Principal Metallurgist - Process Optimization

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Principal Metallurgist for its Durban operations. The role focuses on driving process innovation, optimizing circuits, and solving complex operational challenges across mineral processing facilities.

The ideal candidate will have a strong theoretical foundation and extensive hands‑on mineral processing experience, emphasizing base metals or precious metals. This senior position prioritizes safety, efficiency, and cost reduction while maintaining

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgy/Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in metallurgical process development and optimization.
• Experience in mineral processing techniques including crushing, grinding, flotation, and hydrometallurgy.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software (METSIM, JKSimFloat, HSC Chemistry).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of new metallurgical processes and technologies.
• Analyze process data to optimize crushing, grinding, flotation, and hydrometallurgy.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and bench‑scale tests to validate improvements.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, diagnose root causes, and implement solutions.
• Develop process simulation models for optimization and scenario analysis.
• Provide expert metallurgical guidance and technical support to site operations teams.
• Mentor and develop junior metallurgists and process engineers.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and operational manuals.
• Ensure metallurgical operations comply with safety, health, and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with R&D departments to explore novel processing techniques.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data-driven

Leadership

Education

MSc/PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

JKSimFloat

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the extractive industries, is actively seeking a highly skilled Principal Metallurgist to join their established operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This senior role will focus on driving process innovation, optimizing existing metallurgical circuits, and troubleshooting complex operational challenges across a range of mineral processing facilities. You will be instrumental in enhancing recovery rates, improving product quality, and reducing operational costs through advanced metallurgical understanding and practical application. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation coupled with extensive hands‑on experience in mineral processing, particularly within the mining sector. This position is vital for maintaining operational excellence and competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of new metallurgical processes and technologies.
• Analyze process data to identify opportunities for optimization in areas such as comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and bench‑scale test work to validate process improvements.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, diagnose root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Develop and maintain process simulation models for optimization and scenario analysis.
• Provide expert metallurgical guidance and technical support to site operations teams.
• Mentor and develop junior metallurgists and process engineers.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and operational manuals.
• Ensure metallurgical operations comply with safety, health, and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with R&D departments to explore novel processing techniques.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of experience in metallurgical process development and optimization, with a strong emphasis on base metals or precious metals.
• Demonstrated expertise in mineral processing techniques, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and hydrometallurgy.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software (e.g., METSIM, JKSimFloat, HSC Chemistry).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with a data‑driven approach.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in leading multi‑disciplinary project teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng, Pr.Sci.Nat) is highly advantageous.
• Willingness to undertake site visits as necessary for operational support and project execution.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund, and performance bonuses.
• The opportunity to work on cutting‑edge projects and contribute to the strategic direction of a leading mining company based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal .
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities are abundant.

Join a company that values technical excellence and innovation in mineral processing.