Remote Principal Metallurgist - Lead Mineral Processing

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Annual bonus

Growth opportunities

R&D access

Remote work flexibility

Innovative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Metallurgist for a fully remote role serving the South Africa mining sector, with emphasis on the Western Cape. You will drive advanced mineral processing strategies, mentor engineers, and deliver high-level technical guidance across projects from anywhere within SA.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years in mineral processing, expertise in unit processes, and a data-driven, safety-conscious approach.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgy or related field.
• 12+ years in mineral processing/metallurgy.
• Experience with comminution, flotation, leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning.
• Process optimization and troubleshooting experience.
• Proficiency in METSIM or Outotec HSC.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead projects and mentor teams remotely.
• Familiarity with international best practices in metallurgical engineering.
• Commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of advanced mineral processing strategies.
• Conduct metallurgical test work and pilot plant analyses.
• Optimize plant performance to improve recovery and reduce costs.
• Troubleshoot complex processing issues and provide expert recommendations.
• Develop and validate metallurgical models and simulations.
• Evaluate new process technologies and equipment for potential adoption.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior metallurgists and engineers.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and project proposals.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with geologists, engineers, and operations teams to achieve project objectives.

Skills

Metallurgical expertise

Leadership

Mentoring

Data-driven decision making

Analytical skills

Technical report writing

Remote collaboration

Education

MSc or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

Outotec HSC

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Metallurgist for a fully remote role serving the South Africa mining sector, with emphasis on the Western Cape. You will drive advanced mineral processing strategies, mentor engineers, and deliver high-level technical guidance across projects from anywhere within SA.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years in mineral processing, expertise in unit processes, and a data-driven, safety-conscious approach.