Senior Metallurgist - Process Optimization

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Life cover

Pension fund

Professional development

Conference attendance

Laboratory facilities access

Pilot plant facilities access

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Metallurgist to lead metallurgical investigations and optimize mineral processing in Randburg. This role focuses on improving recovery, reducing reagent use, and boosting plant throughput while mentoring junior staff and collaborating with operations and R&D teams.

You will design pilot plant studies, analyze data, and implement advanced process technologies, ensuring safety, quality, and environmental compliance across the site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mineral processing, with focus on process development, optimization and troubleshooting.
• Proven expertise in metallurgy related to precious metals or base metals.
• Strong understanding of comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining processes.
• Proficiency in metallurgical accounting and data analysis.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, JKSimMet) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work on-site in Randburg and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Professional registration with a relevant body (e.g., SAIMM) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead metallurgical investigations and troubleshooting for plant operations to identify and resolve processing issues.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize mineral recovery, reduce reagent consumption, and improve plant throughput.
• Design and execute pilot plant trials and laboratory test work to evaluate new process technologies and equipment.
• Analyze metallurgical data, interpret results, and provide actionable recommendations for process improvement.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict plant performance and identify optimization opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, environmental regulations, and quality standards within the laboratory and plant.
• Collaborate with operations teams to implement process changes and provide technical support.
• Stay abreast of advancements in metallurgical science and engineering relevant to the company's operations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and project proposals.
• Mentor and guide junior metallurgists and technicians.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Master's degree (advantageous)

Tools

METSIM

JKSimMet

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Metallurgist to join their processing division in **Randburg, Gauteng**. This key role focuses on optimizing mineral processing operations, improving recovery rates, and enhancing the overall efficiency and profitability of the plant. You will be responsible for troubleshooting complex metallurgical challenges, conducting pilot plant studies, and implementing new process technologies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mineral processing techniques, particularly in precious metals or base metals, coupled with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. You will work closely with plant operations, laboratory staff, and R&D teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to make a tangible impact on operational performance and contribute to the sustainable success of mining operations in the **Gauteng** region. Our client is dedicated to technical excellence and fostering a culture of innovation within their processing facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead metallurgical investigations and troubleshooting for plant operations to identify and resolve processing issues.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize mineral recovery, reduce reagent consumption, and improve plant throughput.
• Design and execute pilot plant trials and laboratory test work to evaluate new process technologies and equipment.
• Analyze metallurgical data, interpret results, and provide actionable recommendations for process improvement.
• Develop process models and simulations to predict plant performance and identify optimization opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, environmental regulations, and quality standards within the laboratory and plant.
• Collaborate with operations teams to implement process changes and provide technical support.
• Stay abreast of advancements in metallurgical science and engineering relevant to the company's operations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and project proposals.
• Mentor and guide junior metallurgists and technicians.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mineral processing, with a strong focus on process development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Proven expertise in metallurgy related to precious metals (gold, PGM) or base metals.
• Strong understanding of comminution, flotation, leaching, and refining processes.
• Proficiency in metallurgical accounting and data analysis.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, JKSimMet) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively on-site in **Randburg** and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Professional registration with a relevant body (e.g., SAIMM) is desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and performance-based bonus structure.
• Opportunity to lead critical process optimization projects in the mining sector.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life cover, and pension fund benefits.
• Support for professional development, including further education and conference attendance.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot plant facilities.
• A challenging and rewarding work environment within a reputable mining company.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization.