Senior Metallurgist - Process Optimization

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical aid

Relocation assistance

International training

Professional development

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Metallurgist to lead metallurgical operations at the Port Elizabeth processing plant in the Eastern Cape. You will drive optimization across crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, and refining, while guiding a team and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The role requires 7+ years in mineral processing with a strong track record in complex circuit optimization, mineralogy understanding, and proficiency with simulation software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in mineral processing and metallurgy, preferably in mining.
• Proven track record in optimizing complex metallurgical circuits (gold, base metals, PGMs).
• Strong understanding of mineralogy, physical and chemical processing principles.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize metallurgical processes, including crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, and refining.
• Analyze plant performance data to identify areas for improvement in recovery, grade, and cost efficiency.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality and operational stability.
• Conduct metallurgical test work and pilot plant trials to evaluate new technologies and process modifications.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues and provide timely technical solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior metallurgists and plant operators, fostering technical expertise.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations within the processing plant.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to investigate and implement innovative metallurgical solutions.
• Prepare detailed metallurgical reports, including performance reviews and recommendations for capital expenditure.
• Manage metallurgical laboratory operations and ensure the accuracy of analytical results.

Skills

Metallurgy

Process optimization

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Metallurgical simulation software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity within the mining and minerals processing sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Metallurgist to join their processing plant in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape . This role is crucial for driving process efficiency, improving recovery rates, and ensuring the consistent production of high-quality mineral products. The Senior Metallurgist will lead investigations into process performance, implement optimization strategies, and provide expert technical guidance to the operations team. You will work with a variety of comminution, flotation, and leaching circuits, analyzing complex metallurgical data to achieve production targets. This is an outstanding opportunity for a seasoned metallurgist to make a significant impact in a key industrial hub of the Eastern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize metallurgical processes, including crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, and refining.
• Analyze plant performance data to identify areas for improvement in recovery, grade, and cost efficiency.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality and operational stability.
• Conduct metallurgical test work and pilot plant trials to evaluate new technologies and process modifications.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues and provide timely technical solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior metallurgists and plant operators, fostering technical expertise.
• Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the processing plant.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to investigate and implement innovative metallurgical solutions.
• Prepare detailed metallurgical reports, including performance reviews and recommendations for capital expenditure.
• Manage metallurgical laboratory operations and ensure the accuracy of analytical results.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mineral processing and metallurgy, preferably within the mining industry.
• Proven track record in optimizing complex metallurgical circuits (e.g., gold, base metals, PGMs).
• Strong understanding of mineralogy, physical and chemical processing principles.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Effective communication and report writing skills.
• Experience working in a plant environment in or near Port Elizabeth .
• Commitment to safety, health, and environmental best practices.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund.
• Relocation assistance for candidates relocating to Port Elizabeth .
• Opportunities for international training and professional development.
• Exposure to diverse mineral processing technologies.
• A challenging and rewarding career in the dynamic Eastern Cape industrial sector.
• Annual leave and other statutory benefits.
• Access to advanced laboratory facilities.