Senior Metallurgist - Mineral Processing

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Relocation assistance

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Metallurgist near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga to lead metallurgical operations and process optimization across crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching. The role focuses on improving recovery, reducing costs, and ensuring safety and quality in a major mining operation.

Candidates should have a Master’s in Metallurgy or related field with 8+ years in mineral processing, strong leadership, and experience with metallurgical simulation and statistics.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required; 8+ years in mineral processing
• Proven track record in process optimization and debottlenecking
• Experience with metallurgical simulation software and statistics
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Willingness to work on-site near Nelspruit and travel as needed

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize metallurgical processes (crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching)
• Conduct metallurgical test work and pilot plant trials to evaluate new processes
• Analyze plant data to identify trends and troubleshoot performance issues
• Develop and maintain process control strategies to maximize recovery and minimize costs
• Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior metallurgists and operators

Skills

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Metallurgical simulation software

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an experienced Senior Metallurgist with a specialization in mineral processing to join their operations near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This role is critical for optimizing the recovery of valuable minerals from raw ore, ensuring efficient plant operations, and maintaining product quality. You will lead process development, troubleshoot operational challenges, and contribute to the strategic direction of the processing plant. This position offers a chance to work within a significant mining operation, utilizing advanced metallurgical techniques and contributing to operational excellence in a key industrial region of South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize metallurgical processes, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching.


• Conduct metallurgical test work and pilot plant trials to evaluate new processes and improve existing ones.


• Analyze plant data to identify trends, troubleshoot performance issues, and implement solutions.


• Develop and maintain process control strategies to maximize recovery and minimize costs.


• Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards in all metallurgical operations.


• Provide technical guidance 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 experience in mineral processing, with a strong focus on base metals or precious metals.


• Proven track record in process optimization, troubleshooting, and debottlenecking.


• Experience with metallurgical simulation software and statistical analysis.


• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.


• Willingness to work on-site near Nelspruit and occasionally travel to other company locations.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.


• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.


• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development within the mining sector.


• Accommodation assistance may be provided for relocating candidates.


• Work in a region known for its natural beauty and proximity to national parks.