Principal Chemical Engineer - Extractive Metallurgy

Placements24; Rustenburg; Presencial; ZAR 1 500 000 - 2 100 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Competitive salary package

Performance-related bonuses

Medical aid and retirement fund

Generous leave provisions

Ongoing professional development

Resumo da oferta

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, seeks a Principal Chemical Engineer with deep expertise in extractive metallurgy to lead the design, development, and optimization of hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes on-site.

You will mentor engineers and technicians, drive process modeling and scale-up from lab to full-scale operations, and ensure safety, environmental compliance while delivering cost-effective metal recovery.

Qualificações

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in extractive metallurgy with focus on mineral processing.
• Experience in process design, scale-up, and operational troubleshooting in mining/metals.
• Proficiency with metallurgical simulation software and process modeling tools.
• Pr.Eng registration is advantageous.

Responsabilidades

• Lead the design and development of new and improved extractive metallurgical processes (hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy).
• Optimize existing processes to maximize metal recovery, minimize reagent consumption, and reduce costs.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and oversee scale-up from lab to commercial scale.
• Perform complex process modeling and thermodynamic/kinetic analysis.
• Troubleshoot issues in concentrators, leaching plants, electrowinning circuits, and smelters.
• Develop and implement robust process control strategies.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental regulations are met.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and proposals.
• Mentor engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with geologists, metallurgists, and operations managers.

Conhecimentos

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Formação académica

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy

Ferramentas

HSC Chemistry

FactSage

Descrição da oferta de emprego

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining and metals sector, is seeking an exceptional Principal Chemical Engineer with specialized expertise in extractive metallurgy. This critical on-site position is based in Rustenburg, North West, a region renowned for its rich mineral resources. You will be responsible for the design, development, optimization, and troubleshooting of complex hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes. This role demands a deep technical understanding of mineral processing, chemical reactions at high temperatures and pressures, and material science. As a Principal Engineer, you will provide expert technical leadership, mentor junior staff, and drive innovation in metal extraction and refining. Your work will directly impact the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental performance of our client's extraction operations, contributing significantly to their market leadership. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a seasoned chemical engineer to make a substantial impact in a challenging and rewarding industrial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new and improved extractive metallurgical processes (hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy).
• Optimize existing processes to maximize metal recovery, minimize reagent consumption, and reduce operational costs.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and oversee the scale-up of metallurgical processes from lab to commercial scale.
• Perform complex process modeling and simulations for thermodynamic and kinetic analysis.
• Troubleshoot operational issues in concentrators, leaching plants, electrowinning circuits, and smelters.
• Develop and implement robust process control strategies.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations specific to mining and metallurgical operations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and project proposals.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to a team of engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with geologists, metallurgists, and operations managers to achieve strategic objectives.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy from a recognized university.
• A minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in extractive metallurgy, with a strong focus on mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, and/or pyrometallurgy.
• Proven experience in process design, scale-up, and operational troubleshooting in a mining or metals processing environment.
• Proficiency with metallurgical simulation software (e.g., HSC Chemistry, FactSage) and process modeling tools.
• In-depth knowledge of phase diagrams, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics relevant to metal extraction.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols and environmental management in the mining industry.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a demanding industrial setting in Rustenburg.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration is highly advantageous.
• Experience with specific commodities (e.g., gold, platinum group metals, base metals) is a significant plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package.
• Performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous leave provisions.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and further specialization.
• Accommodation or housing allowance may be provided.
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Rustenburg.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technology in the mining sector.