Senior Process Superintendent - Mineral Processing

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a leading mining operator in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, to recruit a Senior Process Superintendent for the mineral processing plant. You will lead a large team across crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching and refining, driving safety, reliability and efficiency.

The role focuses on optimizing recovery, product quality and throughput while delivering cost-effective operations within a supportive, high-performance culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 8 years in mineral processing operations with supervisory/management experience.
• Proven expertise in gold/base metal processing including flotation, leaching, refining.
• Strong metallurgical knowledge, process control and quality management.
• Demonstrated leadership and staff development abilities.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with process simulation and data analysis software.
• Commitment to health, safety and environmental performance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day mineral processing plant operations for safety and efficiency.
• Develop strategies to optimize metallurgical recovery, grade and throughput.
• Mentor processing team including operators, technicians and metallurgists.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Monitor KPIs and address deviations in plant performance.
• Lead troubleshooting and corrective actions for process upsets.
• Manage plant maintenance in collaboration with engineering/maintenance teams.
• Control costs and participate in capex proposals for plant upgrades.
• Drive continuous improvement using Six Sigma or Lean methodologies.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Data analysis

Process simulation software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Data analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading operator of precious metal mines, is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Senior Process Superintendent to manage their mineral processing plant in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This critical role involves overseeing all aspects of the plant's operations, including crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, and refining, to ensure optimal recovery, product quality, and operational efficiency. You will lead a large team of operators, technicians, and metallurgists, fostering a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and technical excellence. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in mineral processing metallurgy, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven track record in optimizing plant performance and managing complex operational challenges. This is an excellent opportunity to take on significant responsibility within a well-established mining operation in a picturesque region. Our client is committed to implementing best-in-class practices and ensuring the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the mineral processing plant, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective production.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize metallurgical recovery, concentrate/product grade, and throughput.
• Manage and mentor the processing team, including operators, technicians, metallurgists, and supervisors, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Monitor plant performance using key metallurgical and operational KPIs, identifying and addressing deviations.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for process upsets and implement corrective actions.
• Manage the plant maintenance program in collaboration with the engineering and maintenance departments.
• Control operational costs, including consumables, reagents, and labor, to meet budget targets.
• Participate in capital expenditure proposals and projects related to plant upgrades and expansions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies like Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mineral processing operations, with a significant portion in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven expertise in gold and/or base metal processing, including flotation, leaching, and refining.
• Strong understanding of metallurgical principles, process control, and quality management.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in process simulation and data analysis software.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental performance.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Experience working in the Western Cape or similar mining environments is preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive executive salary, comprehensive performance-based bonus structure, and an excellent benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance. Relocation assistance is available for successful candidates moving to the Stellenbosch area. Opportunities for professional development, including advanced metallurgical training and leadership programs, are provided. Our client values work-life balance and fosters a supportive, team-oriented work environment within the scenic and vibrant Western Cape region. This role offers significant career advancement potential within a respected mining group.