Lead Mineral Processing Engineer — Optimize & Innovate

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life assurance

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Process Engineer to lead mineral processing optimization at its Benoni facility. The role demands deep expertise in complex processing circuits, driving efficiency, recovery, and technology adoption in a safety-focused environment.

You will oversee design, pilot studies, scale-up, and capital projects while mentoring engineers and collaborating with R&D to implement cutting-edge processing solutions in the Gauteng mining landscape.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in process engineering within the mining/metals sector.
• Proven expertise across mineral processing techniques (comminution, flotation, leaching, solid-liquid separation).
• Track record of implementing process improvements and new technologies in operations.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (METSIM, HSC Chemistry, Outotec HSC).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project-management skills.
• Exceptional leadership and communication abilities with mentoring experience.
• Experience managing capital projects/budgets related to process plant upgrades.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng, SAIMM) desirable; Gauteng experience advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimization of mineral processing plants and circuits.
• Analyze processes to improve recovery, efficiency, and cost.
• Oversee pilot plants and scale-up of new metallurgical processes.
• Develop and implement process control strategies for optimal plant performance.
• Provide expert guidance and mentorship to process engineers and operations teams.
• Manage process engineering projects from conception to commissioning.
• Ensure designs comply with safety, health, and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with R&D to evaluate and integrate novel technologies.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and process documentation.
• Troubleshoot complex issues and enhance plant performance.
• Stay updated on industry best practices, trends, and regulations in Benoni.

Skills

Mineral processing

Process optimization

Project management

Leadership

Mentoring/technical guidance

Education

MSc or PhD in Metallurgical/Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Outotec HSC

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Process Engineer to lead mineral processing optimization at its Benoni facility. The role demands deep expertise in complex processing circuits, driving efficiency, recovery, and technology adoption in a safety-focused environment.

You will oversee design, pilot studies, scale-up, and capital projects while mentoring engineers and collaborating with R&D to implement cutting-edge processing solutions in the Gauteng mining landscape.