Mineral Processing Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Professional certifications

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Mineral Processing Engineer to join our client’s Durban operations. You will design, operate, and optimize crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching circuits while coordinating with metallurgical and operations teams to maximize yield and minimize costs.

You will conduct metallurgical test work, analyze results, and implement improvements to raise recovery rates and product quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mineral Processing Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.
• 7+ years of hands-on mineral processing experience, preferably in base or precious metals.
• Strong understanding of physiochemical principles, solid-liquid separation, and hydrometallurgy.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (METSIM, HSC Chemistry) and data analysis tools.
• Experience in process troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Design, operate, and optimize mineral processing plants, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching circuits.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, analyze results, and implement process improvements to increase recovery rates.
• Monitor process performance using key metrics and troubleshoot operational issues to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality and operational stability.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to evaluate and implement new processing technologies.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations within the processing plant.

Skills

Process optimization

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mineral Processing / Metallurgical / Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled and innovative Mineral Processing Engineer to join their operations in Durban. This role is critical for optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of mineral extraction and refinement processes. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting processing circuits to maximize yield and product quality while minimizing operational costs and environmental impact. Working closely with the metallurgical and operations teams, you will leverage your expertise in comminution, flotation, and leaching to enhance performance and contribute to the sustainable growth of the company's mining ventures in KwaZulu-Natal.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, operate, and optimize mineral processing plants, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and leaching circuits.
• Conduct metallurgical test work, analyze results, and implement process improvements to increase recovery rates.
• Monitor process performance using key metrics and troubleshoot operational issues to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality and operational stability.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to evaluate and implement new processing technologies.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations within the processing plant.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mineral Processing Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in mineral processing, preferably in base metals or precious metals.
• Strong understanding of physiochemical principles, solid-liquid separation, and hydrometallurgy.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry) and data analysis tools.
• Experience in process troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to work effectively on-site in Durban and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package complemented by annual performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage and a robust retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and opportunities for further professional certifications.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and a supportive work culture.
• Significant role in advancing processing technologies for the mining industry in Durban.