Remote Senior Process Engineer - Minerals Processing

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Senior Process Engineer specializing in minerals processing to lead design, optimization and troubleshooting of mineral processing circuits from anywhere in South Africa. You’ll apply advanced process modeling, data analytics and simulation tools to improve recovery, efficiency and environmental compliance across multiple mine sites.

The role requires a Master’s/PhD, 10+ years in mineral processing, expertise in comminution, separation and process safety;

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in mineral processing operations or process design.
• In-depth knowledge of comminution, solid-liquid separation, and hydrometallurgical/pyrometallurgical processes.
• Expertise in process simulation and modeling software specific to mineral processing.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistical modeling, and interpretation of plant performance data.
• Strong understanding of mineralogy and its impact on process performance.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) and risk assessments in mining environments.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with remote collaboration ability.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to various company sites, possibly including Upington, Northern Cape.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and reside in the country.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical guidance on the design, operation, and optimization of mineral processing plants.
• Develop and validate process models using simulation software to predict performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Analyze process data using statistical methods and advanced analytics to diagnose issues and implement solutions.
• Lead and participate in process reviews, debottlenecking studies, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure process designs and modifications comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Assist in the evaluation and selection of new process technologies and equipment.
• Provide remote technical support and mentorship to site-based metallurgists and engineers.
• Prepare technical reports, project proposals, and economic evaluations for process improvements.
• Stay current with industry best practices, emerging technologies, and research in mineral processing.
• Collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Conduct root cause analysis for operational issues and recommend sustainable solutions.

Skills

Process modelling

Data analysis

Remote leadership

Project management

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Metallurgical/Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

HSC Chemistry

JK SimMet

METSIM

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading global entity in the mining and minerals sector, is seeking a highly experienced Remote Senior Process Engineer with a specialization in Minerals Processing to join their dynamic team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in providing expert technical leadership and support for the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of mineral processing circuits, including comminution, flotation, leaching, and solid-liquid separation. Your role will involve leveraging advanced process modeling, data analytics, and simulation tools to enhance recovery, improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and ensure environmental compliance across various mine sites. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of mineralogy, physical and chemical separation principles, and a proven track record in delivering tangible improvements in complex mineral processing operations. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned engineer to contribute significantly to major projects from a remote location, impacting operations potentially worldwide, with occasional site visits to facilities, such as those near Upington, Northern Cape , as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical guidance on the design, operation, and optimization of mineral processing plants (e.g., crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, tailings management).
• Develop and validate process models using simulation software (e.g., HSC Chemistry, JK SimMet, METSIM) to predict performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Analyze process data using statistical methods and advanced analytics to diagnose issues and implement solutions.
• Lead and participate in process reviews, debottlenecking studies, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure process designs and modifications comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Assist in the evaluation and selection of new process technologies and equipment.
• Provide remote technical support and mentorship to site-based metallurgists and engineers.
• Prepare technical reports, project proposals, and economic evaluations for process improvements.
• Stay current with industry best practices, emerging technologies, and research in mineral processing.
• Collaborate effectively with internal teams (geology, mining, operations) and external stakeholders.
• Conduct root cause analysis for operational issues and recommend sustainable solutions.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mineral processing operations and/or process design, with a strong emphasis on base metals, precious metals, or industrial minerals.
• In-depth knowledge of comminution, solid-liquid separation, and hydrometallurgical/pyrometallurgical processes.
• Demonstrated expertise in process simulation and modeling software specific to mineral processing.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistical modeling, and interpretation of plant performance data.
• Strong understanding of mineralogy and its impact on process performance.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) and risk assessments in mining environments.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence remotely.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to various company sites, potentially including those near Upington, Northern Cape .
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and reside within the country.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and significant performance-based bonus potential.
• Comprehensive executive health, retirement, and life insurance benefits.
• Substantial budget for professional development, advanced training, and industry conferences.
• Generous paid time off and company-observed holidays.
• Flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa, offering excellent work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work on high-impact global projects within the mining industry.
• Access to leading-edge technology and collaborative international teams.