Principal Metallurgist - Remote

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 3,062,000 - 4,593,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first

Global opportunities

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Metallurgist to lead remote metallurgical projects in the global mining sector. You will guide process optimization, design feasibility, and data-driven improvements across base metals, precious metals, and industrial minerals.

You will analyze complex data, supervise pilot tests, and mentor junior staff while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams from a remote setting. Excellent communication and independent work skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10-12+ years of intensive experience in mineral processing and metallurgy with mining applications.
• Expertise in base metals, precious metals, or industrial minerals processing.
• Experience in process simulation, modeling (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry), and data analysis.
• Strong understanding of comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining circuits.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently in a fully remote, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert metallurgical consulting to mining operations with a focus on process optimization and continuous improvement.
• Lead feasibility studies and detailed design for new plants and upgrades.
• Analyze complex metallurgical data and develop data-driven solutions to improve recovery and product quality.
• Develop pilot plant testing programs and scale-up strategies for new processes.
• Stay updated on metallurgical advances and assess applicability to operations.
• Collaborate with geologists, engineers, and operations managers to meet project objectives.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and remote staff.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and proposals for stakeholders.
• Ensure practices meet environmental and safety standards in mining.

Skills

Process optimization

Data analysis

Project management

Remote collaboration

Communication skills

Mineral processing knowledge

Education

MSc in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

PhD in Metallurgy or related field

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in the global **mining** and minerals processing industry, is seeking an exceptional and highly experienced Principal Metallurgist to join their innovative, remote-first team. This senior position is crucial for driving advancements in mineral processing and recovery across various commodities. The role involves providing expert metallurgical guidance, troubleshooting complex processing challenges, and contributing to the strategic development of processing technologies from a remote setting. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a seasoned metallurgist to make a significant impact on a global scale, working with diverse datasets and contributing to cutting-edge research and development, all while maintaining the flexibility of a remote work arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert metallurgical consulting services to diverse **mining** operations, focusing on process optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
• Lead and conduct feasibility studies and detailed design for new metallurgical plants and upgrades to existing facilities.
• Analyze complex metallurgical data, interpret results, and develop practical, data-driven solutions to enhance recovery, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Develop and implement pilot plant testing programs and scale-up strategies for new metallurgical processes.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in metallurgical science and technology, evaluating their applicability to our client's operations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including geologists, engineers, and operations managers, to achieve project objectives.
• Mentor and guide junior metallurgists and technical staff remotely.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, presentations, and proposals for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all metallurgical practices adhere to stringent environmental regulations and safety standards, promoting sustainable **mining** practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10-12 years of intensive experience in mineral processing and metallurgy, with a strong emphasis on mining applications.
• Demonstrated expertise in base metals, precious metals, or industrial minerals processing.
• Proven experience in process simulation, modeling (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry), and data analysis.
• Excellent understanding of comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining circuits.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the capacity to present technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a fully remote, collaborative environment.
• Experience with remote collaboration tools and technologies is essential.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive daily rate, reflecting the seniority and specialized expertise required. Benefits include the flexibility of a fully remote position, allowing for excellent work‑life balance. While not tied to a specific physical location, the role provides significant intellectual stimulation and the opportunity to influence major **mining** projects worldwide. Professional development opportunities and access to cutting‑edge industry research are also provided. This is an opportunity to be at the forefront of metallurgical innovation within the **mining** sector.