Senior Metallurgist

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Leave allowance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Metallurgist near George, Western Cape, to lead metallurgical optimization across processing operations. You will drive recovery improvement, process control, and innovation, guiding a skilled team in a challenging mining setting.

The role emphasizes solving complex metallurgical problems, mentoring juniors, and delivering cost-effective, high-quality mineral processing solutions in a dynamic plant environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in mineral processing metallurgy.
• Experience with METSIM or GEMS and statistical analysis.
• Experience with process control systems and automation.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining to maximize recovery and grade.
• Conduct pilot plant trials and laboratory tests to evaluate new technologies.
• Develop strategies for chemical reagents to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
• Analyze plant data, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior metallurgists and operators.
• Ensure safety, health, and environmental compliance in operations.

Skills

Metallurgy expertise

Process simulation

Statistical analysis

Process control systems

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy/C.E.

Tools

METSIM

GEMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Metallurgist to play a pivotal role in optimizing metallurgical processes at their operations near George . This position is crucial for ensuring the efficient and cost-effective extraction and processing of minerals. You will lead initiatives to improve recovery rates, enhance process control, and troubleshoot complex metallurgical challenges. Working within a dedicated processing plant team, you will leverage your deep technical knowledge to drive innovation and operational excellence, contributing to the sustainable growth of the mining sector in the Western Cape . This role offers the chance to significantly influence operational outcomes and mentor junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining processes to maximize mineral recovery and concentrate grade.
• Conduct pilot plant trials and laboratory test work to evaluate new process technologies and improvements.
• Develop and implement strategies for chemical reagent selection and consumption to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
• Analyze plant performance data, identify root causes of operational issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior metallurgists and plant operators.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations related to metallurgical operations.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mineral processing metallurgy, with a strong focus on base metals or precious metals .
• Demonstrated expertise in process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, GEMS) and statistical analysis.
• Proven track record in troubleshooting complex metallurgical problems and implementing sustainable solutions.
• Experience with process control systems and automation in a mineral processing environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with significant performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous leave allowance and annual bonuses.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge metallurgical projects in a key mining region.
• Professional development and training opportunities available.