Senior Metallurgist: Base Metals Innovation & Optimization

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, South Africa, seeks a distinguished Principal Metallurgist to lead base metals processing, optimize recovery, and advance hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy across operations.

You will design and supervise new metallurgical circuits, mentor engineers, manage budgets, and collaborate with R&D and plant teams to deploy innovative technologies in a demanding mining environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• At least 15 years in base metals processing, with lead/principal exposure.
• Deep knowledge of hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy.
• Proven track record in optimization, troubleshooting and tech adoption.
• Experience with simulation software and statistical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, optimization, and troubleshooting of base metals processes.
• Guide test work, data analysis, and interpretation to improve recovery and grade.
• Design and implement new metallurgical circuits and technologies.
• Provide expert consultation to operations, engineering, and R&D.
• Manage budgets and CAPEX proposals for process improvements.
• Mentor junior staff and present findings to stakeholders.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and quality standards are met.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Project management

Mentoring

Education

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Metallurgical simulation software

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

Placements24 in Durban, South Africa, seeks a distinguished Principal Metallurgist to lead base metals processing, optimize recovery, and advance hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy across operations.

You will design and supervise new metallurgical circuits, mentor engineers, manage budgets, and collaborate with R&D and plant teams to deploy innovative technologies in a demanding mining environment.