Senior Metallurgist & Plant Optimization Leader

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary

Performance bonus

Health insurance

Retirement plan

International travel

Relocation assistance

Lab & pilot plant access

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA, is seeking a Principal Metallurgist to lead mineral processing initiatives and drive plant performance. You will oversee metallurgical test work, process development, and provide senior technical support to operations, shaping strategy and committing to high-quality outcomes.

The ideal candidate holds an MSc or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering, with 10+ years in mineral processing and leadership experience as a principal or lead metallurgist.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of extensive experience in mineral processing and metallurgy, with base metals or precious metals emphasis.
• Experience as a Principal or Lead Metallurgist.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, optimization, and troubleshooting of mineral processing plants.
• Design and interpret metallurgical test programs, including pilot plant operations.
• Provide expert metallurgical guidance on process design, equipment selection, and operational improvements.
• Analyze metallurgical data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance recovery rates and product quality.
• Mentor and guide a team of metallurgists and process engineers.
• Stay abreast of latest metallurgical technologies and methodologies.
• Prepare metallurgical reports, feasibility studies, and technical presentations.
• Collaborate with site management, operations staff, and R&D teams.
• Ensure metallurgical operations meet environmental and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Data analysis

Communication

Education

MSc or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Metso Outotec

HSC Chemistry

JKSimMet

Job description

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA, is seeking a Principal Metallurgist to lead mineral processing initiatives and drive plant performance. You will oversee metallurgical test work, process development, and provide senior technical support to operations, shaping strategy and committing to high-quality outcomes.

The ideal candidate holds an MSc or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering, with 10+ years in mineral processing and leadership experience as a principal or lead metallurgist.