Senior Chemical Engineer - Mining and Metallurgy

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

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer in Welkom, Free State, to optimize hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes and lead process development initiatives.

You will design equipment, perform mass and energy balances, and ensure compliance with SHE standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Hybrid role with on-site and remote analysis opportunities to drive sustainable metallurgical advances.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy with a strong chemical engineering foundation.
• 7+ years of experience in mining, mineral processing, or metallurgical industries.
• Expertise in hydrometallurgy and/or pyrometallurgy, with process simulation proficiency.
• Experience with SHE management systems and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot complex chemical processes for mineral processing and metal extraction.
• Conduct feasibility studies, pilot plant testing, and scale-up of metallurgical processes.
• Design and specify process equipment, including reactors, thickeners, filters, and dryers.
• Perform mass and energy balances, PFDs, and P&IDs for process improvements.
• Ensure all process designs meet safety, health, and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with metallurgists, geologists, and operations teams to meet targets.
• Manage process engineering aspects of capital expenditure projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical expertise.
• Analyze process data to identify trends and improvements.

Skills

Hydrometallurgy

Pyrometallurgy

Process simulation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy

Tools

Metix

HSC Chemistry

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the mining and metallurgy sector, is actively seeking a seasoned Senior Chemical Engineer to enhance their operational efficiency and process development initiatives. This pivotal role, based in Welkom, Free State , involves optimizing hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes, developing new process technologies, and ensuring compliance with stringent environmental standards. You will play a key role in driving sustainable practices and innovation within this resource-rich region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot complex chemical processes relevant to mineral processing and metal extraction.
• Conduct feasibility studies, pilot plant testing, and scale-up of metallurgical processes.
• Design and specify process equipment, including reactors, thickeners, filters, and dryers.
• Perform mass and energy balance calculations, PFDs, and P&IDs for process improvements.
• Ensure all process designs and operations meet rigorous safety, health, and environmental (SHE) standards.
• Collaborate with metallurgists, geologists, and operations teams to achieve production targets.
• Manage process engineering aspects of capital expenditure projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical expertise on chemical engineering principles.
• Analyze process data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for enhancement.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy with a strong chemical engineering foundation.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in the mining, mineral processing, or metallurgical industries.
• Demonstrated expertise in hydrometallurgy (e.g., leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning) and/or pyrometallurgy.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Metix, HSC Chemistry, Aspen Plus).Strong understanding of mineralogy, chemical kinetics, and thermodynamics relevant to metal extraction.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with SHE management systems and regulatory compliance.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary package tailored to the expertise of the successful candidate, along with performance bonuses and a comprehensive benefits plan including medical aid and a retirement fund. This hybrid role allows for a balance between on-site project work and remote analysis, offering flexibility while maintaining crucial operational oversight. Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training courses and conference attendance, are readily available. Join our client in Welkom and contribute to a vital industry.