Principal Metallurgist - Process Optimization

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

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in the mining sector, is actively recruiting for a highly experienced Principal Metallurgist to join their flagship operation based in Cape Town, Western Cape. This pivotal role is responsible for driving innovation and efficiency in ore processing and recovery operations. The successful candidate will lead complex metallurgical projects, focusing on process optimization, troubleshooting, and the implementation of new technologies to enhance yield and reduce operational costs. This position requires a deep understanding of mineral processing principles and a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. We are seeking a strategic thinker with exceptional analytical skills and a passion for metallurgical excellence. The opportunity to make a significant impact in a key coastal mining hub awaits a dedicated professional.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage advanced mineral processing strategies to maximize metal recovery and product quality.
• Lead comprehensive metallurgical test work programs and pilot plant studies.
• Analyse 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.

Requirements

• An Honours degree or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. A PhD is an advantage.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of experience in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy, with significant leadership experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in a range of commodities, including precious metals, base metals, or industrial minerals.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale metallurgical projects and drive process improvements.
• Strong knowledge of process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, JKSimMet) and data analysis tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in technical writing and presentation.
• Must be willing to reside in or commute to Cape Town, Western Cape.
• Ability to travel to operational sites as needed.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Generous performance bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical aid and life insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.
• Relocation package available for successful candidates from outside Cape Town, Western Cape.
• Access to cutting-edge metallurgical technologies.