Principal Process Engineer - Gold Extraction

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model in Sandton

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, seeks a highly experienced Principal Process Engineer to optimize gold extraction processes, lead design of circuits, and drive efficiency across projects. This senior role blends office analysis with essential site engagement.

You will mentor engineers, supervise test work and pilot studies, and apply metallurgical and chemical engineering principles to CIP/CIL, leaching, adsorption, and refining. Travel to mine sites is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in process engineering with a strong specialization in gold extraction.
• Extensive knowledge of gold processing technologies including leaching, adsorption, and elution.
• Proficiency in process simulation software such as MetSIM, HSC Chemistry, Outotec.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of gold extraction process circuits.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling to identify areas for improvement and cost reduction.
• Oversee metallurgical test work, pilot plant trials, and scale-up studies.
• Provide expert technical guidance on comminution, leaching, CIP/CIL, and refining processes.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues and develop sustainable solutions.
• Collaborate with project teams on new plant design, construction, and commissioning.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, operating manuals, and best practice guidelines.
• Mentor and guide junior process engineers and technical staff.
• Stay abreast of technological advancements and emerging trends in gold processing.

Skills

Process engineering

Gold extraction

Plant operations

Leaching

CIP/CIL

Process modelling

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering

Tools

MetSIM

HSC Chemistry

Outotec

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the mining and precious metals sector, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Process Engineer to join their technical team in **Sandton, Gauteng**. This senior role is crucial for optimizing gold extraction processes, driving efficiency, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance recovery rates and reduce operating costs. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of metallurgical principles, chemical engineering processes, and plant operations, specifically within gold extraction. This position offers a stimulating opportunity to contribute to major projects, blending office-based analysis and design with essential site engagement in the heart of South Africa's mining hub. We are committed to fostering a culture of technical excellence and professional growth in our **Sandton** office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of gold extraction process circuits.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling to identify areas for improvement and cost reduction.
• Oversee metallurgical test work, pilot plant trials, and scale-up studies.
• Provide expert technical guidance on comminution, leaching, carbon-in-pulp (CIP)/carbon-in-leach (CIL), and refining processes.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues and develop sustainable solutions.
• Collaborate with project teams on new plant design, construction, and commissioning.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, operating manuals, and best practice guidelines.
• Mentor and guide junior process engineers and technical staff.
• Stay abreast of technological advancements and emerging trends in gold processing.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in process engineering, with a strong specialization in gold extraction.
• Extensive knowledge of gold processing technologies, including leaching, adsorption, and elution.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., MetSIM, HSC Chemistry, Outotec).
• Demonstrated experience in plant operations, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information effectively.
• Experience in project management and leading technical teams is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment and travel to mine sites as needed.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, significant performance-based bonuses, and an excellent benefits package including comprehensive medical aid, provident fund, and professional development opportunities. This role offers substantial career progression within a leading global mining organization. The hybrid work model in **Sandton, Gauteng**, provides flexibility while ensuring crucial on-site collaboration. We are dedicated to creating a challenging and rewarding work environment.