Process Plant Manager - Base Metals

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Retirement

Life insurance

Paid time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a senior Process Plant Manager for a base metals processing facility in Vereeniging. The role oversees the entire plant, ensuring safe, efficient and profitable operations, while driving throughput and metal recovery.

You will lead engineers, operators and technicians, implementing best practices in mineral processing. The successful candidate will have a metallurgical/ mining engineering background and 10+ years in mineral processing with at least 5 years in management,

Qualifications

• Bachelor level degree in a relevant engineering field.
• Experience leading large operations teams in mineral processing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all plant operations including comminution, flotation, and refining for base metals.
• Ensure targets, safety standards and environmental regulations are met.
• Develop and manage operational budgets for cost control and throughput.
• Lead and mentor the operations team to drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain robust maintenance and asset management programs.
• Monitor KPIs and take corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering, technical services, and mine planning.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Metallurgical/ Chemical expertise

Process control

Automation

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Mining/ Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant entity in the mining sector , is seeking a results-oriented Process Plant Manager for their base metals processing facility located in Vereeniging . This senior leadership role is responsible for the overall safe, efficient, and profitable operation of the plant, ensuring optimal throughput and metal recovery. You will lead a large team of engineers, operators, and technicians, driving performance excellence and implementing best practices in mineral processing. This is a key strategic position within the company's operational framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of plant operations, including comminution, flotation, and refining processes for base metals.
• Ensure plant operations meet or exceed production targets, safety standards, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, controlling costs while maximizing efficiency and yield.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the operations team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Implement and maintain robust maintenance and asset management programs for plant equipment.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering, technical services, and mine planning departments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Mining Engineering.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mineral processing operations, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Proven experience managing complex base metal processing plants (e.g., copper, nickel, zinc).
• Strong understanding of process control, automation, and metallurgy.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a track record of managing large operational teams.
• Excellent financial acumen and budget management capabilities.

Benefits

• Highly attractive executive salary and comprehensive bonus structure.
• Full suite of benefits including medical, retirement, and life insurance.
• Generous paid time off and leave policies.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement within the global mining organization.
• A challenging and rewarding role with a commitment to operational excellence and employee development.