Senior Metallurgist (Extractive Metallurgy)

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical insurance

Retirement fund

Career development & international con

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an accomplished Senior Metallurgist in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga to lead extractive metallurgical programs, optimize leaching, solvent extraction, and smelting processes, and advance research initiatives.

The role emphasizes mentorship, collaboration with engineers and operators, and adherence to safety and environmental standards in a dynamic mining environment.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in extractive metallurgy.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in extractive metallurgy, preferably within the mining industry.
• In-depth knowledge of metallurgical principles, including thermodynamics and kinetics.
• Experience with common laboratory techniques and analytical methods used in metallurgy.
• Proven ability to design and interpret metallurgical test work.
• Familiarity with process simulation software is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities, essential for working in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot extractive metallurgical processes, including leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning, and smelting.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale testing to evaluate new reagents, process conditions, and technologies.
• Perform detailed metallurgical accounting and mass balance calculations.
• Analyze process performance data and implement strategies for yield improvement and cost reduction.
• Ensure metallurgical operations comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior metallurgists and technicians.
• Collaborate with mine engineers, geologists, and plant operators to ensure integrated project success.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and research proposals.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in extractive metallurgy.

Skills

Extractive metallurgy

Thermodynamics & kinetics

Leadership

Analytical problem-solving

Communication

Project collaboration

Education

PhD in Metallurgy

Master's in Metallurgy / Chemical Engineering

Specialization in extractive metallurgy

Tools

Process simulation software

Laboratory techniques

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the mining and minerals processing sector, is seeking an accomplished Senior Metallurgist specializing in Extractive Metallurgy to join their advanced research and development team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This pivotal role will focus on developing and optimizing processes for the extraction and refining of valuable metals from ores and concentrates. You will be instrumental in improving recovery rates, reducing operational costs, and ensuring environmental sustainability in metallurgical operations. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and mineral processing techniques, along with a proven track record of innovation and problem-solving in a demanding industrial environment. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge metallurgical advancements in a resource-rich region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot extractive metallurgical processes, including leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning, and smelting.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale testing to evaluate new reagents, process conditions, and technologies.
• Perform detailed metallurgical accounting and mass balance calculations.
• Analyze process performance data and implement strategies for yield improvement and cost reduction.
• Ensure metallurgical operations comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior metallurgists and technicians.
• Collaborate with mine engineers, geologists, and plant operators to ensure integrated project success.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and research proposals.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in extractive metallurgy.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in extractive metallurgy.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in extractive metallurgy, preferably within the mining industry.
• In-depth knowledge of metallurgical principles, including thermodynamics and kinetics.
• Experience with common laboratory techniques and analytical methods used in metallurgy.
• Proven ability to design and interpret metallurgical test work.
• Familiarity with process simulation software is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities, essential for working in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga .

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical insurance, and a robust retirement fund.
• We are dedicated to fostering career growth and provide ample opportunities for professional development, including attendance at international conferences, specialized training courses, and access to advanced research facilities.
• Join a dynamic and innovative team that is shaping the future of mineral resource processing.
• The role is based in the vibrant region of Nelspruit, Mpumalanga .