Principal Metallurgist - Smelting and Refining

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

State-of-the-art facilities

Professional development opportunities

Conference attendance

Retirement planning benefits

Health insurance

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks a Principal Metallurgist to lead advanced smelting and refining operations. This senior role focuses on optimizing processes, driving innovation, and ensuring product quality in mining metallurgical facilities.

You will apply pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical expertise, mentor engineers, and ensure HSE compliance while delivering cost-effective solutions across the operation.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Metallurgy, Chemical Eng, or related field.
• 10+ years in metallurgical processing with mining exposure.
• Proven smelting and refining expertise (pyro- and hydrometallurgy).
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee smelting and refining processes to maximize yield.
• Develop and implement metallurgical tech and improvements.
• Lead pilot plant studies and validate new processes.
• Provide technical guidance to staff.
• Ensure environmental and safety compliance.
• Prepare technical reports and feasibility studies.
• Collaborate with R&D on innovative approaches.
• Manage supplier relationships for reagents and consumables.
• Lead troubleshooting of metallurgical challenges.

Skills

Metallurgy leadership

Smelting & refining

Process optimization

Hydrometallurgy

Pyrometallurgy

Team leadership

Education

PhD in Metallurgy

MSc in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a highly accomplished Principal Metallurgist to lead their advanced smelting and refining operations based in George, Western Cape . This senior role is crucial for driving process optimization, innovation, and efficiency in the extraction and purification of valuable minerals. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes, coupled with a strong understanding of chemical engineering principles as applied to large-scale mining and mineral processing. You will be instrumental in ensuring product quality, environmental compliance, and the economic viability of our client's metallurgical operations. This is a challenging position that requires exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and a forward-thinking approach to metallurgical science within the robust mining industry. The opportunity in George offers the chance to make a significant impact on a critical aspect of the mining value chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize all aspects of smelting and refining processes to maximize yield and product purity.
• Develop and implement new metallurgical technologies and process improvements.
• Conduct in-depth metallurgical test work and pilot plant studies to validate new processes or troubleshoot existing ones.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to metallurgical engineering staff.
• Ensure strict adherence to environmental regulations and safety protocols within the metallurgical plants.
• Analyze metallurgical data to identify trends, diagnose problems, and recommend solutions.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to explore innovative metallurgical approaches.
• Manage relationships with suppliers of reagents and consumables, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and operational manuals.
• Lead the troubleshooting of complex metallurgical challenges faced by the operations.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in metallurgical processing, with a strong focus on smelting and refining operations within the mining sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical techniques.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing process improvements and new technologies.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• In-depth knowledge of process simulation and modeling software relevant to metallurgy.
• Excellent understanding of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations in the mining context.
• Superior analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in the Western Cape or similar operational environments.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement planning benefits.
• Generous opportunities for professional development, conference attendance, and further education.
• Relocation package available for successful candidates.
• Access to state-of-the-art metallurgical facilities and equipment.
• Be part of a leading organization committed to innovation and sustainability in mining .
• Impactful role influencing the metallurgical output of significant operations.