Senior Metallurgist - Mineral Processing

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Metallurgist to lead optimization of mineral processing circuits at our Port Elizabeth operations, focusing on improving recovery and reducing processing costs.

You will design and apply advanced metallurgical techniques, supervise a metallurgical team, mentor juniors, and collaborate with geologists and mine engineers to understand ore characteristics and sustain environmental and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in mineral processing operations and metallurgy.
• Proven expertise in various metallurgical unit operations and process optimization techniques.
• Experience with metallurgical simulation software (e.g., METSIM, GEMS, JKSimMet) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of mineralogy and its impact on process design and performance.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in a supervisory or lead role is a plus.
• Familiarity with environmental management systems and sustainable processing initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot mineral processing circuits (e.g., comminution, flotation, leaching, gravity separation).
• Conduct pilot plant trials and laboratory test work to evaluate new processing technologies and methodologies.
• Analyze process data and metallurgical accounting to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict and optimize circuit performance.
• Provide expert metallurgical advice and technical support to plant operations and engineering teams.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and contribute to sustainable processing practices.
• Collaborate with geologists and mine engineers to understand ore characteristics and their impact on processing.
• Prepare detailed metallurgical reports, technical specifications, and process documentation.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and contribute to the development of the metallurgical team.
• Stay current with advancements in mineral processing technology and industry best practices.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Data interpretation

Communication

Education

Masters/PhD in Metallurgy or related

Tools

METSIM

GEMS

JKSimMet

Job description

About the Role Our client, a significant player in the resource extraction industry, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Metallurgist to join their esteemed technical team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA . This role is crucial for optimizing mineral processing operations, enhancing recovery rates, and ensuring the efficient and cost-effective processing of valuable commodities. You will be at the forefront of metallurgical innovation, applying advanced techniques to complex ore bodies and contributing to the overall profitability and sustainability of our mining ventures. This is a chance to apply your expertise in a challenging and rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot mineral processing circuits (e.g., comminution, flotation, leaching, gravity separation).
• Conduct pilot plant trials and laboratory test work to evaluate new processing technologies and methodologies.
• Analyze process data and metallurgical accounting to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict and optimize circuit performance.
• Provide expert metallurgical advice and technical support to plant operations and engineering teams.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and contribute to sustainable processing practices.
• Collaborate with geologists and mine engineers to understand ore characteristics and their impact on processing.
• Prepare detailed metallurgical reports, technical specifications, and process documentation.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and contribute to the development of the metallurgical team.
• Stay current with advancements in mineral processing technology and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands‑on experience in mineral processing operations and metallurgy.
• Proven expertise in various metallurgical unit operations and process optimization techniques.
• Experience with metallurgical simulation software (e.g., METSIM, GEMS, JKSimMet) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of mineralogy and its impact on process design and performance.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in a supervisory or lead role is a plus.
• Familiarity with environmental management systems and sustainable processing initiatives.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance bonuses and comprehensive benefits such as medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• This position is based in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA, with a hybrid work arrangement that balances operational demands with personal flexibility.
• We provide excellent opportunities for professional growth and development within a respected organization committed to innovation and operational excellence.

Join our team and contribute to the efficient extraction of vital resources.