Senior Metallurgical Engineer

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Annual leave bonus

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Housing allowance

Conference access

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Senior Metallurgical Engineer for on-site Johannesburg operations. You will oversee metallurgical processes, drive recovery improvements, ensure product quality, and lead a team of professionals in a challenging mining environment.

The role requires strong technical background, hands-on mineral processing experience, and proven leadership capabilities to implement innovative solutions and optimize performance across the plant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in mineral processing and metallurgy within mining.
• Expertise in flotation, leaching, hydrometallurgy, and pyrometallurgy.
• Experience with process design, simulation, and optimization using industry-standard software.
• Strong leadership and team management skills; able to mentor staff.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead metallurgical operations across comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining.
• Optimize mineral processing circuits to maximize recovery and reduce costs.
• Design and implement new metallurgical processes and technologies.
• Conduct test work, pilot plants, and scale-up studies.
• Troubleshoot issues and maintain plant performance.
• Manage and mentor a team of metallurgists and technicians.
• Ensure SHE standards and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare technical reports and economic evaluations.
• Collaborate with mine planning, geologists, and operations teams.

Skills

Metallurgical Eng

Mineral processing

Team leadership

Problem solving

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the mining sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Metallurgical Engineer to join their operations based in **Johannesburg, Gauteng**. This critical role will oversee the metallurgical processes within the mining operations, ensuring optimal recovery rates, product quality, and operational efficiency. The successful candidate will be responsible for process design, optimization, troubleshooting, and leading a team of metallurgical professionals. This position requires a strong technical background, hands-on experience in mineral processing, and excellent leadership capabilities. You will contribute significantly to the company's strategic goals by improving metallurgical performance and implementing innovative solutions. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to make a substantial impact in a key industrial sector, working at the forefront of mining technology and best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of metallurgical operations, including comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining.
• Optimize existing mineral processing circuits to maximize metal recovery and minimize operating costs.
• Design and implement new metallurgical processes and technologies.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, pilot plant operations, and scale-up studies.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and develop effective solutions to maintain plant performance.
• Manage a team of metallurgists and technicians, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.
• Develop and adhere to strict safety, health, and environmental (SHE) standards and procedures.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, metallurgical assessments, and economic evaluations.
• Collaborate with mine planning, geologists, and operations teams to ensure integrated mine-to-metal strategies.
• Stay current with advancements in metallurgical science and technology, recommending adoption where beneficial.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mineral processing and metallurgy within the mining industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in various metallurgical processes (e.g., flotation, leaching, hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy).
• Proven experience in process simulation, design, and optimization using industry-standard software.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor and develop staff.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in safety management systems and regulatory compliance within the mining sector.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting complex technical information clearly.
• Experience with statistical analysis and data interpretation for process improvement.
• Must be willing to work on-site in Johannesburg and potentially travel to remote mine sites.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance benefits.
• Generous annual leave and performance-related bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development, further education, and international conferences.
• Relocation assistance if applicable.
• Subsidized accommodation or housing allowance.
• Access to advanced laboratory and plant facilities.
• Chance to work on significant projects within a leading mining company.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance for site visits.
• A strong safety culture and commitment to employee well-being.