Senior Chemical Engineer - Mining and Metallurgy

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Professional development

Housing allowance

Transport assistance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Chemical Engineer for its mining operations in Rustenburg. The role focuses on optimizing mineral processing and hydrometallurgical facilities, driving efficiency, safety, and sustainable practices.

You will lead process optimization, design and capital project oversight, and mentor engineers while ensuring regulatory compliance and environmental performance. Prior mining/hydrometallurgy experience is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering; Master's degree is an advantage.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in chemical engineering within mining, mineral processing, or hydrometallurgy.
• Proven track record optimizing complex chemical processes in an industrial setting.
• Strong knowledge of metallurgical chemistry, solvent extraction, ion exchange, precipitation, and electrowinning.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (METSIM, HSC Chemistry, Aspen Plus) and statistical tools.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Understanding of process safety management and environmental regulations in mining.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize chemical processes in mineral processing and hydrometallurgical plants to maximize recovery and minimize costs.
• Develop, implement, and monitor process control strategies for product quality and stability.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic assessments for new technologies and plant modifications.
• Troubleshoot process upsets, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Design and oversee process modifications and capital projects with safety and environmental compliance.
• Generate detailed process documentation, including P&IDs and mass/energy balances.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance and EHS to ensure safe plant operation.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical training to staff.
• Stay updated on mining and metallurgy advances and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree advantageous

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent leader in the mining and metallurgy sector, is actively seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Engineer to join their dynamic operations team. This pivotal role requires a hands‑on professional to contribute to the optimization and advancement of their mineral processing and hydrometallurgical facilities in Rustenburg. You will be instrumental in driving process efficiency, ensuring operational safety, and championing sustainable practices within a demanding industrial environment. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles as applied to mining and metal extraction, coupled with strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities. This is an on‑site position, offering the opportunity to work directly with complex industrial processes and collaborate with a dedicated team of engineers and operational staff. Your expertise will directly impact the profitability and environmental performance of our client's significant operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize chemical processes in mineral processing and hydrometallurgical plants to maximize recovery and minimize operational costs.
• Develop, implement, and monitor process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality and operational stability.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic assessments for new process technologies and plant modifications.
• Troubleshoot process upsets, identify root causes and develop and implement effective corrective actions.
• Design and oversee process modifications and capital projects, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Generate detailed process documentation, including P&IDs, mass and energy balances, and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and EHS departments to ensure safe and efficient plant operation.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical training to operational staff on process-related matters.
• Stay abreast of technological advancements and best practices in the mining and metallurgy chemical engineering fields.
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements, including environmental permits and safety legislation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution; a Master's degree is an advantage.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in chemical engineering, specifically within the mining, mineral processing, or hydrometallurgy industries.
• Proven track record of successfully optimizing complex chemical processes in an industrial setting.
• Strong knowledge of metallurgical chemistry, solvent extraction, ion exchange, precipitation, and electrowinning processes.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry, Aspen Plus) and statistical analysis tools.
• Excellent analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to solve complex engineering problems.
• Strong understanding of process safety management (PSM) principles and environmental regulations relevant to the mining industry.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with project management for process improvement initiatives.
• Must be willing and able to work on-site in Rustenburg.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including an attractive annual bonus structure tied to performance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and a robust retirement fund are provided, ensuring your health and financial security.
• Generous annual leave and opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and conference attendance, are key benefits.
• The company also provides a housing allowance and transport assistance for employees based in Rustenburg.

Join a stable and growing industry leader committed to operational excellence and employee well‑being.