Senior Metallurgist - Lead Mineral Processing & Innovation

Placements24; Kempton Park; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based incentive

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Metallurgist in Gauteng to drive the development, optimization, and implementation of mineral extraction processes. The role combines on-site laboratory and plant engagement with remote data analysis and reporting.

You will guide a metallurgical team, oversee testing, and collaborate across mine planning and environmental teams to deliver integrated projects. Ideal candidates will hold a Master’s or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering with 10+ years in

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in metallurgical process development or operation, with 3+ years in lead/supervisory role.
• Proven track record in base metals or precious metals extraction (flotation, cyanidation, solvent extraction, electrowinning).
• Strong mineralogy understanding and proficiency in metallurgical simulation software and data tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, optimization, and implementation of mineral extraction processes.
• Oversee lab and pilot plant testing to evaluate new processing technologies and reagents.
• Analyze metallurgical data to improve recovery, grade, and cost-efficiency.
• Develop and manage metallurgical accounting systems to track product recovery.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the metallurgical team.
• Collaborate with mine planning, operations, and environmental departments for integrated project execution.
• Troubleshoot metallurgical issues and implement effective solutions.
• Ensure safety, health, and environmental compliance in operations.
• Prepare reports on metallurgical performance, feasibility studies, and CAPEX proposals.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in mineral processing and extraction.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Data analysis

Education

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Metallurgist in Gauteng to drive the development, optimization, and implementation of mineral extraction processes. The role combines on-site laboratory and plant engagement with remote data analysis and reporting.

You will guide a metallurgical team, oversee testing, and collaborate across mine planning and environmental teams to deliver integrated projects. Ideal candidates will hold a Master’s or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering with 10+ years in