Senior Metallurgist - Mineral Processing

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with annual bonus

Hybrid work model

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan with company/3

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Metallurgist to join their mineral processing team in Welkom, SA. The role blends hands-on plant work with data analysis and reporting in a hybrid setup, offering diverse strategic input and collaboration with operations.

You will optimize circuits, lead lab and pilot activities, mentor juniors, and implement process improvements using metallurgical simulation and statistics. Requires 8+ years in mineral processing and a relevant Master's.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years hands-on mineral processing experience.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize complex processing circuits.
• Experience with metallurgical simulation software and statistical analysis.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills in a hybrid environment.

Responsibilities

• Optimize grinding, flotation, leaching to maximize recovery and product quality.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, analyze results, and recommend process adjustments.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement corrective actions to improve plant performance.
• Develop and implement process control strategies for consistent operation.
• Manage metallurgical laboratory activities including sample preparation, assaying, and QC.
• Provide technical support and mentorship to junior metallurgists and plant operators.

Skills

Mineral processing experience

Metallurgical troubleshooting

Metallurgical simulation software

Statistical analysis

Strong communication & collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Metallurgy or related field

Tools

Metallurgical simulation software

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Metallurgist to join their mineral processing team, based in or near Welkom . This role is crucial for optimizing the performance of their processing plants, improving recovery rates, and ensuring the efficient extraction of valuable minerals. You will be responsible for troubleshooting complex metallurgical issues, implementing process improvements, and overseeing laboratory and pilot plant operations. This hybrid position requires a blend of on-site presence for hands-on work and remote flexibility for data analysis and reporting, allowing for strategic oversight and collaboration with operational teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize grinding, flotation, leaching, and other mineral processing circuits to maximize metal recovery and product quality.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, analyze results, and recommend process adjustments.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement corrective actions to improve plant performance.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure consistent operation.
• Manage metallurgical laboratory activities, including sample preparation, assaying, and quality control.
• Provide technical support and mentorship to junior metallurgists and plant operators.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands‑on experience in mineral processing, with a strong understanding of various metallurgical techniques.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize complex processing circuits.
• Experience with metallurgical simulation software and statistical analysis.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a hybrid environment.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and environmental regulations in mining operations.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and annual bonus.
• Hybrid work model offering a balance of office and remote work flexibility.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.