Technical Metallurgist

Purpose of Role To provide metallurgical and process engineering support by monitoring plant performance, optimising process parameters, leading technical investigations and supporting R&D and improvement projects to achieve safe, stable and efficient chrome and PGM production. Role Context Technical and Process Management Monitor, analyse and report on plant metallurgical performance, including throughput, recovery, yield, grade, product quality and process stability. Optimise process parameters, operating envelopes and control practices to improve chrome and PGM recovery, quality and plant efficiency. Investigate process losses, deviations and operational constraints, and recommend practical corrective actions. Plan, support and report on laboratory, pilot plant and plant trials, including sampling, test work, data analysis and implementation recommendations. Maintain accurate metallurgical data for production reporting, mass balancing, metal accounting and decision-making. Financial and Resource Management Support cost control by monitoring reagent use, consumables, product losses and process inefficiencies. Provide technical input into business cases, project estimates, improvement initiatives and cost-benefit assessments. People and Technical Development Provide technical guidance to metallurgists, laboratory personnel, process controllers, operators and plant teams. Promote disciplined sampling, data integrity, root cause analysis, reporting and continuous improvement practices. Coach and mentor junior metallurgists, graduates, interns and plant personnel to build metallurgical capability, analytical thinking and practical problem-solving skills. Support the development and implementation of technical training material, standard operating practices, sampling procedures and troubleshooting guides for plant teams. Facilitate knowledge sharing sessions on metallurgical performance, process control, test work outcomes, lessons learnt and best practices across Operations, Laboratory and Technical Services. Identify technical skills gaps and recommend appropriate development interventions, coaching plans or refresher training to improve operational understanding and compliance. Encourage a culture of continuous learning, innovation and accountability by promoting structured problem solving, data-based decision making and ownership of improvement actions. Stakeholder Relations Work with Operations, Engineering, Laboratory, SHE, Procurement, Finance, R&D and external service providers to resolve technical issues and implement improvements. Communicate performance trends, risks, trial outcomes and technical recommendations through reports, meetings and presentations. Compliance, Risk and Safety Comply with the Mine Health and Safety Act, environmental requirements, company standards, risk assessments and procedures. Ensure technical work, sampling, trials and process changes are risk assessed, controlled, approved and communicated. Support Tharisa’s zero harm and Safe Tharisa objectives by ensuring that all metallurgical activities are planned and executed without compromising the health and safety of employees, contractors. Apply MHSA requirements by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective controls before commencing sampling campaigns, plant trials, process changes or technical investigations. Ensure compliance with approved Tharisa standards, procedures, codes of practice, fatal hazard controls, permit requirements and safe work instructions applicable to plant and laboratory activities.