Mintek Vacancies – 16 June

To apply, click on the link at the end of the posts and all the best with your applications

Head: Process Mineralogy

Listing reference: minte_000421

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 30 June 2026

Position summary

Industry: Scientific, Research & Development

Job category: Other: Mining

Location: Randburg

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

Introduction

Mintek has an exciting opportunity for a Head: Process Mineralogy in the Mineralogy division. The successful candidate will manage research and development portfolios and provide internationally competitive professional expertise and interact with clients. The candidate will need to actively seek new income and opportunities for intellectual capital development.

Job description

Key Performance Indicators:

• Assist Divisional manager to maintain and expand on project work from the mining/ metallurgical industry and related research agencies, in line with Division’s current business plans, by providing competence and professional expertise, and interacting with clients, collaborators and potential partners.
• Ascertain needs of clients and the industry and propose appropriate project work, both research and commercial oriented.
• Drafting proposals that meet stakeholder objectives.
• Secure revenue from industry through marketing initiatives and contract negotiations.
• Execute projects so as to meet the time scheduling agreed to with client/stakeholder, contain costs for the Division and deliver valid conclusions with technical efficiency and professionalism.
• Provide strategic leadership, set the direction for the division and inspire others in order to deliver on the organisational mandate.
• Lead and execute projects in which interactions with technical expertise and stakeholders are required at an advanced level.
• Provide specialised mentorship and training to staff to effectively utilize resources, and promote competence, confidence, discipline and harmony amongst them.
• Ensure project work is executed to produce valid conclusions and with maximum overall efficiency – technically and financially.
• Ensure that the documentation of work and procedures is appropriately captured and produce advanced professional level reports, publications, conference contributions.
• Manage budgets, control cash flow, institute risk management, and administer procurement process in accordance with generally recognised financial practices.
• Ensured that safety, health, environment and quality procedures are created, followed and updated.

Minimum requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum: MSc in Geology or Engineering (Chemical or Metallurgical)
• PhD advantageous

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum: 10 years or more experience in mineralogy, mineral processing and/or extractive metallurgy. 
• Ideal: 12 years’ experience.
• 5 years’ experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Experience in interpreting and reporting mineralogical data.
• Develop protocols for optimal operation and performance of specialised of mineralogy instruments.
• Publish and present at international level in one or more areas of mineralogy.

COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to lead diverse teams to ensure delivery and efficiency.
• Excellent communication, presentation and organisational skills.
• Attention to detail, ability to follow up and take initiative.
• Strategic thinking.
• The incumbent must be highly organised, able to multi-task and pay attention to detail, with excellent verbal and written communication skill. 
• Ability to multi task.
• Ability to cope in a stressful and demanding environment.
• Willing to travel locally and internationally.

Click here to apply

Head: Mineral Economics

Listing reference: minte_000423

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 17 June 2026

Position summary

Industry: Scientific, Research & Development

Job category: Management/Projects

Location: Randburg

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: No

Introduction

Mintek has an exciting opportunity for a Head: Mineral Economics to lead the strategic expansion of the Mineral Economics function. The incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic mineral market intelligence, techno-economic feasibility assessments, and policy-relevant advisory services to support both internal research divisions and external clients across the mining value chain. The role requires driving the transformation of the section into a self sustaining, profitable unit by developing paid consulting services, donor-funded projects, strategic research partnerships, training programmes, and market intelligence products.

Job description

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

Leadership

• Lead the Mineral Economics function, including the development of a long-term strategy aligned with Mintek’s institutional goals and national mineral development priorities.
• Build and mentor a multi-disciplinary team (mineral economicss, policy analysts, GIS/data analysts) to deliver high-quality economic analysis and advisory services.

Strategy

• Drive the section’s research, development and innovation (RDI) strategy, ensuring alignment with South Africa’s beneficiation strategy, Critical Minerals Strategy, Just Energy Transition (JET), and the African Mining Vision.
• Develop and implement a commercialisation framework that includes tiered pricing models, service catalogues, and client acquisition strategies.
• Drive the Divisional RDI strategy and operations and develop plans for the implementation of the strategy.
• Visibility and credibility – ensuring that publication outputs, including journal and conference papers, are met.

Financial Sustainability

• Secure the section’s budget and grow external revenue from R3 million to R8–10 million per annum by 2030.
• Diversify revenue streams through paid consulting (feasibility studies, market analysis), donor-funded projects (World Bank, AfDB, GIZ, UNECA), strategic research partnerships, training and capacity building, and paid publications/subscriptions.
• Prepare large funding proposals and manage project expenditure against milestones.

People and Planning

• Ensure that the core Section’s plans are aligned with Mintek’s strategy and the needs of the Division market.
• Ensure that adequate Sectional planning is done to ensure effective delivery of the plans.
• Ensure that there is an adequate pipeline of commercial and business leads to ensure that the Discipline can deliver on its targets.
• Ensure that the Section is adequately resourced, with a particular focus on SET staff and resources. Also ensuring succession planning.
• Drive the transformation agenda in the Section.
• Contribute to the refinement and development of the MME Divisional strategy and plans.

Performance Management

• Deliver on the Section’s KPIs, including revenue targets, project completion rates, and client satisfaction.
• Undertake performance management of the team.
• Monitor SHEQ trends and recommend improvement initiatives.

Governance and Risk Management

• Engage with key stakeholders: government departments (DMPR, DTIC, DSTI, National Treasury), state-owned enterprises (IDC, Transnet), industry bodies (Minerals Council), development finance institutions, universities, and think tanks.
• Establish a stakeholder advisory group and sign MOUs with research partners.
• Report on all RDI and commercial activities of the section.
• Responsible for technical signoff of the work of the Section (reports, publications) and ensuring high technical standards are maintained.
• Adhere to all Mintek’s policies and ethics.

Relationship Management and Reporting

• Engage with key stakeholders: government departments (DMPR, DTIC, DSTI, National Treasury), state-owned enterprises (IDC, Transnet), industry bodies (Minerals Council), development finance institutions, universities, and think tanks.
• Establish a stakeholder advisory group and sign MOUs with research partners.
• Report on all RDI and commercial activities of the section.

Minimum requirements

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION:

• Master’s degree in Mineral Economics, Economics, Resource Economics, or a related field.
• A PhD in the relevant field will be advantageous.
• 8–10 years’ experience in mineral economics, mining sector analysis, policy advisory, or related roles.
• Proven track record in conducting techno-economic feasibility studies, cost-benefit analysis, and market intelligence for the mining or energy sectors.
• Experience in business development, including securing donor funding, consulting contracts, or research partnerships.
• Experience in managing teams and leading multi-stakeholder projects.

Nature of Experience:

• Project management and project finance.
• Economic modelling and data analysis (e.g., Excel, GIS, or similar platforms).
• Report writing and publication of flagship products (e.g., “State of Mining in South Africa”).
• Stakeholder engagement at senior government and industry levels.
• Development of pricing models and commercial service frameworks.

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND REQUIREMENTS:

• The ability to think strategically and proactively.
• Must be comfortable operating at middle management level and interacting with other middle managementrepresentatives (internal or external), corporate partners and other stakeholders.
• Expertise in all aspects of operational management, including planning, project management and problem solving.
• Deep understanding of the South African and global mining industry, including commodity markets, value chains, and policy environment.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement and fund management as they relate to donor or government contracts.
• Ability to think strategically and proactively, translating national priorities (e.g., Just Energy Transition (JET), beneficiation) into actionable research and revenue opportunities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail in economic analysis and reporting.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Click here to apply

Technician: Flotation

Listing reference: minte_000424

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 16 June 2026

Position summary

Industry: Scientific, Research & Development

Job category: Process Engineering

Location: Randburg

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: No

Introduction

Mintek has an exciting opportunity for a Technician: Flotation. The successful candidate will work within the Mineral Processing Division (MPD) and assume the responsibility to oversee and assist the execution of laboratory test work and pilot plant campaigns.

Job description

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

• Assume the responsibility of Leader on selected MPD’s bench scale tests and pilot plant
  campaigns.
• Assist with the construction, commissioning and operation of pilot plants and laboratory test
  equipment of Flotation Group.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and participate in the execution of pilot plants.
• Assist chief investigators to meet the technical objectives of projects and contribute to
  technical problem solving.
•  Train contract workers and operators in the safe and correct use of equipment and in the
  execution of laboratory and pilot plant-procedures.
• Independently manage unit operations that form part of larger projects. This include planning,
  staffing, operation, quality control and reporting on those unit operations.
• Perform basic calculations related to the execution of laboratory experiments and pilot plant
  operations.
• Assume responsibility for calibration of equipment, pH electrodes etc.
• Ensure that data are correctly logged and monitor the accuracy of data that are reported.
• Ensure that all SHEQ matters are fully complied with at all times.
• Ensure that equipment is used correctly and responsibly to avoid, or minimize, damage
  thereof.

Minimum requirements

Qualification:

• BTech degree / Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering /Extractive Metallurgy.

Experience:

• At least 2 years’ experience on the operation of relevant mineral processing unit operations such as flotation
  testwork, water recycling, sample preparation, operation of crushers, flotation processes or
• More than 5 years broad-based experience across the mineral processing environment.

Competencies:

• Excellent communication and presentation skills
•  Excellent numerical and quantitative skills
• Good management skills
• Self-driven
• People skills
• Strategic thinking
• Ability to multi task
• Ability to lead by example
• Ability to cope in a stressful and demanding environment
• Willing to travel locally and internationally.

Click here to apply

Business Development and Commercialisation Specialist (MMA Cluster) – 3-Year Fixed Term Contract

Listing reference: minte_000425

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 30 June 2026

Position summary

Industry: Scientific, Research & Development

Job category: Business Development

Location: Randburg

Contract: Fixed Term Contract

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: No

Introduction

Mintek seeks a technically grounded Business Development and commercialization Specialist to drive the growth of the Mining Materials and Automation (MMA) Cluster by bridging the gap between deep-tech innovation and market adoption. This is a science-and-engineering BD&C role focused on commercializing intellectual property and creating new markets, not a generic sales or finance post.

Job description

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

• Proactively identify, originate, pursue, and mature business, partnership, investor, and funding opportunities on behalf of the MMA Cluster, with a strong emphasis on commercializing IP from the MMA Cluster.
• Scan the market for opportunities aligned with MMA capabilities across advanced materials, process control, and mineral economics, and identify higher-value opportunities that can be positioned through broader Mintek integration.
• Work closely with the Executive Managers of Advanced Materials, Measurement and Control, and Mining and Mineral Economics Divisions to extract, interpret, and package key technical insights into externally relevant value propositions.
• Integrate capabilities across the three MMA divisions and, where relevant, with other clusters (Mineral Processing Cluster and Extractive Metallurgy Cluster) into coherent solution offerings. For example, combining MME’s market knowledge with Measurement and Control’s digital solutions, or linking Advanced Materials’ catalyst development with process control expertise.
• Develop commercially grounded business cases, pitch material, and commercialization pathways for intellectual property, including licensing, spinouts, joint ventures, and technology transfer.
• Shape opportunities into structured programmes, projects, concept notes, and proposals with clear scope, deliverables, and commercial logic.
• Engage mining companies, industrial partners, government stakeholders (DMPR, DSTI, etc.), development finance institutions, funding agencies, and investors in a credible and well-structured manner.
• Support the positioning and communication of techno-economic scenarios and investment cases prepared by technical specialists, including discussion of metrics such as NPV, IRR, payback, discount rate, sensitivity, and scenario-based cases.
• Build and manage an opportunity pipeline that supports funding growth, revenue generation, and strategic partnerships for MMA and for the wider Mintek platform.

Minimum requirements

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated ability to work with multidisciplinary technical teams and translate complex technical content into partner-facing opportunity narratives.
• Proven exposure to opportunity origination, proposal development, programme shaping, commercial scoping, costing, or strategic partnership development.
• Experience in or demonstrable understanding of technology commercialization, IP management, and routes to market (licensing, spinouts, etc.).
• Working familiarity with techno-economic concepts and the ability to engage in discussions involving NPV, IRR, payback, discount rates, sensitivities, and scenario-based investment cases.
• Sound commercial reasoning and sufficient financial literacy to engage with business cases and pricing logic.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear business-facing and investor-facing material.
• Integrated solution development across divisions and clusters
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship development.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A relevant Bachelor’s degree (BSc, BSc (Hons), BSc-Eng, or equivalent) in science or engineering, specifically in fields such as Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• MBA or postgraduate business/commercial qualification supported by a strong technical grounding will be advantageous.
• An MSc or PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering field will be ideal.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Be able to work in a team.
• Excellent communication, presentation and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail, ability to follow up and take initiative.
• Initiative, judgment and delivery focus.

Click here to apply

Business Development and Commercialization Specialist (Extractive Metallurgy Cluster) – 3 Year Fixed Term

Listing reference: minte_000426

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 30 June 2026

Position summary

Industry: Scientific, Research & Development

Job category: Business Development

Location: Randburg

Contract: Fixed Term Contract

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: No

Introduction

Mintek seeks a technically grounded Business Development and Commercialisation (BD&C) Specialist to drive the growth of the Extractive Metallurgy (EM) Cluster by bridging the gap between deep-tech innovation and market adoption. This is a BD&C role in the science-and-engineering field focused on commercialising intellectual property and creating new markets, not a generic sales or finance post.

Job description

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

• Proactively identify, originate, pursue, and mature business, partnership, investor, and funding opportunities on behalf of the EM Cluster, with a strong emphasis on commercialising IP in metallurgical applications as well as treatment of mine impacted water.
• Scan the market for opportunities aligned with EXM capabilities across hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy and biometallurgy, and identify higher-value opportunities that can be positioned through broader Mintek integration.
• Work closely with the Executive Managers of Hydrometallurgy, Pyrometallurgy and Biometallurgy to extract, interpret, and package key technical insights into externally relevant value propositions.
• Integrate capabilities across the three EM cluster divisions and, where relevant, with other clusters (MPC and MMA) into coherent solution offerings. For example, combining Hydrometallurgy’s metal recovery solutions with Biometallurgy’s heap leach expertise for cost effective metal recovery from low grade ores.
• Develop commercially grounded business cases, pitch material, and commercialisation pathways forintellectual property, including licensing, spinouts, joint ventures, and technology transfer.
• Shape opportunities into structured programmes, projects, concept notes, and proposals with clear scope, deliverables, and commercial logic.
• Engage mining companies, industrial partners, government stakeholders (DMPR, DSTI), development finance institutions, funding agencies, and investors in a credible and wellstructured manner.
• Understand and engage confidently with techno-economic assessments and investor-facing metrics (NPV, IRR, payback) to position EM’s offerings (e.g., chemical mine impacted water treatment options, low carbon reductive technologies for kilns, heap leach vs tank leaching) credibly to investors and strategic partners.
• Build and manage an opportunity pipeline that supports funding growth, revenue generation, and strategic partnerships for EM cluster and the wider Mintek platform.

Minimum requirements

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated ability to work with multidisciplinary technical teams and translate complex technical content into partner-facing opportunity narratives.
• Proven exposure to opportunity origination, proposal development, programme shaping, commercial scoping, costing, or strategic partnership development.
• Experience in or demonstrable understanding of technology commercialisation, IP management, and routes to market (licensing, spinouts, etc.).
• Working familiarity with techno-economic concepts and the ability to engage in discussions involving NPV, IRR, payback, discount rates, sensitivities, and scenario-based investment cases.
•  Sound commercial reasoning and sufficient financial literacy to engage with business cases and pricing logic.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear business-facing and investor-facing material.
• Integrated solution development across divisions and clusters.
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship development.
•  Familiarity with mining regulatory frameworks, including environmental, safety, permitting, and
  ESG requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• A BCom or equivalent commercial qualification together with a relevant BSc Hons, BSc Eng, or equivalent in science or engineering, specifically in fields such as Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A MSc/MEng in a relevant scientific or engineering field will be advantageous.
•  MBA or postgraduate business/commercial qualification supported by a strong technical grounding will be advantageous.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENSIES:

• Be able to work in a team.
• Excellent communication, presentation and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail, ability to follow up and take initiative.
• Initiative, judgment and delivery focus.

Click here to apply

We wish you all the best with your applications