Process Development Engineer - Mining Chemicals

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work allowance

Performance incentives

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Continuous learning

Autonomy

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Process Development Engineer to advance mining chemical solutions. You will perform lab-scale research, pilot plant studies, and scale-up activities while working remotely with periodic travel to Rustenburg, North West.

The role emphasizes chemical principles in mineral processing, flotation, and hydrometallurgy, impacting efficiency and sustainability. You will collaborate with researchers, metallurgists, and field engineers to optimize processes, develop

Qualifications

• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Experience with statistical software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct lab experiments and pilot plant studies for mineral extraction processes.
• Analyze results and prepare reports with development recommendations.
• Scale up lab processes to pilot and commercial production.
• Collaborate with researchers, metallurgists, and engineers on requirements and feedback.
• Design process control strategies for new and existing technologies.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and quality standards are met.
• Prepare process descriptions, P&IDs, and equipment specs.
• Evaluate new technologies or equipment to enhance capabilities.
• Stay updated on mining chemicals industry trends.

Skills

Data analysis

Statistical software

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Process Development Engineer to focus on mining chemicals and related processes, based remotely but with occasional travel to **Rustenburg, North West**. This position is pivotal for advancing our capabilities in the development and optimization of chemical solutions for the mining industry. You will be responsible for lab-scale research, pilot plant studies, and scale-up to commercial production. The role demands a creative problem-solver with a strong understanding of chemical principles applied to mineral processing, flotation, or hydrometallurgy. This is a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and significantly impact the efficiency and sustainability of mining operations from a remote capacity, while maintaining ties to our **Rustenburg, North West** operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments and pilot plant trials to develop and optimize chemical reagents and processes for mineral extraction.


• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and generate comprehensive reports with recommendations for further development.


• Scale up successful laboratory processes to pilot and ultimately commercial-scale production, addressing engineering challenges.


• Collaborate closely with research scientists, metallurgists, and field engineers to understand application requirements and performance feedback.


• Design and implement process control strategies for new and existing chemical processes.


• Ensure all development activities adhere to safety, environmental, and quality standards.


• Prepare technical documentation, including process descriptions, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.


• Evaluate and recommend new technologies or equipment to enhance process capabilities.


• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and competitor activities in mining chemicals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a closely related field.


• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development, research, or scale-up, preferably within the mining or specialty chemicals sector.


• Strong background in chemical reaction engineering, separation processes, and physical chemistry.


• Experience with flotation, leaching, or other hydrometallurgical processes is highly desirable.


• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation; experience with statistical software is a plus.


• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.


• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively in a remote setting.


• Willingness to travel occasionally to **Rustenburg, North West** and other operational sites.


• Commitment to safety and environmental best practices.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a remote work allowance, performance-based incentives, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. You will have access to state-of-the-art remote working tools and continuous learning opportunities. This role provides significant autonomy and the chance to make a tangible impact on the mining industry's chemical processes, with occasional visits to our **Rustenburg, North West** facilities.