Metallurgical Process Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid scheme

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Performance bonuses

Career growth potential

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Metallurgical Process Engineer for our mining client in Paarl, Western Cape. You will optimize and troubleshoot metallurgical processes to boost recovery, quality and efficiency in mineral processing plants.

The role requires a degree in Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering and at least four years of related experience. You will work with operations, laboratory and R&D teams to implement new technologies and ensure safety and environmental compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 4 years of metallurgical processing experience in mining/minerals.
• Experience optimizing processes such as flotation, leaching, gravity separation or smelting.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor metallurgical plant operations to improve efficiency, recovery and cost.
• Troubleshoot process issues and implement effective solutions.
• Develop and modify process controls to enhance mineral recovery and product quality.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and lab tests to evaluate new technologies.
• Maintain process documentation, including mass balances and flowsheets.
• Ensure safety, health and environmental compliance in the plant.
• Collaborate with R&D and operations to scale new processes.
• Provide technical support and training to operators and supervisors.

Skills

Flotation

Leaching

Gravity separation

Smelting

Data analysis

Thermodynamics

Kinetics

Problem solving

Education

Metallurgical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Tools

Metallurgical simulation software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished name in the mining sector, is actively seeking a skilled Metallurgical Process Engineer to join their innovative team in Paarl, Western Cape. This role is essential for optimizing and troubleshooting the metallurgical processes used in extracting valuable minerals. You will be responsible for analyzing process data, implementing improvements, and ensuring efficient and cost-effective operations within the mineral processing plants. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in chemical or metallurgical engineering, excellent analytical skills, and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. You will work closely with plant operations, laboratory personnel, and research and development teams to enhance recovery rates, improve product quality, and minimize environmental impact. This position demands a proactive engineer dedicated to driving operational excellence and adopting new technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Monitor and analyze metallurgical plant operations to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, recovery, and cost. Troubleshoot process issues and develop effective solutions to maintain optimal plant performance. Implement process modifications and control strategies to enhance mineral recovery and product quality. Conduct pilot plant studies and laboratory test work to evaluate new process technologies and reagents. Develop and maintain process documentation, including operating procedures, mass balances, and flowsheets. Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations within the metallurgical plant. Collaborate with the R&D department on the development and scale-up of new metallurgical processes. Provide technical support and training to plant operators and supervisors. Analyze metallurgical accounting data and prepare regular performance reports. Stay updated on advancements in metallurgical engineering and process optimization techniques.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Minimum of 4 years of experience in metallurgical processing within the mining or minerals industry. Demonstrated experience in optimizing processes such as flotation, leaching, gravity separation, or smelting. Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software and data analysis tools. Strong understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical principles relevant to mineral processing. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills. Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively. Hands-on approach and willingness to work within a plant environment. Knowledge of relevant safety and environmental standards is essential. Experience with process control systems and instrumentation is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive annual salary of R, commensurate with your skills and experience.
• A comprehensive medical aid scheme and a retirement fund are included.
• The company strongly supports professional development, providing opportunities for further training, specialization courses, and attendance at industry seminars.
• Performance bonuses are awarded based on individual contributions and plant achievements.
• This role offers excellent opportunities for career growth within a leading mining organization, with potential for advancement into senior process engineering or plant management roles.
• Generous paid annual leave is provided.