Mineral Processing Engineer - Hydrometallurgy Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid and retirement fund

Generous leave allowance

International travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion, Gauteng is seeking a senior Mineral Processing Engineer with a focus on hydrometallurgy to optimize and troubleshoot complex hydrometallurgical circuits. You will drive process development, scale-up and continuous improvement initiatives within a multidisciplinary team dedicated to safe, sustainable mining operations.

The role requires deep experience in leaching, SX, EW and related unit operations, strong data analysis, and excellent collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• BSc or BEng in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering.
• 8+ years in mineral processing with a hydrometallurgy focus.
• Experience with leaching, SX, EW, precipitation and other hydrometallurgical unit processes.
• Desirable METSIM or HSC Chemistry experience.
• Registered professional engineer or eligible for ECSA.

Responsibilities

• Design, operate and optimize hydrometallurgical processes (e.g., leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning).
• Conduct pilot plant trials and bench-scale testing to evaluate new technologies and process improvements.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement corrective actions to maximize recovery and minimize costs.
• Perform metallurgical accounting and reconcile plant performance data.
• Develop process simulation models to predict plant behavior and identify optimization opportunities.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process flow diagrams, and equipment specifications.
• Collaborate with metallurgists, chemists, and engineers to ensure seamless plant operation.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental standards in all process activities.
• Stay abreast of advancements in hydrometallurgical technology and best practices.
• Provide technical support and training to plant operators and supervisors.

Skills

Hydrometallurgy

Process optimization

Pilot plant testing

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Chemical engineering

Education

BSc or BEng in Chemical/Metallurgical Engineering

Professional Engineer (ECSA) eligible

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the mineral processing industry, is seeking a highly specialized Mineral Processing Engineer with a focus on hydrometallurgy to join their operations in Centurion, Gauteng. This role is vital for optimizing and troubleshooting complex hydrometallurgical circuits, ensuring efficient extraction and recovery of valuable metals. The successful candidate will be instrumental in process development, scale-up, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will work with a team of dedicated professionals focused on innovation and sustainable practices within the South African mining sector. This position offers a significant opportunity to make a tangible impact on plant performance and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, operate, and optimize hydrometallurgical processes (e.g., leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning).
• Conduct pilot plant trials and bench-scale testing to evaluate new technologies and process improvements.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement corrective actions to maximize recovery and minimize costs.
• Perform metallurgical accounting and reconcile plant performance data.
• Develop process simulation models to predict plant behavior and identify optimization opportunities.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process flow diagrams, and equipment specifications.
• Collaborate with metallurgists, chemists, and engineers to ensure seamless plant operation.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental standards in all process activities.
• Stay abreast of advancements in hydrometallurgical technology and best practices.
• Provide technical support and training to plant operators and supervisors.

Requirements

• BSc or BEng in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in mineral processing, with a strong specialization in hydrometallurgy.
• Proven experience with leaching, SX, EW, precipitation, and other relevant hydrometallurgical unit processes.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer principles.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Effective communication and report-writing abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience in the South African mining context is advantageous.
• Registered professional engineer or eligible for registration with ECSA.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Relocation assistance for successful candidates relocating to Centurion.
• Generous leave allowance.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.
• Work in a state-of-the-art facility with a commitment to innovation.