Senior Metallurgical Engineer

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance bonuses

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Metallurgical Engineer for an on-site role near Centurion, Gauteng. You will lead metallurgical operations, drive process development, troubleshoot, and champion continuous improvement to optimize mineral recovery and product quality.

You will mentor junior engineers, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and prepare technical reports for capital expenditure recommendations. Strong leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Metallurgical/related field.
• 10+ years of metallurgical engineering experience in mining.
• Strong knowledge of comminution, flotation, leaching, refining.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage day-to-day metallurgical operations at the plant.
• Lead process optimization, yield improvement, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Team management

Education

Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering

PhD in Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the mining and minerals processing sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Metallurgical Engineer to be based at their operations near Centurion, Gauteng . This is a demanding, on‑site role critical to optimizing the recovery of valuable minerals from ore. The successful candidate will lead process development, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives for the plant's metallurgical circuits. You will leverage your deep understanding of mineral processing, chemical engineering principles, and plant operations to enhance efficiency, yield, and product quality. This position requires strong leadership capabilities, a hands‑on approach, and a commitment to safety and environmental best practices within the mining industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the day‑to‑day metallurgical operations, ensuring optimal performance of processing plants.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization, yield improvement, and cost reduction.
• Conduct root cause analysis for operational issues and implement corrective actions.
• Lead pilot plant trials and scale‑up studies for new process technologies.
• Monitor and control key metallurgical parameters, ensuring product specifications are met consistently.
• Collaborate with site management, operations, and maintenance teams to achieve production targets.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior metallurgical engineers and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations within the operational context.
• Prepare technical reports, present findings, and make recommendations for capital expenditure on process improvements.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in metallurgical engineering, with a strong focus on base metals or precious metals processing within the mining industry.
• Extensive knowledge of comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining processes.
• Proven experience with process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry).
• Demonstrated success in leading process improvement projects and driving operational efficiency.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a challenging operational environment.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) with ECSA or equivalent is essential.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, pension fund, performance bonuses, and relocation assistance if required.

• medical aid
• pension fund
• performance bonuses
• relocation assistance if required

Our client provides significant opportunities for professional growth and career progression within a leading mining organization.

You will be working at a state‑of‑the‑art facility with a dedicated team.

This position is based at the mine site and requires your presence, ensuring direct impact on operations and fostering strong team collaboration.

The company prioritizes employee safety and development.