Senior Minerologist

Provide expert mineralogical analysis and insight to support processing plant optimisation project design and metallurgical problem solving across sites. Use mineralogy to guide process route selection improve recovery reduce cost and maximise value from current and future ore sources.

Performance and Delivery

• Mineralogical Analysis & Interpretation
  • Carry out detailed mineralogical studies on ores concentrates tailings and plant streams (using optical microscopy SEM/EDS QEMSCAN/MLA XRD etc.).
  • Interpret mineralogical data to explain plant performance (recovery grade throughput reagent use etc.).
  • Identify mineralogical causes of process variation and constraints (e.g. associations grain size liberation locking alteration deportment).

• Technical Support to Processing Operations
  • Work closely with plant metallurgists and operations teams to find and solve mineralogy related performance issues.
  • Provide mineralogical input to plant trials test work and improvement projects (e.g. comminution flotation leaching reagent schemes).
  • Recommend process or flowsheet changes based on mineralogical findings and quantified business impact.

• Project and Study Support
  • Manage the endtoend process for external mineralogical services including provider identification contracting and performance reviews to meet business requirements.
  • Act as the mineralogy specialist for concept pre-feasibility feasibility and detailed engineering studies.
  • Help design ore characterisation and geometallurgical programmes including test work plans and sampling requirements.
  • Support assessment of new ore bodies expansions and technology options highlighting risk and uncertainty from mineralogical variability.

• Standards Methods and Quality Assurance
  • Develop maintain and continuously improve the companys mineralogical standards methods and workflows.
  • Ensure mineralogical data is high quality repeatable and traceable with robust QA/QC and data management.
  • Compare internal practice with industry best practice and new technologies and drive improvements.
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Knowledge Transfer
  • Work with Geology Metallurgy Processing Projects R&D and external labs/consultants.
  • Turn complex mineralogical information into clear practical recommendations for non-specialists.
  • Build and maintain a knowledge base of ore types mineralogical domains and their processing implications across sites.

Qualifications :

• BSc (Hons) in Geology Mineralogy Applied Mineralogy Metallurgy or a related field.
• MSc in Mineralogy / Applied Mineralogy / Geometallurgy or equivalent

Experience:

• 57 years relevant mineralogy/applied mineralogy experience in mining processing or metallurgical consulting including:
  • Strong exposure to base metals / PGMs / platinum group mineralogy.
  • Proven track record of providing mineralogical support to operating plants and technical studies.
  • Experience in a corporate/central technical team or multi-site support role is an advantage.

Technical Skills:

• Advanced skills in mineralogical techniques: reflected/transmitted light microscopy SEM/EDS automated mineralogy (e.g. QEMSCAN MLA) XRD etc.
• Strong understanding of comminution flotation hydrometallurgy and/or relevant downstream processing.
• Ability to analyse and interpret mineralogical and metallurgical data using relevant software/tools.
• Working knowledge of geometallurgy and ore characterisation programmes.
• Competent in interpreting benchmarks identifying performance gaps and developing targeted improvement plans.
• Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple technical tasks.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to influence and support stakeholders.

Additional Information :

What We Offer

At Valterra Platinum you will join a team committed to excellence and impact.

We offer:

• Meaningful work in a high-performance values-led environment.
• Market-aligned reward and recognition.
• Opportunities for learning development and progression.
• A culture that respects diversity and encourages innovation.
• A clear commitment to safe Operations.

Inclusion and Diversity

Valterra Platinum is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfill their potential.

Valterra Platinum has a zero tolerance to dignity harms these include all acts of gender based violence bullying harassment and victimisation. Ensuring the safety of our employees extends beyond physical safety and includes the eradication of harmful behaviours from our workplace. This responsibility extends to everyone at Valterra Platinum both during work hours and outside of work. We are unconditional in creating a respectful inclusive and safe working environment to ensure that no colleague will be violated or harassed under our watch.

Our GBV Stand

Platinum takes a stand against gender-based: We are unconditional in creating a respectful inclusive and safe working environment to ensure that no colleague will be violated or harassed under our watch

How to Apply

To apply for this role please complete our online application form. You will have the opportunity to upload your CV and other relevant documentation as part of this process.

Closing date: 31 March 2026

Privacy policy - Valterra Platinum

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time