Senior Chemical Engineer - Hydrometallurgy

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Housing allowance or subsidized on‑sl:

Job summary

Our client, a major gold mining and processing company, is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer specializing in hydrometallurgy to join their team in Welkom, Free State. The role focuses on optimizing and troubleshooting hydrometallurgical processes to improve yield and efficiency within a large-scale mining operation.

The ideal candidate will lead process design, monitor performance, and ensure environmental and safety compliance while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with

Qualifications

• 7+ years in chemical engineering with hydrometallurgy in mining or metals processing.
• Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy is required.
• Experience with leaching, SX/EW, ion exchange, or precipitation.
• Strong data-driven analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize hydrometallurgical processes (leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, precipitation).
• Perform mass and energy balances to improve efficiency and recovery.
• Design pilot and full-scale plant modifications.
• Monitor process performance and troubleshoot deviations.
• Collaborate with metallurgists, geologists, and operations teams.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for management.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Stay updated on hydrometallurgy advancements.
• Mentor junior engineers and staff.
• Participate in capital project evaluations and execution.

Skills

Hydrometallurgy

Leaching

SX/EW

Ion exchange

Precipitation

Process simulation

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy

Tools

METSIM

Outotec HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major gold mining and processing company, is looking for a highly motivated Senior Chemical Engineer specializing in Hydrometallurgy to join their team in **Welkom, Free State**. This role is integral to optimizing and troubleshooting the complex chemical processes involved in metal extraction and recovery. You will be responsible for process design, performance monitoring, yield improvement, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on large-scale operations and contribute significantly to the efficiency and profitability of the company's core business in the heart of South Africa's mining sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot hydrometallurgical processes, including leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and precipitation.
• Conduct detailed process analysis, including mass and energy balances, to identify areas for improvement in efficiency and recovery.
• Design and implement pilot-scale and full-scale plant modifications and upgrades.
• Monitor process performance using key indicators, troubleshoot deviations, and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with metallurgists, geologists, and plant operations teams to ensure process integration and achieve production targets.
• Prepare technical reports, process documentation, and presentations for management and stakeholders.
• Ensure all process activities comply with stringent health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in hydrometallurgy and relevant technologies.
• Provide technical support and mentorship to junior engineers and technical staff.
• Participate in capital project evaluations and execution related to hydrometallurgical processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy from a recognized institution.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in chemical engineering, with a strong focus on hydrometallurgy within the mining or metals processing industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following: leaching, SX/EW, ion exchange, or precipitation processes.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, Outotec HSC Chemistry, or similar) is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience with process safety management and environmental compliance in mining operations.
• Ability to work effectively in an operational environment in **Welkom**.
• Knowledge of gold or base metals processing is a significant advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, annual performance bonus, comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, housing allowance or subsidized accommodation, and excellent career development opportunities within a leading mining group. Employees also benefit from on-site amenities and a strong focus on safety and employee well-being. This role provides the chance to work on challenging projects in a dynamic operational setting.