Senior Metallurgist: Processing Optimization & Innovation

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Annual bonus and long-term incentives

Comprehensive medical and pension

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Metallurgist to lead advanced processing optimization at our Centurion, Gauteng facility. The role emphasizes driving innovation across comminution, flotation, leaching, and solid–liquid separation to maximize recovery and reduce costs.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or Master’s in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering with 15+ years in mineral processing, and a proven ability to manage complex projects and mentor metallurgists and technicians.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in mineral processing and metallurgy, with strong focus on optimization and project leadership.
• Proven track record of optimizing complex mineral processing circuits (gold, copper, PGMs).
• Expertise in comminution, flotation, leaching, hydrometallurgy, and solid–liquid separation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of metallurgical process optimization strategies.
• Conduct in-depth metallurgical test work and pilot plant trials to evaluate new technologies and process modifications.
• Analyze plant performance data to identify opportunities for recovery, throughput, and cost reduction.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues and provide expert technical guidance to plant personnel.
• Develop and manage metallurgical projects, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Stay abreast of advancements in metallurgical science and technology, recommending adoption where beneficial.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level metallurgists, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and R&D to align goals.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and presentations for senior management.
• Ensure all activities comply with safety, health, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Data analysis

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

PhD or Master’s in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

JKSimMet

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Metallurgist to lead advanced processing optimization at our Centurion, Gauteng facility. The role emphasizes driving innovation across comminution, flotation, leaching, and solid–liquid separation to maximize recovery and reduce costs.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or Master’s in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering with 15+ years in mineral processing, and a proven ability to manage complex projects and mentor metallurgists and technicians.