Senior Process Superintendent - Mineral Processing

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package with comprehensive bene

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance bonuses

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Superintendent for a prominent international mining company in Mpumalanga near Nelspruit. The role leads a team of process engineers and operators, driving safe, efficient mineral processing operations and continuous improvement across circuits to maximize recovery and product quality.

The ideal candidate has a Metallurgy/Chemical Engineering degree and 8+ years in mineral processing with strong leadership, data analysis, and process control expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field required.
• Minimum 8 years' progressive experience in mineral processing in mining.
• Proven supervisory/managerial experience in processing plants.
• Strong knowledge of mineral processing techniques (comminution, flotation, leaching, solid-liquid separation).
• Proven ability to optimize plant performance, troubleshoot complex issues, and lead teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day mineral processing operations: crushing, grinding, flotation, and related circuits.
• Ensure throughput, recovery, and product quality targets are met.
• Enforce safety protocols and environmental management systems.
• Lead, mentor, and develop process engineers, operators, and maintenance staff.
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement in efficiency and cost reduction.
• Collaborate with maintenance to ensure plant reliability and minimize downtime.
• Participate in capital project evaluations and new process technology upgrades.
• Develop and manage the processing department budget.
• Foster safety, teamwork and operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Data analysis

Pressure management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent international mining company, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Superintendent to oversee their mineral processing operations located in the Mpumalanga region, near Nelspruit . This key leadership position is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and optimal operation of the processing plant, focusing on maximizing mineral recovery and product quality while adhering to strict environmental and safety standards. The successful candidate will lead a team of process engineers and operators, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and play a vital role in the overall success of the mining complex. This is a significant operational leadership role.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize the day-to-day operations of the mineral processing plant, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and other relevant circuits.
• Ensure that production targets for throughput, recovery, and product quality are consistently met.
• Implement and enforce stringent safety protocols and environmental management systems within the processing plant.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of process engineers, operators, and maintenance personnel.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement strategies for continuous improvement in efficiency and cost reduction.
• Oversee process troubleshooting and the implementation of corrective actions to resolve operational issues.
• Collaborate with the maintenance department to ensure plant reliability and minimize downtime.
• Participate in capital project evaluations and assist in the implementation of new process technologies or equipment upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Develop and manage the operational budget for the processing department.
• Foster a culture of safety, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mineral processing operations within the mining industry.
• Proven experience in a supervisory or management role within a processing plant environment.
• Strong knowledge of various mineral processing techniques (e.g., comminution, flotation, leaching, solid-liquid separation).
• Demonstrated ability to optimize plant performance and troubleshoot complex operational issues.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of process control systems and data analysis.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practices.
• Experience with budgeting and cost management.
• Familiarity with the specific commodities relevant to the region is advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, comprehensive benefits including medical aid and pension fund, performance bonuses, and opportunities for career advancement. This role provides a significant leadership opportunity within a major mining operation. The position is based in the scenic province of Mpumalanga , near Nelspruit , offering a desirable lifestyle. Be a part of a dynamic and safety-focused team committed to operational excellence.