Chemical Engineer - Hydrometallurgy Specialist

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid time off

On-the-job training

Project exposure

Accommodation allowances

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Engineer with hydrometallurgy expertise for a challenging role in Upington, Northern Cape. You will design and optimize metal extraction processes, lead laboratory and pilot tests, and work with operators and engineers to improve recovery and efficiency.

The position requires a degree in Chemical Engineering and 2–7 years of relevant experience, with a strong grasp of leaching, SX/IX, and electrowinning. Safety and environmental standards are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 2–7 years of experience in chemical engineering with a focus on hydrometallurgy.
• Knowledge of leaching, SX, IX, precipitation, electrowinning processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize hydrometallurgical processes for metal extraction and recovery.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale testing to evaluate process feasibility and performance.
• Develop PFDs, mass and energy balances, and equipment specifications.
• Troubleshoot leaching, purification, and metal precipitation circuits.
• Ensure environmental compliance for chemical usage and effluent treatment.
• Collaborate with metallurgists to improve recoveries and product purity.
• Implement process control strategies to optimize plant performance.
• Assist in commissioning and startup of hydrometallurgical plants or upgrades.
• Prepare technical reports and safety assessments.
• Stay updated on hydrometallurgical technologies.

Skills

Hydrometallurgy

Chemical Engineering

Laboratory testing

Process optimization

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic player in the mining and metals sector, is seeking a specialized Chemical Engineer with expertise in Hydrometallurgy to join their team in Upington, Northern Cape. This role is crucial for the development, optimization, and operation of chemical processes used in the extraction and refining of valuable metals from ores and concentrates. You will be involved in areas such as leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and electrowinning. The position requires a strong understanding of aqueous chemistry, reaction kinetics, and process design within a demanding industrial environment. The successful candidate will work closely with metallurgists, process operators, and project engineers to enhance recovery rates, improve process efficiency, and ensure compliance with stringent safety and environmental standards. This is an exciting opportunity to apply specialized chemical engineering skills in a critical sector for the Northern Cape economy.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize hydrometallurgical processes for metal extraction and recovery.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale testing to evaluate process feasibility and performance.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), mass and energy balances, and equipment specifications.
• Troubleshoot operational challenges in leaching, purification, and metal precipitation circuits.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations regarding chemical usage, waste disposal, and effluent treatment.
• Collaborate with metallurgists to improve metal recoveries and product purity.
• Implement process control strategies to optimize plant performance and ensure consistency.
• Assist in the commissioning and startup of new hydrometallurgical plants or process upgrades.
• Prepare technical reports, safety assessments, and operational manuals.
• Stay updated on advancements in hydrometallurgical technologies and chemical engineering practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 2-7 years of experience in chemical engineering, with a specialization or strong focus on hydrometallurgy.
• Demonstrated knowledge of key hydrometallurgical processes (e.g., leaching, SX, IX, precipitation, electrowinning).
• Understanding of inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry, and solution kinetics relevant to metal extraction.
• Familiarity with process simulation software and laboratory analytical techniques.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to work in an industrial site environment in Upington, Northern Cape.
• Experience with mineral processing or extractive metallurgy is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based incentives.
• Medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Paid time off and leave allowances.
• Opportunities for on-the-job training and professional development in specialized fields.
• Exposure to significant projects within the mining and metals industry.
• Contribution to a challenging and rewarding work environment.
• Accommodation allowance or assistance may be provided.