Senior Metallurgist & Process Innovator

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Relocation package

Housing allowance

Professional development

Paid holidays

R&D access

Growth into senior management

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Lead Metallurgist in Rustenburg to drive the metallurgical strategy across mineral processing circuits. You will oversee a team of metallurgists and technicians, guiding optimization of comminution, flotation, leaching, and related processes to boost recovery and cut costs.

The role requires a Master’s/PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering, 10+ years in mineral processing with 3+ in leadership, and a proven track record in SA mining environments.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years in mineral processing/metallurgy with at least 3 years in leadership.
• Proven track record optimizing complex processing circuits for precious/base metals/PGMs.
• Extensive knowledge of mineral processing equipment and best practices.
• Proficiency with metallurgical simulation software and statistical tools.
• Strong understanding of mineralogy and chemical principles relevant to mineral processing.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize all mineral processing plant operations (comminution, classification, gravity/circuit flows).
• Lead and mentor metallurgists, technicians, and operators.
• Develop and implement innovative metallurgical strategies to improve recovery and reduce costs.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and laboratory tests for new technologies.
• Analyze process data to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental regulations are followed.
• Collaborate with exploration, mining, and engineering teams for integration.
• Prepare technical reports, metallurgical balance sheets, and performance reviews.
• Manage budgets and CAPEX for metallurgical projects.
• Represent the company in technical forums and with external partners.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Team management

Communication

Data analysis

Process optimization

Education

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Metsim

HSC Chemistry

Job description

Placements24 is recruiting a Lead Metallurgist in Rustenburg to drive the metallurgical strategy across mineral processing circuits. You will oversee a team of metallurgists and technicians, guiding optimization of comminution, flotation, leaching, and related processes to boost recovery and cut costs.

The role requires a Master’s/PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering, 10+ years in mineral processing with 3+ in leadership, and a proven track record in SA mining environments.