Principal Metallurgist - Processing

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Bonus potential and long-term Incentiv

Professional development & travel

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Metallurgist to lead the mineral processing division. This remote role requires travel to Centurion, Gauteng, and offers strategic influence on process design, innovation, and cost optimization.

You will mentor a team of metallurgists and work with geologists, engineers, and operations to deliver scalable, efficient solutions. The ideal candidate brings 10+ years in mineral processing, strong leadership, and a track record in advanced metallurgical techniques,

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy.
• Experience with comminution, flotation, hydrometallurgy, and pyrometallurgy.
• Experience with techno-economic assessments and business case development.
• Published work or conference presentations are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up metallurgical processes for mineral recovery and cost reduction.
• Lead metallurgical test work programs from bench to pilot scale.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement effective solutions.
• Design and specify metallurgical equipment and flowsheets for projects.
• Conduct techno-economic evaluations of new technologies.
• Manage metallurgical data and reporting of plant performance.
• Collaborate with geologists, engineers, and operations teams.
• Stay updated on global trends in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy.
• Mentor and develop junior metallurgists and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Mentoring

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

MSc/PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

GEMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Metallurgist to lead their mineral processing division, based remotely with travel to Centurion, Gauteng . This senior position is crucial for driving innovation and optimizing the recovery of valuable minerals from various ore types. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing advanced metallurgical processes, troubleshooting complex operational challenges, and ensuring maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This role requires a deep understanding of mineral processing fundamentals, including comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining. You will be at the forefront of metallurgical advancements, contributing to the strategic direction of our client's processing operations. The role demands strong leadership qualities, excellent analytical skills, and a passion for continuous improvement in a high-stakes industry. We are looking for an expert who can guide and mentor a team of metallurgists and technicians.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up metallurgical processes for mineral recovery, focusing on efficiency and cost reduction.
• Lead metallurgical test work programs, from bench-scale to pilot plant, and interpret results to guide process design.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues in processing plants, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
• Design and specify metallurgical equipment and process flowsheets for new projects and plant upgrades.
• Conduct techno-economic evaluations of new technologies and process improvements.
• Manage metallurgical data, maintain process databases, and ensure accurate reporting of plant performance.
• Collaborate with geologists, engineers, and operations teams to ensure seamless integration of metallurgical processes.
• Stay abreast of global trends and emerging technologies in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy.
• Mentor and develop junior metallurgists and technical staff, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards in processing operations.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field from a recognized university.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy, with a strong track record in leading complex projects.
• Expertise in a range of mineral processing techniques, including comminution, flotation, hydrometallurgy, and pyrometallurgy.
• Demonstrated experience with process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry, GEMS).
• Proven ability to conduct techno-economic assessments and develop business cases for process improvements.
• Excellent understanding of mineralogy and its impact on metallurgical performance.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience in managing and mentoring technical teams.
• Willingness to travel to plant sites in Centurion, Gauteng and other locations as needed.
• Published work in reputable journals or conference presentations is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers an exceptional compensation package, including a competitive base salary, significant bonus potential, and long-term incentive plans. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided, along with a generous retirement savings plan. Continuous professional development is a priority, with opportunities for further education, conference attendance, and leadership training. This remote role offers flexibility while requiring periodic travel to operations near Centurion, Gauteng . You will be part of a globally recognized company committed to innovation and sustainable practices in the mining industry. We foster a culture of collaboration and provide the resources needed to excel in this challenging and rewarding career path.