Senior Mineral Processing Superintendent

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Medical and retirement benefits

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mineral Processing Superintendent to lead the Nelspruit processing plant in Mpumalanga. The role directs metallurgists, engineers, and operators to maximize throughput, recovery, and grade while ensuring safety and environmental compliance.

The ideal candidate has at least 10 years in mineral processing, with 5 in a supervisory role, and a strong background in comminution, flotation, leaching, and solid-liquid separation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in mineral processing with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale metallurgical plants, preferably in base metals or precious metals.
• Strong understanding of comminution, flotation, leaching, and solid-liquid separation processes.
• Expertise in process optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the mineral processing plant, including crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, and dewatering circuits.
• Manage and mentor a team of supervisors, metallurgists, engineers, and plant operators.
• Ensure production targets for volume, recovery, and grade are met or exceeded.
• Enforce stringent health, safety, and environmental standards and procedures.
• Monitor performance metrics and identify areas for improvement and cost reduction.
• Develop and manage operational budgets for the processing department.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Troubleshoot operational and metallurgical issues to maintain continuous plant operation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including process optimization and technology adoption.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and permit conditions.
• Develop and manage training programs for plant personnel.
• Liaise with mine operations, geology, and logistics for seamless integration.
• Prepare regular operational reports for senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Process optimization

Metallurgical principles

Safety leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy or related field

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

Metallurgical accounting

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent mining and metals company, is seeking a results-driven Senior Mineral Processing Superintendent to lead their processing operations in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the mineral processing plant, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and environmental compliance. You will manage a team of metallurgists, engineers, and operators, driving efficiency, throughput, and recovery rates. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in managing large-scale mineral processing facilities, a deep understanding of metallurgical principles, and strong leadership and operational management skills. This is a critical position for ensuring the economic viability and sustainable operation of the mine's processing division. We are committed to operational excellence and seek a leader who can champion continuous improvement and foster a culture of safety and high performance. Your ability to effectively manage complex operations, mentor teams, and implement innovative solutions will be key to success in this role. The focus is on maximizing value extraction while maintaining the highest operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the mineral processing plant, including crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, and dewatering circuits.
• Manage and mentor a team of supervisors, metallurgists, engineers, and plant operators.
• Ensure all plant operations meet or exceed production targets for volume, recovery, and grade.
• Implement and enforce stringent health, safety, and environmental standards and procedures.
• Monitor plant performance metrics and identify areas for improvement and cost reduction.
• Develop and manage operational budgets for the processing department.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Troubleshoot operational and metallurgical issues to ensure continuous plant operation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including process optimization and technology adoption.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and permit conditions.
• Develop and manage training programs for plant personnel.
• Liaise with mine operations, geology, and logistics departments to ensure seamless integration.
• Prepare regular operational reports for senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a related field. A Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mineral processing operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale metallurgical plants, preferably in base metals or precious metals.
• Strong understanding of comminution, flotation, leaching, and solid-liquid separation processes.
• Expertise in process optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in metallurgical accounting and reporting.
• Knowledge of relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding operational environment in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, substantial performance-based bonuses, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and significant opportunities for career growth.

This role provides the chance to lead a critical operational function and make a tangible impact on the company's profitability and sustainability. We are committed to providing a safe, engaging, and professional work environment, with ongoing development opportunities.