Senior Metallurgist - Processing and Extraction

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Metallurgist to lead processing operations near Rustenburg, optimizing flotation, leaching and comminution to maximize recovery and efficiency. The role blends on-site plant work with off-site data analysis and reporting.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years in mineral processing, a degree in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering, and strong leadership and analytical skills to drive cost reductions while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters in Metallurgy/C.E. or related field; recognized university.
• 7+ years of hands-on mineral processing experience.
• Strong knowledge of flotation, leaching, comminution and dewatering.

Responsibilities

• Oversee mineral processing plant operations including crushing, grinding, flotation and leaching circuits.
• Perform metallurgical test work, process simulations, and data analysis to spot efficiency gains and cost savings.
• Develop and implement process optimization to maximize recovery and product quality.
• Troubleshoot issues and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations in the plant.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and operations to ensure reliability.
• Manage reagent consumption and optimize operational costs.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and guide operators.
• Prepare metallurgical reports and improvement plans.

Skills

Flotation

Leaching

Comminution

Dewatering

Metallurgical accounting

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy

Master's degree in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

GEMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant entity in the mining and minerals processing industry, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Metallurgist to oversee and optimize their processing operations near Rustenburg, North West . This role is pivotal in ensuring efficient and cost-effective extraction of valuable minerals, requiring a deep understanding of metallurgical principles and plant operations. The Senior Metallurgist will be responsible for troubleshooting complex processing challenges, driving process improvements, and ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards. This hybrid role allows for flexible work arrangements, balancing essential on-site plant work with off-site data analysis and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all aspects of the mineral processing plant, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching circuits.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, process simulations, and data analysis to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and cost reduction.
• Develop and implement process optimization strategies to maximize recovery and product quality.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and production losses.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations in the processing plant.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and operations teams to ensure plant reliability and performance.
• Manage reagent consumption and control to optimize operational costs.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and provide technical guidance to plant operators.
• Prepare detailed metallurgical reports, performance reviews, and process improvement plans.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field from a recognized university.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in mineral processing operations, preferably in base metals or precious metals.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of flotation, leaching, comminution, and dewatering processes.
• Experience with metallurgical accounting and statistical process control.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software (e.g., METSIM, GEMS) and data analysis tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Familiarity with health, safety, and environmental best practices in the mining industry.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, competitive bonuses, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid, life insurance, and a retirement fund. Opportunities for professional growth and development are abundant, with support for further education and industry certifications. This role provides the chance to make a significant impact on large-scale mining operations in the Rustenburg area. The hybrid work arrangement supports a healthy work-life integration.