Senior Process Superintendent - Mineral Beneficiation

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Senior Process Superintendent to lead a mineral beneficiation plant near Upington, ensuring safe, efficient operation of crushing, grinding, flotation and potentially leaching processes to maximise recovery and product quality.

You will manage a team of process engineers, operators and technicians, develop SOPs, monitor KPIs, optimize processes, and uphold stringent safety and environmental standards. This role is based in the Northern Cape, SA.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing or related field.
• 8+ years of mineral processing operations experience, 4+ years supervisory.
• Proven experience with beneficiation processes (flotation, gravity, leaching) for base metals or industrial minerals.
• Strong knowledge of process control, instrumentation and plant automation.
• Demonstrated leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Familiarity with Northern Cape operations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the mineral beneficiation plant, ensuring safe and efficient processing.
• Manage and mentor a team of supervisors, engineers, and plant operators.
• Develop and implement SOPs to ensure consistency and quality.
• Monitor KPIs for plant throughput, recovery, and operational costs.
• Implement strategies for process optimization to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage plant consumables and reagents, optimizing usage for cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct root cause analysis for process upsets and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Contribute to plant expansion projects and commissioning of new equipment or circuits.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Team management

Education

Bachelor of Science in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or related field

Tools

Simulation software

Data analysis tools

Instrumentation

Plant automation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the extraction and processing of valuable minerals in the Northern Cape region, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Superintendent to lead their mineral beneficiation plant near Upington . This role is responsible for the safe, efficient, and effective operation of all processing circuits, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and potentially leaching/smelting processes, aimed at maximizing mineral recovery and product quality. The Superintendent will manage a team of process engineers, operators, and technicians, ensuring operational targets are met while upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in mineral processing, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement within the South African mining context. This is a vital role in optimizing resource value.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the mineral beneficiation plant, ensuring safe and efficient processing.
• Manage and mentor a team of supervisors, engineers, and plant operators.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and quality.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for plant throughput, recovery, and operational costs.
• Implement strategies for process optimization to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage plant consumables and reagents, optimizing usage for cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct root cause analysis for process upsets and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Contribute to plant expansion projects and the commissioning of new equipment or circuits.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in mineral processing operations, with at least 4 years in a supervisory or superintendent role.
• Proven experience in managing complex beneficiation processes (e.g., flotation, gravity separation, leaching) for base metals or industrial minerals.
• Strong understanding of process control, instrumentation, and plant automation.
• Demonstrated leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Familiarity with operations in the Northern Cape region is advantageous.
• Proficiency with process simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Must be committed to upholding stringent safety and environmental standards.
• Willingness to work on-site near Upington , with potential for some flexibility.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, along with annual performance bonuses. Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and other essential benefits are provided. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for effective on-site plant management and strategic planning near Upington , with opportunities for remote collaboration and analysis. Significant opportunities for professional growth, advanced training, and career progression within a leading mining and processing company are available. Join a dedicated team focused on maximizing mineral value and contributing to the economic growth of the Northern Cape and South Africa .