Senior Metallurgical Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus potential

Professional growth opportunities

Safety-focused workplace

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Metallurgical Engineer for its facility in Pretoria, Gauteng. You will lead process development and optimization across the mineral processing chain, from comminution to refining, to maximise recovery and product quality.

You will drive innovation, troubleshoot complex processing challenges, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with R&D teams on new technologies while upholding safety and sustainability standards.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years hands-on experience in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy.
• Experience with comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining processes.
• Experience with METSIM or Outotec HSC is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Optimize existing metallurgical processes to improve recovery and reduce costs.
• Design and implement pilot plant and full-scale processing circuits.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, analyze results, and provide recommendations.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain process control strategies and operating manuals.
• Collaborate with R&D teams on new technologies and process innovations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

MSc or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

Outotec HSC

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a highly experienced Senior Metallurgical Engineer to lead process development and optimization efforts at their facility in Pretoria, Gauteng . This critical role involves overseeing the entire mineral processing chain, from comminution to refining, ensuring maximum recovery and product quality. You will play a key part in driving innovation, troubleshooting complex processing challenges, and implementing sustainable practices. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned metallurgist to make a significant impact on operational efficiency and contribute to the strategic direction of a leading mining operation, working within a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize existing metallurgical processes to improve recovery rates, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Design and implement pilot plant and full-scale processing circuits for various mineral commodities.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, analyze results, and provide recommendations for process improvements.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement corrective actions in a timely manner.
• Develop and maintain process control strategies and operating manuals.
• Collaborate with R&D teams on new technologies and process innovations.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy.
• In-depth knowledge of comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining processes.
• Proficiency with metallurgical simulation software (e.g., METSIM, Outotec HSC) is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to manage complex projects.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities, capable of mentoring junior engineers.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Performance-based annual bonus and potential for profit sharing.
• Opportunities for professional growth, including further education and conference attendance.
• Located in a vibrant area of Pretoria with excellent amenities.
• A strong commitment to employee well-being and safety in the workplace.