Senior Chemical Hydrometallurgist Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Hydrometallurgist Engineer for our Upington, Northern Cape client in the mining and metals sector. The role focuses on developing and optimizing hydrometallurgical processes, including leaching, solvent extraction, precipitation, and electrowinning, with an emphasis on high-purity metal recovery.

The successful candidate will lead cross-functional teams, design process flows, run lab and pilot tests, and ensure safety and environmental compliance while

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical/Metallurgical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of hydrometallurgical process design and operation experience.
• Strong expertise in leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, precipitation and electrowinning.
• Experience with process modeling and simulation software.
• Proven ability to lead complex development projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize hydrometallurgical processes for metal extraction and recovery from ores and concentrates.
• Conduct lab and pilot-scale testing to evaluate feasibility, kinetics, and reagent performance.
• Develop PFDs and mass/energy balances for hydrometallurgical circuits.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues in leaching, SX/EW, and precipitation circuits.
• Ensure process safety and environmental compliance throughout development and operation.
• Collaborate with geologists, metallurgists, and operations teams to integrate designs.
• Evaluate and select appropriate equipment for hydrometallurgical applications.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and advancements in hydrometallurgy.

Skills

Hydrometallurgy

Leaching

Solvent extraction

Ion exchange

Precipitation

Electrowinning

Process simulation

Modeling software

Project leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Master's in Chemical Eng

PhD in Metallurgical Eng

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the mining and metals sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Hydrometallurgist Engineer to join their specialized team in **Upington, Northern Cape**. This role is critical for developing, optimizing, and implementing hydrometallurgical processes for metal extraction and refining. The Senior Engineer will lead projects focused on leaching, solvent extraction, precipitation, and electrowinning, ensuring efficient recovery and high-purity metal products. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to advanced mineral processing technologies within our client's operations in the resource-rich **Northern Cape**. The role follows a hybrid work model, integrating remote strategic planning with essential on-site operational engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize hydrometallurgical processes for the extraction and recovery of valuable metals from ores and concentrates.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale testing to evaluate process feasibility, kinetics, and reagent performance.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and mass/energy balances for hydrometallurgical circuits.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational challenges in leaching, SX/EW, and precipitation circuits.
• Ensure process safety and environmental compliance throughout all stages of development and operation.
• Collaborate with geologists, metallurgists, and plant operations teams to integrate process designs.
• Evaluate and select appropriate equipment for hydrometallurgical applications.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and advancements in hydrometallurgy.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in hydrometallurgical process design, development, and operation.
• Strong expertise in metal leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, precipitation, and electrowinning.
• Proven experience with process simulation and modeling software.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex process development projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Experience in mineral processing or extractive metallurgy is essential.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including performance-based bonuses, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and generous paid time off. Opportunities for professional growth and development in a challenging and innovative environment are provided. This role is located in **Upington, Northern Cape**, operating on a hybrid work schedule that balances remote flexibility with vital on-site collaboration and site visits.