Senior Chemical Engineer - Mining & Minerals Processing

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West, is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer to lead the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of mineral processing systems to maximize resource recovery while ensuring safety and environmental compliance.

You will drive hydrometallurgy, leaching, flotation and electrowinning projects, conduct pilot tests, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with metallurgists, geologists, and operations teams to meet production targets in a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering.
• Minimum 8 years in chemical engineering with a mining focus.
• Proven expertise in hydrometallurgical processes including leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning.
• Experience with flotation, grinding and physical separation techniques.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of process safety in a mining environment.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a hybrid model balancing site visits with remote work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of chemical processes for mineral extraction and refining.
• Design and conduct pilot-scale and plant trials to test and validate new processes.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement solutions to improve process performance.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and implement sustainable practices.
• Prepare detailed process design packages, including P&IDs, mass/energy balances, and equipment specifications.
• Collaborate with metallurgists, geologists, and operations teams to achieve production targets.
• Conduct process safety assessments and implement necessary safety measures.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Stay abreast of advancements in mining and mineral processing technologies.

Skills

Hydrometallurgy

Leaching

Flotation

Electrowinning

Process simulation

Leadership

Communication

Education

M.Sc./Ph.D. in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

HSC Chemistry

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading company in the mining and minerals processing sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Engineer to contribute to their operations in Mahikeng, North West. This role is critical for the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of chemical processes used in the extraction and refining of valuable minerals. You will be responsible for leading process improvement projects, ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance. The successful candidate will possess extensive knowledge of hydrometallurgy, flotation, leaching, and other relevant mineral processing techniques. This hybrid position allows for effective collaboration with on-site teams while providing the flexibility for remote strategic planning and analysis. You will work with cutting-edge technologies and contribute to maximizing resource recovery and minimizing environmental impact. This is an opportunity for a seasoned professional to drive innovation and operational excellence in a vital industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of chemical processes for mineral extraction and refining.
• Design and conduct pilot-scale and plant trials to test and validate new processes.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement solutions to improve process performance.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and implement sustainable practices.
• Prepare detailed process design packages, including P&IDs, mass/energy balances, and equipment specifications.
• Collaborate with metallurgists, geologists, and operations teams to achieve production targets.
• Conduct process safety assessments and implement necessary safety measures.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Stay abreast of advancements in mining and mineral processing technologies.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in chemical engineering, with a strong focus on mining and minerals processing.
• Proven expertise in hydrometallurgical processes, including leaching, solvent extraction, and electrowinning.
• Experience with flotation, grinding, and other physical separation techniques.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., HSC Chemistry, Aspen Plus) and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of process safety principles in a mining environment.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing site visits with remote work.
• Experience with project management is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive executive salary, annual bonus, comprehensive medical aid, a retirement fund, and relocation assistance if required.
• This hybrid role is based out of our operations near Mahikeng, North West.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and conference attendance, are provided.
• We are committed to safety, sustainability, and fostering a culture of innovation.
• Join a leading team in the resource sector and contribute to efficient and responsible mineral development.