Senior Process Metallurgist - Gold Processing

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Annual bonus

Premier medical aid

Provident fund

Vacation leave

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton is seeking a Senior Process Metallurgist to optimize gold processing operations, improve recovery, and drive sustainable efficiency. You will analyze plant data, troubleshoot CIP/CIL, and lead process improvements across multiple circuits.

The role requires 8+ years in gold processing metallurgical roles, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to mentor junior staff. Office-based with site travel to mine operations as needed.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in gold processing metallurgy.
• Knowledge of CIP/CIL, gravity concentration, and refining processes.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Analyze metallurgical data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Troubleshoot problems and optimize leaching, thickening, and recovery circuits.
• Maximize gold recovery and minimize reagent consumption.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, pilot trials, and scale-up studies.
• Develop and maintain metallurgical accounting and reporting systems.
• Prepare technical reports and capital project justifications.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and R&D teams.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and technicians; ensure safety compliance.
• Stay updated on advancements in gold processing technology.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading gold producer in South Africa, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Process Metallurgist to join their technical team in Sandton, Gauteng. This position is critical for optimizing the performance of their gold processing operations, ensuring maximum gold recovery and operational efficiency. The Senior Process Metallurgist will be responsible for analyzing plant data, troubleshooting complex metallurgical challenges, and implementing innovative solutions to improve yield and reduce costs. This role requires a deep understanding of gold extraction metallurgy, including cyanidation, carbon-in-pulp (CIP), carbon-in-leach (CIL), and refining processes. The successful candidate will contribute significantly to the profitability and sustainability of the company's gold mining assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze metallurgical data from various plant operations to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Troubleshoot metallurgical problems, diagnose root causes, and implement effective solutions in areas such as leaching, thickening, and recovery circuits.
• Optimize process parameters to maximize gold recovery and minimize reagent consumption.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, pilot plant trials, and scale-up studies for new technologies or process modifications.
• Develop and maintain metallurgical accounting and reporting systems.
• Prepare technical reports, metallurgical justifications for capital projects, and operational improvement plans.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and R&D teams to implement best practices and drive continuous improvement.
• Mentor and guide junior metallurgists and technicians, fostering technical development.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, health, and environmental regulations pertaining to gold processing.
• Stay updated on advancements in gold processing technology and evaluate their applicability.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in gold processing metallurgy, with a strong focus on operational support and optimization.
• In-depth knowledge of gold leaching, CIP/CIL circuits, gravity concentration, and refining processes.
• Proven experience in process troubleshooting, data analysis, and metallurgical modeling.
• Familiarity with metallurgical accounting and quality control procedures.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Must be willing to work from the Sandton, Gauteng office and travel to mine sites as required.
• Experience with advanced analytical techniques for gold analysis is a plus.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng) is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including a significant annual bonus based on individual and company performance. The comprehensive benefits include premier medical aid, a strong provident fund, and generous vacation leave. Opportunities for professional development, further specialization, and career advancement within a leading mining group are abundant. The company fosters a culture of innovation and safety. Relocation assistance may be provided for candidates relocating to the Sandton area.