Senior Metallurgist - Beneficiation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Metallurgist near Mossel Bay, Western Cape, to lead metallurgical processing for mineral beneficiation, optimize recovery and product quality, and ensure safety and environmental compliance.

You will oversee pilot-scale testing, implement control strategies, mentor junior staff, and contribute to long-term technical strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 8+ years of metallurgical experience in mineral processing and beneficiation.
• Expertise in flotation, gravity, magnetic separation, leaching and refining.
• Experience with METSIM and HSC Chemistry for process simulation.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Proven project leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; presentation of findings.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations and sustainability in mining.
• Experience in the Western Cape region or similar environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up metallurgical processes for beneficiation to maximize recovery and quality.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale test work to evaluate processes, reagents, and equipment.
• Provide expert technical support and troubleshooting for plant operations.
• Implement and manage process control strategies for quality and efficiency.
• Oversee interpretation of metallurgical data and report KPIs.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations and research teams for improvements.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality systems.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and technicians; promote best practices.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and contribute to long-term technical strategy.
• Support capital project evaluations and commissioning activities.

Skills

Beneficiation

Mineral processing

Process optimization

Laboratory testing

Pilot-scale testing

Data interpretation

Project leadership

Mentoring

Analytical thinking

Communication

Environmental compliance

Education

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

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the resource extraction industry, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Metallurgist with a specialization in beneficiation processes to join their operations near Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is critical for optimizing the recovery and quality of valuable minerals from raw ore. The Senior Metallurgist will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing metallurgical processes, ensuring maximum efficiency, yield, and product quality while adhering to strict safety and environmental standards. This position requires a deep understanding of mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and chemical engineering principles, applied within a challenging industrial context. The successful candidate will lead process improvement initiatives, troubleshoot complex operational issues, and contribute to the long-term technical strategy of the company's Mining and processing activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up metallurgical processes for mineral beneficiation, focusing on maximizing recovery and product quality.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale test work to evaluate new processes, reagents, and equipment.
• Provide expert technical support and troubleshooting for plant operations, addressing metallurgical challenges and process upsets.
• Implement and manage process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality and operational efficiency.
• Oversee the interpretation of metallurgical data, performance monitoring, and reporting of key process indicators.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and research teams to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and quality management systems and regulations.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and technicians, fostering technical expertise and a culture of best practice.
• Stay abreast of technological advancements and industry trends in metallurgy and mineral processing.
• Contribute to capital project evaluations and commissioning activities related to metallurgical plant upgrades or new installations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in metallurgical operations, with a strong focus on mineral processing and beneficiation.
• Proven expertise in various beneficiation techniques, such as flotation, gravity separation, magnetic separation, leaching, and refining.
• Experience with process simulation and modelling software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry).
• Strong understanding of analytical techniques used in metallurgical laboratories and process streams.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and data interpretation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and mentor technical staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings effectively.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations and sustainability practices in the Mining industry.
• Experience in the Western Cape region or similar operational environments is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including a substantial base salary and performance-related bonuses. Comprehensive benefits include medical aid, a provident fund, and relocation assistance if required for the role near Mossel Bay, Western Cape . The company provides excellent opportunities for professional growth, advanced training, and career advancement within its expanding operations in the Mining sector. You will work in a supportive environment with access to modern facilities and cutting-edge technologies. Join a committed team dedicated to responsible resource development and operational excellence.