Principal Metallurgist - Processing

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Annual bonus

Growth opportunities

R&D access

Remote work flexibility

Innovative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Metallurgist for a fully remote role serving the South Africa mining sector, with emphasis on the Western Cape. You will drive advanced mineral processing strategies, mentor engineers, and deliver high-level technical guidance across projects from anywhere within SA.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years in mineral processing, expertise in unit processes, and a data-driven, safety-conscious approach.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgy or related field.
• 12+ years in mineral processing/metallurgy.
• Experience with comminution, flotation, leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning.
• Process optimization and troubleshooting experience.
• Proficiency in METSIM or Outotec HSC.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead projects and mentor teams remotely.
• Familiarity with international best practices in metallurgical engineering.
• Commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of advanced mineral processing strategies.
• Conduct metallurgical test work and pilot plant analyses.
• Optimize plant performance to improve recovery and reduce costs.
• Troubleshoot complex processing issues and provide expert recommendations.
• Develop and validate metallurgical models and simulations.
• Evaluate new process technologies and equipment for potential adoption.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior metallurgists and engineers.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and project proposals.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with geologists, engineers, and operations teams to achieve project objectives.

Skills

Metallurgical expertise

Leadership

Mentoring

Data-driven decision making

Analytical skills

Technical report writing

Remote collaboration

Education

MSc or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

Outotec HSC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the global mining industry, is seeking an accomplished Principal Metallurgist to join their innovative and fully remote technical team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to leverage their extensive expertise in mineral processing and extraction from anywhere in South Africa. You will be instrumental in driving process optimization, developing new metallurgical methodologies, and providing high-level technical guidance across a range of projects. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of complex metallurgical challenges and a proven ability to deliver innovative solutions. This remote-first role demands a proactive, analytical, and collaborative approach, enabling you to contribute effectively to our client's operational excellence and strategic goals. You will be a key technical advisor, shaping the future of mineral processing for our client, impacting operations within the vital Western Cape mining sector and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of advanced mineral processing strategies.
• Conduct comprehensive metallurgical test work and pilot plant operations analysis.
• Optimize existing plant performance to improve recovery rates and reduce operating costs.
• Troubleshoot complex processing issues and provide expert technical recommendations.
• Develop and validate metallurgical models and simulations.
• Evaluate new process technologies and equipment for potential adoption.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior metallurgists and engineers.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and project proposals.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations related to mineral processing.
• Collaborate closely with geologists, engineers, and operations teams to achieve project objectives.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in mineral processing and metallurgy, with a strong track record in commodity-specific processing.
• Extensive knowledge of various metallurgical unit processes (e.g., comminution, flotation, leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning).
• Proven experience in process optimization and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software (e.g., METSIM, Outotec HSC).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and mentor teams in a remote environment.
• Familiarity with international best practices in metallurgical engineering.
• Commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Company-funded medical aid and retirement annuity.
• Annual bonus based on company and individual performance.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Access to cutting-edge metallurgical research and development.
• Full remote work flexibility, allowing work from any location.
• A culture that values innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.