Principal Metallurgist in Port Pirie

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Function: Technology

Location: AU

Overview of the Role

A career at Nyrstar offers you the opportunity to work with a globally-recognised leader in mining and smelting, contributing to the production of critical minerals and metals that are essential for a low-carbon future.

We are currently seeking a Principal Metallurgist to join our Technology/Metals Processing Department in Port Pirie, South Australia. In this role, you will provide expert metallurgical leadership to optimise processes, troubleshoot complex issues, and deliver innovative solutions that drive operational efficiency. As a senior technical authority on-site, you will play a key role in advancing metallurgical performance and mentoring metallurgists, contributing to both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic initiatives.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and support a dynamic industrial environment while contributing to sustainability and operational excellence.

Location: Port Pirie, South Australia

Contract Type: Permanent, full-time

Reports To: Manager – Technology

Key Responsibilities

In this hands‑on and highly collaborative role, you will:

Technical Leadership and Process Optimisation

• Provide expert metallurgical advice across all areas of Port Pirie’s operations, including smelting, refining, downstream processing, and effluent treatment.
• Identify and resolve complex plant and process issues using robust data analysis, statistical tools, thermodynamic principles, and mass‑balancing techniques.
• Undertake and lead feasibility, commissioning, and concept‑level projects that improve plant performance through debottlenecking, efficiency enhancements, and recovery improvements.
• Develop strategic technical solutions to drive short‑and‑long‑term operational and business improvements.

Consultation and Collaboration

• Collaborate with Plant Metallurgists, Operations Superintendents, and Maintenance teams to identify constraints and improvement opportunities.
• Actively contribute to site‑level technical planning, providing clear, evidence‑based recommendations to operations and maintenance teams.
• Work closely with the Environmental department on projects such as LIA management and water discharge compliance.

Continuous Improvement and Knowledge Transfer

• Initiate and manage projects addressing key metallurgical and technical challenges.
• Incorporate environmental and safety considerations into all operational recommendations.
• Mentor and guide Junior Metallurgists, promoting knowledge transfer and technical skill‑building.

Key Stakeholders & Relationships

Internal Stakeholders:

• Production Managers and Superintendents
• Plant, Junior, and Senior Metallurgists
• Technical Development and Metallurgical Planning Teams

External Stakeholders:

• Technology providers (e.g., Metso) and engineering service providers
• Suppliers of process feedstock and equipment
• Academic and professional institutions

What You will Bring to the Role

Education & Qualifications

• Essential: Bachelor’s Degree in Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering, Science, or a related discipline.
• Desirable: Master’s or PhD in Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering or a related field.

Skills & Experience:

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in pyrometallurgical or metallurgical process industries.
• Proven expertise in smelter operations, flow sheets, and process modelling.
• Strong expertise in troubleshooting and optimization of pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes.
• Proficiency in thermodynamics, statistical process control, and the use of simulation tools like Microsoft Excel and process simulation software.
• High-level analytical, problem‑solving, and lateral‑thinking skills.
• Broad knowledge of emerging trends in metals processing, emissions control, and circular economy.
• Experience delivering technical insights at conferences or academic forums.

This role offers:

• Be part of a global leader in mining and smelting, driving innovation in critical minerals production.
• Enjoy a stable and long‑term career– backed by Trafigura, a global leader in the commodity trading industry.
• Access opportunities for growth and development– build your skills in a supportive environment.
• Enjoy our benefits package, which includes:
• Competitive salary and relocation assistance (Port Pirie is only 2.5 hours from Adelaide).
• 5 weeks of annual leave.
• Fitness Passport discounted gym memberships.
• Subsidised dental care & Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Novated car leasing.
• Paid parental leave.

About Nyrstar

Nyrstar is a leading international producer of industrial and critical minerals and metals essential to the energy transition, high-technology applications and regional security. With a market-leading position in zinc and lead the company operates interlinked smelting and related facilities across Europe and Australia.

Nyrstar’s operating business is wholly owned by Trafigura, one of the world’s leading independent commodity trading and supply chain logistics companies.

Nyrstar Australia has been operating in Port Pirie and Hobart for over 100 years. It produces lead, zinc, silver, antimony metal, copper and is one of Australia’s largest producers of saleable sulphuric acid - the world’s most used industrial chemical.

Please note you must have unrestricted valid rights to work in Australia. Nyrstar is an equal opportunity employer and supports diversity within its workforce. Nyrstar Port Pirie’s Safety Policy requires clean shaven employees and is a non-smoking site. As a Major Hazard Facility that is subject to SafeWork SA regulations, you may be asked questions regarding your physical attributes to ensure regulatory compliance. Only applicants who progress to the next stage will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in applying for a position at Nyrstar.

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