Remote Chief Metallurgist - Mineral Processing Specialist

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Generous retirement plan

Professional development

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Metallurgist to lead mineral processing initiatives on a fully remote basis. You will optimize comminution, flotation, leaching, and solid-liquid separation across diverse commodities, while guiding R&D, process control, and environmental performance.

You’ll analyze plant data, troubleshoot complex issues, and mentor teams remotely, ensuring safe, efficient operations and sustainable practices worldwide.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in metallurgy or chemical engineering.
• 10+ years in mineral processing with exposure to base metals/ precious metals.
• Proven track record in process optimization and R&D in mining.
• Expert knowledge of metallurgical simulation software and statistical analysis.
• Strong remote communication and leadership across regions.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert metallurgical guidance and technical support for mineral processing plants globally.
• Analyze plant performance data to identify optimization opportunities.
• Develop and implement best practices in metallurgical accounting, process control, and quality assurance.
• Lead and execute process development studies, pilot plant trials, and R&D projects.
• Troubleshoot complex metallurgical issues and implement effective solutions.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and promote sustainable practices.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on plant design, commissioning, and debottlenecking.
• Develop training materials and mentor junior metallurgists remotely.
• Stay abreast of advancements in mineral processing and assess applicability.

Skills

Metallurgical process optimization

Statistical analysis

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a globally recognized leader in the mining industry, seeking an accomplished Chief Metallurgist to spearhead their mineral processing initiatives. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility while maintaining a critical role in optimizing plant operations and driving innovation in metallurgical processes across diverse commodity types. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in comminution, flotation, leaching, and solid-liquid separation, coupled with a deep understanding of process control and continuous improvement methodologies. You will be instrumental in analyzing plant performance data, troubleshooting complex issues, and developing strategies to enhance recovery, reduce costs, and improve environmental performance. This role demands a proactive and analytical mindset, with the ability to collaborate effectively with on-site operational teams and R&D departments from a remote setting. Your expertise will directly impact the profitability and sustainability of our client's global operations, making this a highly influential and rewarding opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert metallurgical guidance and technical support for mineral processing plants globally.
• Analyze plant performance data to identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency improvements.
• Develop and implement best practices in metallurgical accounting, process control, and quality assurance.
• Lead and execute process development studies, pilot plant trials, and R&D projects.
• Troubleshoot complex metallurgical issues, proposing and implementing effective solutions.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental regulations and promote sustainable metallurgical practices.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on plant design, commissioning, and debottlenecking projects.
• Develop training materials and mentor junior metallurgists and plant operators remotely.
• Stay abreast of the latest technological advancements in mineral processing and assess their applicability.

Requirements

• A Master's or PhD degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in mineral processing, with significant exposure to base metals, precious metals, or industrial minerals.
• Proven track record in process optimization, R&D, and troubleshooting in a mining environment.
• Expert knowledge of metallurgical simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry) and statistical analysis tools.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent remote communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders across different regions.
• Demonstrated experience in leading technical teams and projects.
• A strong commitment to safety, health, and environmental stewardship.

Benefits

This remote role offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, along with a comprehensive benefits package including private health insurance, a generous retirement plan, and opportunities for professional development. You will have the freedom to manage your own schedule and work environment while contributing to impactful global mining projects. Our client values work-life balance and invests in the well-being of its remote workforce, providing resources and support to ensure productivity and engagement. Join a forward-thinking company that embraces remote work and rewards expertise with significant opportunities for growth and influence.