Hydrometallurgical Process Engineer

Placements24; United States; Remote; USD 54,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Medical and retirement benefits

Relocation assistance

Professional development opportunities

Based in Welkom

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Hydrometallurgical Process Engineer for a Welkom-based facility in the Free State. You will design, optimize and troubleshoot circuits for metal extraction, focusing on recovery, cost reduction and environmental compliance.

You will lead lab and pilot-scale tests, perform mass/energy balances, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to implement robust, safe processes in a challenging mining environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering.
• 5+ years in hydrometallurgical design, development or operations.
• Solid understanding of metal extraction chemistry.
• Experience with leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, precipitation and electrowinning.
• Proficiency in process simulation and data analysis.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot hydrometallurgical processes.
• Conduct lab and pilot-scale test work to evaluate process parameters.
• Perform mass and energy balances for unit operations.
• Design and implement process control strategies.
• Analyze data to identify trends and improvements for recovery and costs.
• Collaborate with metallurgists, geologists, and engineers to align with mine planning.
• Ensure safety, health, and environmental standards are met.
• Prepare technical reports and feasibility studies.
• Assist in commissioning and start-up of equipment and plant modifications.
• Stay updated on hydrometallurgical advances.

Skills

Hydrometallurgical process design

Unit operations experience

Chemical principles

Data analysis

Process simulation

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Safety & environmental stewardship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the precious metals sector, is seeking a skilled Hydrometallurgical Process Engineer for their facility in Welkom , Free State. This role is crucial for the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of hydrometallurgical circuits used in the extraction and refining of metals. The successful candidate will work within a challenging operational environment, applying advanced chemical engineering principles to maximize recovery rates, minimize operating costs, and ensure environmental compliance. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a vital industry in the heart of South Africa's mining region, Welkom . We are looking for an analytical and results-driven engineer with specialized knowledge in aqueous-based metal processing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot hydrometallurgical processes, including leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, precipitation, and electrowinning.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale test work to evaluate process parameters and develop new processing routes.
• Perform mass and energy balance calculations for various unit operations within the hydrometallurgical plant.
• Design and implement process control strategies to ensure stable and efficient operation.
• Analyze process data, identify trends, and recommend improvements to enhance metal recovery and reduce operational costs.
• Collaborate with metallurgists, geologists, and other engineers to integrate process improvements with overall mine planning and operations.
• Ensure all process designs and operations meet stringent safety, health, and environmental standards.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and process documentation.
• Assist in the commissioning and start-up of new process equipment and plant modifications.
• Stay current with advancements in hydrometallurgical technologies and their potential application.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience specifically in hydrometallurgical process design, development, or operations.
• In-depth understanding of chemical principles relevant to metal extraction from ores and concentrates.
• Experience with common hydrometallurgical unit processes and equipment.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry) and data analysis tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.
• Experience in the gold or platinum group metals (PGM) industry is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance bonuses and comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• The company provides extensive opportunities for professional development through specialized training and involvement in challenging projects.
• The role is based in Welkom , offering proximity to key mining operations and a stable community environment.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.