Metallurgical Head (Expat / Gold / Copper) – Zambia

Reference No. 531-1306LH

Reference: 531-1306LH

Job Description:

Our client, a prominent mining company operating a gold and copper mining and processing site in Zambia, is seeking an experienced Metallurgical Head that will play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy of metallurgical analysis, assay integrity, and continuous process optimization. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership in lab operations, quality assurance, and metallurgical excellence to enhance gold recovery and support production targets.

Responsibilities:

Laboratory & Analytical Oversight:

• Lead and manage the on-site metallurgical laboratory, ensuring accurate and timely assays of gold samples including feed, tails, carbon, solution, and bullion.
• Implement and enforce strict QA/QC protocols, sample handling, and calibration procedures.
• Supervise assay technicians and lab chemists, providing training and performance evaluation.
• Oversee and validate fire assay, AAS/ICP, and wet chemistry processes for metal analysis.

Metallurgical Operations (CIL Focus):

• Oversee end-to-end operations of the CIL gold plant, including leaching, adsorption, elution, and electrowinning.
• Monitor and improve metallurgical performance through test work, reagent control, and process audits.
• Support metallurgical accounting and reconcile lab results with plant performance data.

Technical & Data Management:

• Manage metallurgical test work programs, including recovery optimization, grind studies, and pilot tests.
• Ensure timely and reliable data reporting to management on lab results, recovery trends, and operational KPIs.
• Interface with external labs, auditors, and consultants for specialized testing and audits.

Leadership & Compliance:

• Lead & develop a multidisciplinary team including lab technicians, metallurgists, and process control engineers.
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, environmental, and analytical laboratory standards.
• Contribute to budget planning for lab equipment, reagents, and process consumables.

Requirements: Qualification and Skill

• Degree in Metallurgy, Chemistry, or Mineral Processing.
• Minimum 12 years’ experience in gold processing, with at least 5 years managing a metallurgical lab and CIL operations.
• Strong hands-on experience in assay lab management and analytical QA/QC systems.
• Knowledge of ISO 17025, fire assay techniques, AAS/ICP, and classical wet lab methods.
• Familiarity with metallurgical accounting software and Excel-based reconciliation.
• Experience working in African or remote mining locations is preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership in setting up or upgrading assay laboratories and ability to mentor local staff and promote technical knowledge transfer.

Benefits and Contractual information:

f you wish to apply for the position, please send your CV to Leanne Laas on llaas@camining.com. 

Please visit www.mining-recruitment-jobs.com for more exciting opportunities.

Leanne Laas

Executive Lead – Talent & Client Management

CA Mining

CA Mining will respond to short-listed candidates only. If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful however your CV will be kept on our database for any other suitable positions.