develop strategies to improve recovery, quality and efficiency.
• Lead R&D on new processing technologies and methods.
• Mentor metallurgists and technicians; drive continuous improvement.
• Manage budgets, timelines and cross-functional collaboration.
• Present technical findings to stakeholders and at conferences.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication

Project management

Mentoring

Problem solving

Influence

Education

MSc/PhD Metallurgy

Tools

Process simulation tools

Mineral processing tech

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in the mining industry, is seeking a distinguished Principal Metallurgist to lead their processing operations focused on Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) in Rustenburg, North West . This senior role demands extensive expertise in the complex metallurgical processes involved in recovering PGMs from ores. You will be responsible for optimizing existing plant performance, developing innovative processing routes, and ensuring the efficient and sustainable extraction of these valuable metals. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of flotation, smelting, refining, and associated analytical techniques specific to PGMs. You will provide technical leadership, mentor a team of metallurgists and technicians, and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the processing division. This is a strategic position offering significant influence and career growth within a leading mining enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize the metallurgical processing of Platinum Group Metals from ore to final product.
• Develop and implement advanced metallurgical strategies to improve recovery rates and product quality.
• Lead research and development initiatives for new processing technologies and methodologies.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to the metallurgy team.
• Troubleshoot complex metallurgical challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, pilot plant trials, and process simulations.
• Ensure adherence to environmental regulations and promote sustainable processing practices.
• Collaborate with mine operations, engineering, and R&D departments to achieve operational excellence.
• Manage metallurgical budgets, project timelines, and resource allocation.
• Author and present technical papers and reports to internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in metallurgical processing, with a specialized focus on PGMs .
• Demonstrated expertise in PGM mineralogy, flotation, leaching, and refining processes.
• Proven experience in process simulation and modeling tools relevant to metallurgy.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• In-depth knowledge of South African mining and environmental regulations.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and data analysis.
• Must be willing to relocate to or work in the Rustenburg area.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary package, including significant bonus potential and long-term incentive plans.
• Comprehensive benefits include top-tier medical aid, a generous provident fund, and extensive life and disability insurance.
• We provide ample paid vacation, opportunities for international training and conferences, and support for relocation.
• This role offers substantial career progression prospects within a world-class organization committed to technological advancement and employee development in the mining sector.