MINTEK

 

 

 

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 management representatives (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.

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

PLEASE APPLY HERE