Senior Metallurgist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Accommodation

Training & conferences

Career growth

Global organization

Job summary

Placements24 in Kimberley, Northern Cape, is seeking a Senior Metallurgist to oversee and optimize metallurgical processes to maximize recovery and product quality. This hands-on role requires leadership of a team of metallurgists and technicians in a remote mining setting.

You will conduct lab and pilot-scale testing, analyze data, implement new processing techniques, and ensure safety and environmental compliance.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in extractive metallurgy or mineral processing.
• Proven expertise in metallurgical processes (base metals, precious metals).
• Strong analytical and data-driven problem-solving skills.
• Experience with metallurgical simulation software and lab techniques.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• On-site work in a remote mining environment.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Sci.Nat) is advantageous.
• Ability to manage projects and lead technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot metallurgical processes.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale testing to evaluate process performance.
• Analyze metallurgical data, interpret results, and provide recommendations.
• Ensure safety, health, and environmental compliance in operations.
• Lead and mentor a team of metallurgists and technicians.
• Collaborate with mine operations, engineering, and R&D teams.
• Manage development and implementation of new metallurgical technologies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and process documentation.
• Monitor and control process parameters to maximize recovery and quality.
• Stay current with advancements in metallurgy and mineral processing technology.

Skills

Leadership

Data-driven

Problem solving

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Metallurgy/Chemical Eng

Tools

Metallurgical simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading mining and minerals processing company, is seeking an experienced and highly qualified Senior Metallurgist to join their team in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This critical role involves overseeing and optimizing metallurgical processes to ensure maximum mineral recovery and product quality. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, or pyrometallurgy, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. You will be responsible for conducting research, developing new processing techniques, troubleshooting operational issues, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards. Your expertise will be vital in improving the efficiency and profitability of the company's operations. We are looking for a hands-on metallurgist who can lead a team, implement best practices, and contribute significantly to the company's technical advancements. This is an excellent opportunity to work with advanced processing technologies in a key mining region. Your deep understanding of material science and extraction techniques will drive operational success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot metallurgical processes (e.g., flotation, leaching, smelting, refining).
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale testing to evaluate process performance and identify improvements.
• Analyze metallurgical data, interpret results, and provide recommendations for process enhancements.
• Ensure all metallurgical operations comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Lead and mentor a team of metallurgists and technicians.
• Collaborate with mine operations, engineering, and R&D teams to achieve production and quality targets.
• Manage the development and implementation of new metallurgical technologies and equipment.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, research findings, and process documentation.
• Monitor and control process parameters to maximize mineral recovery and product quality.
• Stay current with advancements in metallurgy and mineral processing technology.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in extractive metallurgy or mineral processing.
• Proven expertise in specific metallurgical processes relevant to the company's operations (e.g., base metals, precious metals).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Experience with metallurgical simulation software and laboratory techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and safety protocols in the mining industry.
• Ability to work effectively on-site in a remote mining environment.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Sci.Nat) is a significant advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and lead technical teams.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave and holiday allowances.
• Accommodation and subsistence allowances provided.
• Opportunities for advanced technical training and international conferences.
• Be part of a leading mining company with significant operational scale.
• Contribute to the efficient extraction of valuable mineral resources.
• Access to advanced laboratory facilities and processing equipment.
• Career growth opportunities within a global organization.