Chemical Process Engineer - Mining and Minerals

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-based incentives

Housing assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, invites applications for a Chemical Process Engineer to join on-site operations focused on mineral beneficiation and extraction. You will optimize chemical processes, run simulations, and contribute to design and improvements while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The role involves collaborating with metallurgists and geologists, leading pilot trials and developing operating manuals to drive efficiency and product quality in a demanding

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in process engineering, mining or minerals processing.
• Experience with mineral processing analysis and lab procedures.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize chemical processes for mineral beneficiation.
• Conduct feasibility studies, simulations, and pilot plant trials.
• Develop and maintain PFDs and P&IDs.
• Perform chemical and physical property analysis for mineral processing.
• Monitor operations, analyze performance data for efficiency gains.
• Troubleshoot upsets and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure safety, health and environmental compliance.
• Collaborate with metallurgists, geologists and operations staff.
• Prepare technical reports and project documentation.
• Support commissioning and start-up of new equipment.

Skills

Hydrometallurgy

Pyrometallurgy

Flotation

Process Simulation

P&ID design

PFD creation

Analytical methods

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

MetSim

HSC Chemistry

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining and minerals processing sector, is seeking a dedicated Chemical Process Engineer to join their established operations in Rustenburg, North West . This is an on-site position requiring a hands‑on approach to optimizing and troubleshooting chemical processes critical to mineral extraction and refinement. The role is integral to enhancing efficiency, ensuring product quality, and maintaining stringent environmental compliance. The successful candidate will be involved in the entire lifecycle of process development and improvement, from conceptual design to operational execution. This opportunity is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a demanding industrial environment and is passionate about applying chemical engineering principles to solve complex challenges in resource extraction. You will work within a supportive team environment that prioritizes safety, professional development, and operational excellence. Our client is committed to fostering a long‑term career path for its employees, providing opportunities for growth and advancement within its extensive operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize chemical processes for mineral beneficiation and extraction.
• Conduct feasibility studies, process simulations, and pilot plant trials to evaluate new technologies and process modifications.
• Develop and maintain Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Perform detailed chemical and physical property analysis relevant to mineral processing.
• Monitor plant operations, analyze performance data, and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and product loss.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, health, and environmental regulations and company policies.
• Collaborate with metallurgists, geologists, and operations personnel to achieve process goals.
• Prepare technical reports, operational manuals, and project documentation.
• Support the commissioning and start-up of new process equipment and plants.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering, specifically within the mining or minerals processing industry.
• Strong understanding of hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and/or flotation processes.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., MetSim, HSC Chemistry, Aspen Plus).
• Experience with P&ID development and PFD creation.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques and laboratory procedures related to mineral processing.
• Familiarity with safety protocols and environmental regulations in the mining sector.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in an industrial setting.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Experience with process control systems is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary package, including medical aid, a provident fund, and performance-based incentives.
• Opportunities for professional development, including further training and conference participation, are readily available.
• The company offers a stable and secure working environment within a well-established industry leader.
• Employees benefit from subsidized housing and transport options, and the chance to work on significant projects that contribute to the resource sector's growth.
• Enjoy the satisfaction of applying your engineering expertise in a practical, results-driven setting in Rustenburg , contributing directly to operational success.