Principal Process Engineer - Mineral Processing Plant

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Performance bonus

Medical aid and retirement fund

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, seeks a Principal Process Engineer to lead the process engineering team at a large mineral processing facility. This senior role focuses on process optimization, troubleshooting, and safe, efficient operation of the plant.

You will drive advancement of comminution and flotation circuits, manage pilot studies and scale-up, develop process models, and collaborate with operations to deliver targets and cost improvements. Pr.Eng is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Metallurgical/Chemical Eng.
• 10+ years of mineral processing plant operations and process engineering experience.
• Experience with base and precious metals processing.
• Proven debottlenecking and optimization in large-scale operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of process engineers and technicians.
• Oversee design, operation, and optimization of mineral processing circuits for maximum efficiency and recovery.
• Conduct detailed process analyses, identify bottlenecks, and develop improvement strategies.
• Manage pilot plant studies and scale-up of new process technologies.
• Develop and maintain process simulation models for optimization and forecasting.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations at the plant.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and capex justifications for upgrades.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and management to meet production targets.
• Stay updated on advances in mineral processing technology and evaluate applicability.
• Troubleshoot complex process upsets and implement sustainable solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Team mentoring

Education

Master's/PhD in Metallurgical or Chemical Eng

Tools

METSIM

JKSimFloat

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining and metals industry, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Process Engineer to lead the process engineering team at their large-scale mineral processing facility in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This senior role will be instrumental in driving process optimization, troubleshooting complex operational challenges, and ensuring the efficient and safe operation of the plant. The successful candidate will possess deep expertise in mineral processing circuits, including comminution, flotation, and tailings management, along with a strong analytical and problem-solving skillset. You will be responsible for conceptualizing and implementing innovative solutions to enhance plant performance, improve recovery rates, and reduce operating costs. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of process engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Oversee the design, operation, and optimization of mineral processing circuits, ensuring maximum efficiency and recovery.
• Conduct detailed process analyses, identify bottlenecks, and develop strategies for improvement.
• Manage pilot plant studies and scale-up of new process technologies.
• Develop and maintain process simulation models for optimization and forecasting.
• Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the processing plant.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and capital expenditure justifications for process upgrades.
• Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, and management teams to achieve production targets.
• Stay abreast of advancements in mineral processing technology and evaluate their potential application.
• Troubleshoot complex process upsets and implement effective, sustainable solutions.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mineral processing plant operations and process engineering, with a strong focus on base metals or precious metals.
• Proven track record in process optimization, troubleshooting, and debottlenecking in large-scale operations.
• Extensive knowledge of comminution, flotation, and other relevant mineral processing unit operations.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, JKSimFloat) and statistical analysis tools.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor technical teams.
• Must be willing to reside in or commute to Vereeniging, Gauteng .
• Experience with tailings management and dewatering technologies is advantageous.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng) is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive senior-level salary, complemented by a substantial performance bonus and potential for long-term incentives.
• The comprehensive benefits package includes excellent medical aid, a superior retirement fund, and generous annual leave.
• Opportunities for international assignments and continuous professional development are readily available.
• The company is committed to employee well-being and provides a supportive work environment.
• Relocation assistance to the Vereeniging area will be provided.