Senior Metallurgist: Lead Process Optimization & Pilot Trials

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Life cover

Pension fund

Professional development

Conference attendance

Laboratory facilities access

Pilot plant facilities access

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Metallurgist to lead metallurgical investigations and optimize mineral processing in Randburg. This role focuses on improving recovery, reducing reagent use, and boosting plant throughput while mentoring junior staff and collaborating with operations and R&D teams.

You will design pilot plant studies, analyze data, and implement advanced process technologies, ensuring safety, quality, and environmental compliance across the site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mineral processing, with focus on process development, optimization and troubleshooting.
• Proven expertise in metallurgy related to precious metals or base metals.
• Strong understanding of comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining processes.
• Proficiency in metallurgical accounting and data analysis.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, JKSimMet) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work on-site in Randburg and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Professional registration with a relevant body (e.g., SAIMM) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead metallurgical investigations and troubleshooting for plant operations to identify and resolve processing issues.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize mineral recovery, reduce reagent consumption, and improve plant throughput.
• Design and execute pilot plant trials and laboratory test work to evaluate new process technologies and equipment.
• Analyze metallurgical data, interpret results, and provide actionable recommendations for process improvement.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict plant performance and identify optimization opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, environmental regulations, and quality standards within the laboratory and plant.
• Collaborate with operations teams to implement process changes and provide technical support.
• Stay abreast of advancements in metallurgical science and engineering relevant to the company's operations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and project proposals.
• Mentor and guide junior metallurgists and technicians.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Master's degree (advantageous)

Tools

METSIM

JKSimMet

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Metallurgist to lead metallurgical investigations and optimize mineral processing in Randburg. This role focuses on improving recovery, reducing reagent use, and boosting plant throughput while mentoring junior staff and collaborating with operations and R&D teams.

You will design pilot plant studies, analyze data, and implement advanced process technologies, ensuring safety, quality, and environmental compliance across the site.