Senior Metallurgist - Process Optimization

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional growth opportunities

Competitive remuneration

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Metallurgist to lead optimization across mining operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will analyze metallurgical data, drive process improvements, and lead trials from pilot to plant scale.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in metallurgical development, deep knowledge of mineral processing circuits, and hands-on lab and plant experience. A strong problem-solving mindset and excellent communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in metallurgical process development and optimization.
• Experience with mineral processing circuits (comminution, flotation, leaching).
• Hands-on experience in laboratory and plant operations.
• Ability to interpret complex data and present findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Analyze metallurgical test results and plant data to identify optimization opportunities.
• Develop strategies to improve mineral recovery and product quality.
• Troubleshoot metallurgical problems and implement timely solutions.
• Design pilot plant and plant-scale trials to evaluate new processes.
• Collaborate with R&D to evaluate and integrate new technologies.
• Maintain process documentation, SOPs, and balance models.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Provide training to operators and technicians.
• Monitor KPIs and report trends and deviations.
• Contribute to economic evaluation of process changes and capex proposals.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s in Metallurgy or Chemical Eng

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Metallurgist to lead optimization across mining operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will analyze metallurgical data, drive process improvements, and lead trials from pilot to plant scale.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in metallurgical development, deep knowledge of mineral processing circuits, and hands-on lab and plant experience. A strong problem-solving mindset and excellent communication are essential.