Lead Metallurgical Engineer Position

Lead Metallurgical Engineer Position

Entreprise : OLIBUL INVESTMENTS LIMITED

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OLIBUL INVESTMENTS LIMITED CONSULTANCY OPPORTUNITY Assignment: Paragraph: Senior Metallurgist — Metallurgy & Metals Consultant Specialist (Product Development Phase) This senior-level role focuses on metallurgical expertise and metals consulting, specifically within the product development phase. The position requires in-depth knowledge of metallurgical processes, materials science, and product optimization to drive innovation and performance. Responsibilities include analyzing material properties, advising on alloy selection, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality and durability. The ideal candidate will possess advanced technical skills, proven experience in metallurgical consulting, and a strong understanding of industry standards and regulatory compliance. Location: Sole, located in the North-Western Province of Zambia, is the designated part-time work location during the product development phase. This role will also involve periodic travel to customer mine sites across Zambia and, in the second phase, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Engagement Type: Independent Consultancy — offered on a contract basis, aligned with the product development phase and potentially the commissioning phase, with the possibility of extension by mutual consent. Reports To: Development team/EPC/Chief Technical Officer About Us LIBEL Investments Limited, a proudly Zambian, citizen-owned enterprise, boasts over ten years of industry experience in sand mining, limestone quarrying, industrial minerals, and cross-border bulk haulage freight, with operations spanning the North-Western Province and the SADC regional corridor. The company is currently advancing its flagship project. Paragraph: At Bela Steel Grinding Media Manufacturing Facility, we specialize in the production of high-quality steel grinding media, serving industries reliant on precision-engineered components. Our state-of-the-art facility adheres to rigorous manufacturing standards, ensuring durability, consistency, and performance in every product. Key responsibilities include overseeing production processes, maintaining equipment, and upholding stringent quality control measures to meet industry specifications. Candidates should possess technical expertise in metallurgy or related fields, along with hands-on experience in manufacturing environments. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety protocols are essential for success in this role. in Solwezi — Forged and high-chromium cast steel grinding media are meticulously manufactured to deliver exceptional durability and performance in milling applications. This specialized media is engineered to withstand the rigorous demands of industrial grinding operations, ensuring optimal wear resistance and extended service life. Comprised of high-quality alloyed steel, these products undergo precise casting or forging processes to achieve superior hardness and toughness, making them ideal for use in cement, mining, and other heavy-duty industries. We are recruiting a senior metallurgical/hydrometallurgical consultant to support product development initiatives within our mines and mills across Zambia and the broader regional operations.

Assignment Purpose

We are seeking an experienced metallurgist and metals specialist with a demonstrated history of developing grinding media to join us on a consultancy basis. The successful candidate will provide external support to the Bela team by finalizing alloy chemistries and heat-treatment processes, validating the billet and charge-material strategy, establishing specifications and test protocols, assessing the plant laboratory and quality systems, and guiding the execution plan for trial campaigns in collaboration with our international EPC partner—ensuring the plant commences production with its metallurgical processes fully optimized and de-risked.

Scope of Consultancy Services

We are seeking a professional to conduct thorough product and process validation. This role involves evaluating developed assets, scrutinizing alloy chemistries, and finalizing heat-treatment recipes for forged grades as well as high-chromium cast grades. Additionally, the position requires assessing forging reduction parameters and quench-and-temper procedures to ensure optimal performance and compliance with industry standards. Validate procurement specifications for round bar and cast-line charge materials, ensuring strict adherence to quality standards through meticulous verification of mill certificates. Additionally, oversee the qualification of suppliers to maintain compliance and reliability in material sourcing. Specification & Test Protocol Development — Establish the Master Product Specification and implement a comprehensive testing framework, including assessments of surface and volumetric hardness, impact resistance, drop-ball and marked-ball trials, as well as microstructure analysis and dimensional verification. Laboratory & QA System Validation — Conduct an evaluation of the designated plant laboratory, encompassing spectrometry, metallography, and hardness testing. Following this assessment, develop a quality management system aligned with ISO 9001 standards, incorporating batch traceability, and ensure it is deployable. EPC / Technology-Partner Liaison — Serve as the primary technical representative for the owner throughout the phases of installation, commissioning, and acceptance testing. Lead plant trials and wear-rate benchmarking in collaboration with mining customers across Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, subsequently utilizing the findings to inform and enhance product development initiatives. Conduct structured knowledge transfer and handover initiatives by documenting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), providing mentorship to the internal technical team, and facilitating a seamless transition to the incoming Head of Metallurgical and Metals.

Minimum Requirements

Earned a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Metallurgical Engineering, Metallurgy and Mineral Processing, or Materials Science and Engineering from an accredited academic institution. A Registered Professional Engineer with the Engineering Institution of Zambia (LIZ/Entry), possessing a current Practicing License—or one that can be secured prior to starting the role—is required. When engaged via a consultancy firm, the engineering unit of the firm must be registered under the LIZ Act No. 17 of 2010, a stipulation that applies uniformly to both Zambian and international practitioners. Here’s the paragraph with the same facts and requirements, but with professional restructuring and varied vocabulary: “Applicants must have at least 15 years of hands-on experience gained after professional qualification, with a strong background in senior leadership roles. This experience should include overseeing large-scale operations within grinding media production or steel billet manufacturing facilities, such as forging, foundry processes, and heat treatment.” Proven expertise in induction melting and alloy charge management, high-chromium white cast irons, forged-ball production, and quench-and-temper processes. With extensive experience in providing services to major mining operations across Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or similar regulatory environments, including assessments of grinding media performance, the ideal candidate will bring valuable expertise to this role. Possesses a strong proficiency in the relevant standards governing grinding media and steel bars, including ASTM, ISO, and GB, along with the ability to interpret mill certificates and conduct spectrographic analysis.

Added Advantages

A postgraduate qualification, such as an M.Sc., in metallurgy or materials engineering is required. ACE membership, when serving in a consulting engineering capacity, and SAIME membership are required. ISO 9001 implementation or lead-auditor training certification is required. Technical contributions to bankable feasibility studies or projects financed by Development Finance Institutions (Dais) have been provided in the past. A current silicosis or medical fitness certificate is required for access to mine sites. Professional exposure to documentation originating from Chinese-based facilities adhering to GB standards, coupled with fluency in multiple languages to facilitate effective regional communication.

How to Express Interest

Qualified consultants must provide a comprehensive CV, certified copies of their qualifications, evidence of LIZ registration, and a valid practicing license (where applicable), along with a current medical certificate (if obtainable). Additionally, they should outline their availability for the upcoming product development period, which can be communicated through either a virtual or in-person meeting. [Click the Apply button below to apply, and Create my CV to build a CV tailored to this offer, professionally] | [Click the Apply button below to apply, and Create my CV to build a CV tailored to this offer, professionally] [Click the Apply button below to apply, and Create my CV to build a CV tailored to this offer, professionally] | [Click the Apply button below to apply, and Create my CV to build a CV tailored to this offer, professionally] Closing Date: 27th July, 2026 LIBEL Investments Limited maintains a firm commitment to equal opportunities throughout its recruitment process. Correspondence regarding applications will be extended exclusively to candidates who are shortlisted for consideration.

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