Chemical Process Engineer - Mining and Metallurgy

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Disability insurance

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Chemical Process Engineer for our mining/metallurgical client near Bloemfontein, Free State. The role focuses on optimizing and troubleshooting chemical processes in mineral extraction, refining, and metal recovery, including designing improvements and piloting new tech.

The successful candidate will have a strong hydrometallurgy/pyrometallurgy background, experience with leaching, solvent extraction, and electrochemistry, and be capable of coordinating with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering.
• 5+ years in process engineering within mining, minerals processing or metallurgy.
• Experience in hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical processes is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of leaching, solvent extraction, precipitation and electrochemistry.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize existing metallurgical chemical processes for efficiency and yield.
• Design and conduct bench-scale and pilot-plant test programs for new processes or improvements.
• Develop PFDs, mass and energy balances, and equipment specifications.
• Troubleshoot leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning, and precipitation issues.
• Ensure operations meet safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with plant operations, maintenance, and R&D teams.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and project proposals.
• Evaluate and recommend new process technologies and equipment.
• Assist in commissioning and start-up of new process units.
• Provide technical support and training to plant personnel.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Data interpretation

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Metallurgical Engineering (advantage)

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining and metallurgical sector, is seeking a skilled Chemical Process Engineer for their operations near Bloemfontein, Free State . This role is vital for optimizing and troubleshooting the chemical processes involved in mineral extraction, refining, and metal recovery. You will be responsible for process design improvements, piloting new technologies, and ensuring the efficient and environmentally sound operation of metallurgical plants. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, solvent extraction, precipitation, or related fields. You will work closely with metallurgists, engineers, and plant operators to enhance process performance, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with stringent safety and environmental regulations. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career opportunity within a dynamic and essential industry. We are looking for a proactive engineer who can identify opportunities for process innovation and drive their implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize existing metallurgical chemical processes for efficiency and yield.
• Design and conduct bench-scale and pilot-plant test programs for new processes or improvements.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), mass and energy balances, and equipment specifications.
• Troubleshoot operational issues in areas such as leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning, and precipitation.
• Ensure process operations meet safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with plant operations, maintenance, and R&D teams.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and project proposals.
• Evaluate and recommend new process technologies and equipment.
• Assist in the commissioning and start-up of new process units.
• Provide technical support and training to plant personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in process engineering within the mining, minerals processing, or metallurgy industry.
• Specific experience in hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical processes is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of unit operations such as leaching, solid-liquid separation, solvent extraction, precipitation, and electrochemistry.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry, or similar).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective teamwork.
• Familiarity with process safety management and environmental regulations in the mining sector.
• Ability to work effectively in a plant environment.
• Professional registration (Pr.Eng) is an advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, annual bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and disability insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and career progression within the group are provided.

This permanent, full-time position is located at our operational site near Bloemfontein , offering a chance to work on critical processes within South Africa's vital mining sector.