Senior Process Chemist - Base Metals Smelting

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life assurance

Paid leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Process Chemist to lead base metals smelting operations in Vereeniging. The role focuses on optimizing chemical processes, improving yield, and reducing costs while ensuring environmental compliance.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's or PhD in a related field with 7+ years in industrial chemistry, and has hands-on experience with pyrometallurgy/hydrometallurgy and advanced analytics. On-site work in Gauteng is required.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field with specialization in industrial chemistry or metallurgy.
• 7+ years of experience in process chemistry with focus on base metals smelting/refining.
• Proven expertise in pyrometallurgical and/or hydrometallurgical processes.
• Extensive experience with analytical techniques such as AAS, ICP, XRF, and wet chemistry methods.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, and reaction engineering.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Familiarity with South African environmental and safety legislation relevant to mining and metals industry.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to work on-site in Vereeniging, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage chemical process operations within the base metals smelting plant.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot complex chemical reactions and processes in smelting and refining.
• Conduct laboratory analysis and interpret results to ensure product quality and process efficiency.
• Manage selection, implementation, and optimization of chemical reagents and consumables.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations regarding emissions, effluents, and waste management.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to implement process improvements and new technologies.
• Mentor and train junior chemists and laboratory technicians.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process documentation, and safety procedures.
• Oversee process safety management initiatives related to chemical handling and operations.
• Contribute to R&D efforts for enhancing metal recovery and purity.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry/ Chemical Engineering

Specialization in industrial chemistry or metallurgy

Tools

AAS

ICP

XRF

Wet chemistry methods

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major international player in the mining and metals sector, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Process Chemist to oversee and enhance their base metals smelting operations in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This critical role involves ensuring the efficiency, quality, and environmental compliance of the chemical processes used in smelting and refining. You will be responsible for troubleshooting complex chemical challenges, optimizing reagent usage, and developing innovative solutions to improve yield and reduce operational costs. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy, with a strong analytical background and practical experience in a large-scale industrial setting. This position offers a significant opportunity to lead a team of chemists and technicians, influence process development, and contribute to the strategic direction of a key industrial facility within the Vereeniging area.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the chemical process operations within the base metals smelting plant.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot complex chemical reactions and processes involved in smelting and refining.
• Conduct laboratory analysis and interpret results to ensure product quality and process efficiency.
• Manage the selection, implementation, and optimization of chemical reagents and consumables.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations regarding emissions, effluents, and waste management.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to implement process improvements and new technologies.
• Mentor and train junior chemists and laboratory technicians.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process documentation, and safety procedures.
• Oversee process safety management (PSM) initiatives related to chemical handling and operations.
• Contribute to R&D efforts for enhancing metal recovery and purity.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in industrial chemistry or metallurgy.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process chemistry, with a strong focus on base metals smelting or refining.
• Proven expertise in pyrometallurgical and/or hydrometallurgical processes.
• Extensive experience with analytical techniques such as AAS, ICP, XRF, and wet chemistry methods.
• Strong understanding of chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, and reaction engineering.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with South African environmental and safety legislation relevant to the mining and metals industry.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to work on-site in Vereeniging, Gauteng .

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary package, supplemented by performance-based bonuses. Comprehensive benefits include excellent medical aid coverage, a robust retirement fund, and life assurance. We offer generous paid leave and significant opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and participation in industry conferences. You will join a dynamic team within a well-established company committed to operational excellence and employee growth in the demanding field of mining and metals processing.