Plant Metallurgist

Overview of the role

We’re seeking a Plant Metallurgist to join our Technical Team in Port Pirie. You will play a pivotal role in optimising the performance of our TSL smelting furnace, sulfuric acid plant, and other metallurgical processes.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and driven metallurgist to join one of the world’s leading and most complex multi-metals processing sites.

Location: Port Pirie, South Australia

Employment Type: Full-time, Site-Based

Industry: Mining, Processing & Refining

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Provide expert technical support to our metallurgical furnace and sulfuric acid plant operations, ensuring process stability and delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Monitor and analyse performance data, identifying variances and troubleshooting operational challenges to maintain efficiency and minimise environmental impact.
• Optimise processes to improve recovery rates, resource utilisation, and asset efficiency while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental practices.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, trials, and projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, and technical teams, to execute process optimisation and improvement plans.
• Prepare blend plans for furnace feed, metal accounting reports, reconciliations, and contribution to End-of-Month (EOM) results.
• Play a key role in Change Management Plans, ensuring risks are mitigated, and results align with long-term business goals.
• Educate operators and team members on key process parameters and standards, aiding in the transfer of metallurgical knowledge.
• Promote safe work practices and actively work to minimise environmental impact.

About You

To excel in this role, you will possess:

Qualifications & Experience:

• A formal qualification in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or a related field.
• Minimum 5+ years' experience in a plant-based metallurgy or chemical engineering role, preferably in smelting or process industries.
• Strong understanding of metallurgical flow sheets and smelting operations.
• Expertise in process optimisation and operational troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with experience in SAP/ERP systems being desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to collaborate in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational data and make informed decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for engaging with cross-functional teams.

Personal Attributes:

• Results-driven with a passion for metallurgy and process engineering.
• Safety-conscious with a strong understanding of best practices in compliance, health, and environmental standards.
• Team-oriented, adaptable, and able to thrive in a dynamic operational environment.

If you're ready to embrace this challenge and take the next step in your career, apply now and become a pivotal part of our dedicated team. 

What we offer:

At Nyrstar, we don’t just offer jobs – we shape careers. Be part of a company that values innovation, continuous improvement, and teamwork.

Here’s what you will gain by joining us:

This role offers:

• A permanent, full-time leadership role within a stable and growing global company.
• 5 weeks annual leave

• Competitive salary package, with relocation assistance if needed (only 2.5 hrs from Adelaide)
• Fitness Passport discounted gym memberships
• Salary sacrifice novated car leasing
• Subsidised Dental Care & Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid parental leave
• Further education support

If you’re ready to tackle exciting challenges and make a lasting impact on our operations, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply now by submitting your resume and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so don’t delay.

For more information or a confidential discussion, contact us directly.

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.

Visit www.nyrstar.com

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.