Contract

Mintek Head: Leaching Vacancy 2026

Mintek

General / Other

Opportunity Overview

Mintek, a leading organisation in the mining and quarrying industry, is offering an exciting opportunity for a Head in the Leaching department of its Hydrometallurgy Division. This permanent position, based in Randburg, involves leading complex assignments and projects that require high levels of integration and specialised knowledge.

The successful candidate will play a significant role as a technical integrator across various disciplines, making decisions that impact research direction at a national level. This role is ideal for an individual with extensive experience who can provide strong guidance to subordinates and drive impactful research outcomes.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following criteria:

A minimum of an MSc or MEng qualification.
Ideally, a PhD in Extractive Metallurgy or a relevant scientific field relating to Hydrometallurgy (Engineering or Science).
At least 8-10 years of experience in the relevant field.
Registration with SACNASP or ECSA.

Key Responsibilities

The Head: Leaching will be responsible for a range of critical functions, including:

Interpreting organisational strategy to align research with strategic choices.
Designing operational systems that integrate multiple disciplines and processes.
Identifying opportunities for discoveries and patents.
Preparing large funding proposals to secure resources for complex projects.
Ensuring external revenue contributions to support research group activities.
Analysing and managing coordinated research projects that address complex industry problems.
Analysing, interpreting, and reporting on highly complex research outcomes through reports, publications, and presentations at national or international expert levels.
Managing large, multi-year projects and programmes, including resource and execution planning.
Providing technical sign-off for the work completed by junior staff.
Overseeing significant equipment and facilities.
Working independently and providing instruction to junior staff.
Preparing expert-level reports, presentations, and publications.
Leading, guiding, mentoring, and training staff, as well as supervising post-graduate students.

What the Work Involves

As the Head of Leaching, you will lead the execution of complex research assignments within Mintek's Hydrometallurgy Division. Your daily work will involve interpreting strategic goals, designing integrated systems, and actively seeking opportunities for new discoveries and patents. A key part of the role includes preparing large funding proposals and managing external revenue to support the research group's projects.

You will be responsible for analysing and managing intricate research projects that tackle unique problems within the industry, ensuring these projects have a clear value proposition. This includes critically assessing problems, conceptualising research, and reporting on highly complex outcomes through various expert-level publications and presentations. You will also manage multi-year projects, oversee significant equipment and facilities, and provide technical sign-off for junior staff's work. Furthermore, you will play a crucial role in developing talent by leading, guiding, mentoring staff, and supervising post-graduate students in a dynamic research environment.

How to Apply

Applications for this position close on 5 September 2026.

To apply, please visit the official Mintek careers portal: https://mintek.ci.hr/applicant/index.php?controller=Listings&method=view&listingid=cb3f4ad6-979c-4265-9270-b818943fe395

This listing in context

What the 326 opportunities we currently hold say about this one.

Live contract posts: 64
Open to all provinces: 21
Closing within 7 days: 8

23% of the 64 live contract posts we hold ask for Postgraduate (NQF 8+). The commonest requirement is Degree (NQF 7), at 34%.

Live contract posts stay open for a median of 14 days between posting and closing date.

Calculated by SetaJobs from the 326 listings open on this site right now, and updated as they change.

What you'll need to apply

Municipalities, state-owned companies and public entities each run their own process, mostly on their own application form rather than the Z83 — use a Z83 only where this advert asks for one. Send exactly what it lists.

The employer’s own application form
Your CV
Certified copy of your ID
Certified copies of any qualifications

Full checklist for a public entity or municipality →

What a fixed-term post involves

A contract post is employment for a defined period or project. The work and the requirements are usually identical to a permanent post at the same level — the difference is the end date. Contract staff generally receive the same salary scale, sometimes with benefits paid as an allowance instead of a fund contribution.

How the selection usually runs

The screening and interview process mirrors a permanent post, and the minimum requirements are applied just as strictly.
Contract posts are often filled faster than permanent ones, because the funding is tied to a project timeline.

What you leave with

Directly relevant experience at the level you want, and internal standing when a permanent post at that level is eventually advertised.

Where this leads next

Contract renewal or extension
Continued funding for the project or post.
Permanent appointment at the same level
Competing for the post when it is advertised — contract service does not convert automatically.
A higher level elsewhere
The experience the contract gave you, which is what the next advert is asking for.

A typical route, not a guarantee — progression depends on vacancies, funding and your own performance.

Watch out for this

Confirm what happens at the end of the term before you resign from something else. A fixed-term contract ends by expiry, and that is not a dismissal you can contest.

About the General / Other sector

This is an entry-level opportunity. Browse SetaJobs by sector and province to find more roles that match your qualifications.

Helpful guides before you apply

Know someone who needs this? Share it:

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Entry Level Job Opportunities Vacancy 2026

National Prosecuting Authority

Department of Basic Education (DBE) Senior Administration Clerk Vacancy 2026

Department of Basic Education

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) SRD Grant Application 2026

R370 per month, with the current extension running from April

R370/month