Chemical Engineer - Hydrometallurgy Specialist

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 103,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional growth opportunities

Medical aid and retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly specialized Chemical Engineer with expertise in hydrometallurgy to join an innovation team in Kimberley, Northern Cape. You will lead R&D initiatives, conduct pilot studies, and support scale-up of hydrometallurgical processes for metal recovery from ore concentrates and waste streams.

The role requires deep knowledge of leaching, SX, IX, and precipitation, with emphasis on aqueous chemistry and thermodynamics.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or related field.
• 7+ years in hydrometallurgical process development/operations in mining.
• Experience with leaching, SX, IX, and precipitation processes.
• Strong background in aqueous chemistry, electrochemistry, and thermodynamics.
• Pilot plant operation and scale-up experience.
• Proficiency with process simulation software.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot hydrometallurgical processes for metal extraction and refining.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to evaluate process performance and economics.
• Analyze process data, interpret results, and develop recommendations for operational improvements.
• Design and specify equipment for hydrometallurgical circuits (e.g., reactors, thickeners, filters).
• Collaborate with geologists, metallurgists, and process engineers to integrate chemical processes into the overall mining value chain.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to chemical usage and effluent discharge.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and process design documents.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and best practices in hydrometallurgy.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and chemists.

Skills

Hydrometallurgy

Leaching

Solvent extraction

Ion exchange

Precipitation

Aqueous chemistry

Electrochemistry

Chemical thermodynamics

Pilot plant operation

Scale-up of processes

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy

Metallurgy focus

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

Our client, a prominent mining and resource extraction company, is seeking a highly specialized Chemical Engineer with expertise in hydrometallurgy to join their innovation team in **Kimberley, Northern Cape**. This role is pivotal in the development and optimization of chemical processes for metal recovery and purification from ore concentrates and waste streams. You will lead research and development initiatives, conduct pilot studies, and provide technical support for the scale‑up of hydrometallurgical processes. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of aqueous chemistry, leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and precipitation techniques within the context of mineral processing. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to sustainable resource management and cutting‑edge metallurgical advancements in **Kimberley**.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot hydrometallurgical processes for metal extraction and refining.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot‑scale experiments to evaluate process performance and economics.
• Analyze process data, interpret results, and develop recommendations for operational improvements.
• Design and specify equipment for hydrometallurgical circuits (e.g., reactors, thickeners, filters).
• Collaborate with geologists, metallurgists, and process engineers to integrate chemical processes into the overall mining value chain.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to chemical usage and effluent discharge.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and process design documents.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and best practices in hydrometallurgy.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and chemists.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or a related field with a focus on hydrometallurgy.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in hydrometallurgical process development and/or operations, preferably in the mining sector.
• Proven expertise in leaching, solvent extraction (SX), ion exchange (IX), and precipitation processes.
• Strong background in aqueous chemistry, electrochemistry, and chemical thermodynamics.
• Experience with pilot plant operation and scale‑up of chemical processes.
• Proficiency in process simulation software is advantageous.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and research skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) designation is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund benefits, and excellent opportunities for professional growth and technical development.
• This role operates on a hybrid model, fostering collaboration with on‑site teams while allowing for focused remote work.
• Employees benefit from a stimulating work environment and the chance to contribute to vital extraction processes.

Located in **Kimberley, Northern Cape**, you will be part of a company dedicated to responsible resource development and technological innovation.