Principal Metallurgist - Processing Operations

Placements24; Pretoria; Híbrido; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

International travel

Relocation assistance

Generous leave

Resumo da oferta

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, seeks a Principal Metallurgist to optimize metallurgical performance, mentor staff, and drive process improvements. The role blends essential on-site collaboration with focused remote work to maintain operational continuity in mining operations.

The ideal candidate will have MSc/PhD in Metallurgy with 12+ years' experience, strong leadership, and expertise across crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, and refining, plus familiarity with METSIM or similar

Qualificações

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in metallurgical engineering, with a strong focus on base metals or precious metals processing.
• Demonstrated expertise in various unit operations, including crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, and refining.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing process improvements and achieving significant operational gains.
• Experience with metallurgical simulation software (e.g., METSIM, Outotec HSC Chemistry, JKSimMet).

Responsabilidades

• Lead metallurgical investigations and process improvement initiatives to maximize recovery and product quality.
• Provide expert technical guidance on comminution, flotation, leaching, and other relevant metallurgical processes.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues and implement effective solutions to minimize downtime and production losses.
• Develop and validate metallurgical models to predict plant performance and optimize operating parameters.
• Oversee pilot plant testing and scale-up studies for new process technologies.
• Conduct process audits and provide recommendations for operational enhancements.
• Collaborate with research and development teams on innovative metallurgical solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior metallurgists and technicians, fostering their professional growth.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, presentations, and technical memorandums.

Conhecimentos

Leadership

Project management

Problem solving

Formação académica

MSc/PhD in Metallurgy

Ferramentas

METSIM

Outotec HSC Chemistry

JKSimMet

Descrição da oferta de emprego

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in mineral processing, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Metallurgist to join their esteemed technical team in Pretoria, Gauteng. This pivotal role will focus on optimizing and advancing the metallurgical performance of complex processing plants. You will be instrumental in driving innovation, troubleshooting operational challenges, and ensuring the efficient and cost-effective extraction of valuable minerals. The ideal candidate possesses deep theoretical knowledge combined with extensive practical experience in mineral processing operations. This position offers a stimulating environment with opportunities to influence strategic decisions and mentor junior staff. We encourage a hybrid work model, blending essential on-site collaboration with focused remote work, providing flexibility while ensuring operational continuity. This role is perfect for a seasoned professional looking to make a significant impact in the Pretoria mining industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead metallurgical investigations and process improvement initiatives to maximize recovery and product quality.
• Provide expert technical guidance on comminution, flotation, leaching, and other relevant metallurgical processes.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues and implement effective solutions to minimize downtime and production losses.
• Develop and validate metallurgical models to predict plant performance and optimize operating parameters.
• Oversee pilot plant testing and scale-up studies for new process technologies.
• Conduct process audits and provide recommendations for operational enhancements.
• Collaborate with research and development teams on innovative metallurgical solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior metallurgists and technicians, fostering their professional growth.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, presentations, and technical memorandums.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in metallurgical engineering, with a strong focus on base metals or precious metals processing.
• Demonstrated expertise in various unit operations, including crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, and refining.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing process improvements and achieving significant operational gains.
• Experience with metallurgical simulation software (e.g., METSIM, Outotec HSC Chemistry, JKSimMet).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, both on-site and remotely.
• Membership in relevant professional bodies is highly regarded.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Generous leave allowance and paid time off.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.
• Access to state-of-the‑art facilities and advanced research capabilities.
• A stimulating and collaborative work environment that values expertise.
• Relocation assistance available for candidates relocating to Pretoria.

Key role in shaping the future of mineral processing technology.