Principal Metallurgist - Process Optimization

Placements24; Randfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance bonuses

Relocation assistance

International travel

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking a Principal Metallurgist to lead metallurgical operations in the Rustenburg region. The role drives process optimization, innovation, and maximum recovery while controlling costs across hydrometallurgy and/or pyrometallurgy.

You will mentor junior staff, manage lab and pilot plant test work, develop models and simulations, and provide expert guidance to plant operations.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field.
• 12+ years of hands-on mineral processing experience; at least 5 years in senior/principal metallurgist role.
• Expertise in hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical processes relevant to base or precious metals.
• Experience with process simulation and statistical tools; ability to troubleshoot complex plant operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead metallurgical process improvements to enhance recovery and product quality.
• Conduct test work and pilot plant trials to evaluate new process technologies and reagents.
• Analyze plant performance data to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and optimization opportunities.
• Develop and maintain process models and simulations to predict outcomes and support decisions.
• Provide expert technical support and troubleshooting for plant operations.
• Collaborate with R&D to evaluate and implement innovative processing techniques.
• Ensure adherence to environmental regulations and best practices in metallurgical operations.
• Mentor and train junior metallurgists and plant operators on process fundamentals.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and operational guidelines.
• Stay current with global advancements in metallurgical processing and apply relevant knowledge.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Master's/PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Eng

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major mining operation, is seeking an exceptional Principal Metallurgist to join their esteemed technical team in Rustenburg, North West . This senior position is responsible for driving process optimization and innovation across all metallurgical operations, ensuring maximum recovery and product quality while minimizing operational costs. The Principal Metallurgist will play a key role in troubleshooting complex processing challenges, developing and implementing new technologies, and providing expert guidance to plant operations and engineering departments. This role is critical to maintaining our client's competitive edge in the demanding minerals processing industry. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of hydrometallurgy and/or pyrometallurgy, coupled with extensive experience in process simulation and statistical analysis. Working within the heart of South Africa's platinum-rich region near Rustenburg , you will contribute to the efficient and sustainable extraction of valuable commodities. We are looking for a thought leader who can inspire and guide the metallurgical team towards achieving operational excellence and setting new benchmarks in the field.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of metallurgical process improvements to enhance recovery rates and product quality.
• Conduct in-depth metallurgical test work and pilot plant trials to evaluate new process technologies and reagents.
• Analyze plant performance data to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for optimization.
• Develop and maintain process models and simulations to predict operational outcomes and support decision-making.
• Provide expert technical support and troubleshooting for plant operations, addressing complex metallurgical issues.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to evaluate and implement innovative processing techniques.
• Ensure adherence to environmental regulations and best practices in all metallurgical operations.
• Mentor and train junior metallurgists and plant operators on process fundamentals and best practices.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and operational guidelines.
• Stay current with global advancements in metallurgical processing and apply relevant knowledge to our client's operations.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of hands-on experience in mineral processing, with at least 5 years in a senior or principal metallurgist role.
• Proven expertise in hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical processes, relevant to base or precious metals.
• Strong experience with process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry) and statistical analysis tools.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex plant operations and implement effective solutions.
• Experience in managing laboratory and pilot plant test work programs.
• Excellent understanding of mineralogy and its impact on metallurgical performance.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across different departments.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng, Pr.Sci.Nat) is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, pension fund, and performance bonuses.
• This role provides excellent opportunities for professional development, international travel for conferences, and career progression within a globally recognized mining organization.
• Relocation assistance to Rustenburg is available.