Remote Chief Metallurgist - Advanced Processing

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 2,500,000 - 5,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level salary

Performance-based bonuses

Global health benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 client seeks a Chief Metallurgist for a fully remote senior leadership role in sustainable mining solutions. Lead R&D in mineral processing, optimize recovery, and oversee lab and pilot-scale work while mentoring a global team of metallurgists and process engineers.

This role requires strategic thinking, environmental stewardship, and cross-functional collaboration with geology, engineering, and operations. Manage metallurgy budgets and stay ahead of regulations from anywhere.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 15+ years in mineral processing and metallurgy; at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Expert in flotation, leaching, smelting, refining across various minerals.
• Proven track record leading R&D and commercialization of new tech.
• Experience with metallurgical simulation and modeling software.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct advanced metallurgical R&D programs.
• Develop mineral processing strategies to improve recovery and efficiency.
• Oversee lab and pilot-scale test work design and interpretation.
• Provide technical guidance to a global team of metallurgists and engineers.
• Ensure metallurgical processes are economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and safe.
• Collaborate with geology, engineering and operations for mine planning.
• Develop and manage metallurgical budgets and resources.
• Stay abreast of metallurgical trends, technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and presentations.
• Champion safety, continuous improvement, and innovation in metallurgy.

Skills

Executive leadership

Metallurgy expertise

R&D leadership

Strategic thinking

Remote team management

Education

PhD in Metallurgy or related field

MSc in Metallurgy or related field

Tools

Metallurgical simulation software

Laboratory & pilot testing

Process modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in sustainable mining solutions, is actively seeking an exceptional Chief Metallurgist to join their pioneering team in a fully remote capacity. This senior leadership position is pivotal in guiding the company's advanced metallurgical research, development, and implementation strategies across diverse mineral commodities. You will be responsible for driving innovation in mineral processing, optimizing recovery rates, enhancing concentrate quality, and ensuring environmentally sound metallurgical practices. We are looking for a visionary metallurgist with a profound understanding of complex mineral systems and a proven history of leading successful R&D initiatives and cross-functional teams. This remote role offers unparalleled autonomy and the chance to influence global metallurgical standards from your home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the company's advanced metallurgical research and development programs.
• Develop and implement innovative mineral processing strategies and technologies to improve recovery and efficiency.
• Oversee the design, execution, and interpretation of laboratory and pilot-scale metallurgical test work.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to a global team of metallurgists and process engineers.
• Ensure all metallurgical processes are optimized for economic viability, environmental sustainability, and safety.
• Collaborate with geology, engineering, and operations departments to integrate metallurgical considerations into mine planning and operations.
• Develop and manage metallurgical budgets and resource allocation.
• Stay abreast of emerging metallurgical trends, technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, publications, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Champion a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and innovation within the metallurgical function.

Requirements

• PhD or MSc in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in mineral processing and metallurgy, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or chief metallurgist role.
• Demonstrated expertise in a wide range of metallurgical processes (e.g., flotation, leaching, smelting, refining) and various mineral commodities.
• Proven track record in leading successful R&D projects and bringing new technologies to commercialization.
• Extensive experience with metallurgical simulation and modeling software.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage remote teams effectively.
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations and sustainable mining practices.
• Ability to travel occasionally for key strategic meetings or conferences.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive executive-level salary, significant performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive global health and retirement benefits.
• Our client is committed to fostering continuous learning and professional growth, providing access to advanced training and development opportunities.
• The flexibility of this role allows for excellent work-life balance, empowering you to manage your responsibilities effectively from anywhere.
• Join a forward-thinking organization that is setting new benchmarks in sustainable mining and advanced mineral processing.