Senior Process Metallurgist - Base Metals

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary incentives

Medical aid & retirement

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Metallurgist to optimize metallurgical processes for base metal recovery in Mahikeng, North West. You will lead trials, troubleshoot plant operations, and mentor junior staff while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes innovation, cost reduction, and adoption of new technologies in a sustainable mining environment. Relevant experience in flotation, leaching, and related hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical methods is required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in metallurgy or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in process metallurgy.
• Experience with flotation, leaching, solvent extraction, and electrowinning expected.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize metallurgical processes for base metal recovery.
• Conduct plant trials and lab tests to evaluate performance.
• Troubleshoot issues and identify root causes to improve recovery and grade.
• Develop and implement strategies for cost reduction and efficiency.
• Research and recommend new technologies and equipment.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and R&D teams.
• Prepare technical reports, balances, and process design docs.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and provide training.
• Stay current with metallurgical advancements and industry best practices.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading name in the **mining and metals industry**, is actively seeking an experienced Senior Process Metallurgist to join their technical team in **Mahikeng, North West**. This role is pivotal in optimizing and advancing the metallurgical processes for base metal recovery. The Senior Process Metallurgist will be responsible for troubleshooting complex operational issues, driving process improvements, implementing new technologies, and ensuring efficient and cost-effective extraction of valuable commodities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of flotation, leaching, and other relevant hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical techniques, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. We are looking for a proactive and innovative metallurgist eager to make a significant contribution to our client's success in the **North West** region. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity within a company committed to operational excellence and sustainable resource development.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize metallurgical processes for base metal recovery (e.g., copper, zinc, lead).
• Conduct plant trials and laboratory test work to evaluate and improve process performance.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and identify root causes to improve recovery and grade.
• Develop and implement strategies for cost reduction and efficiency enhancement.
• Research and recommend new technologies and equipment for process upgrades.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and R&D teams to achieve production targets.
• Prepare technical reports, metallurgical balances, and process design documents.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards in all metallurgical activities.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and provide technical training.
• Stay current with metallurgical advancements and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in process metallurgy, with a strong focus on base metals.
• Extensive knowledge of flotation, leaching, solvent extraction, and electrowinning processes.
• Proven experience in process optimization, troubleshooting, and plant operations.
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry) is a plus.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and report writing abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.
• Experience working within the **North West** mining environment is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and further specialization.
• Exposure to diverse and significant base metal projects.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment in **Mahikeng, North West**.
• Relocation assistance available for suitable candidates.