Senior Process Engineer - Gold Extraction

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional growth opportunities

Access to advanced processing tech

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Engineer for a major gold mining operation near Klerksdorp, North West. You will optimize crushing, milling, leaching, and refining stages to improve yield, throughput, and cost efficiency while upholding strict safety and environmental standards.

Lead process improvements, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain peak plant performance at one of South Africa’s renowned goldfields.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in process engineering within gold mining with focus on extraction and recovery.
• In-depth knowledge of gold processing circuits including crushing, milling, leaching (CIL/CIP), gravity concentration, and refining.
• Proven experience in process optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (METSIM, HSC Chemistry) and data analysis tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to collaborate across departments.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize gold extraction processes, including comminution, leaching (CIL, CIP), carbon regeneration, and gold recovery.
• Monitor plant performance using metallurgical indicators and identify yield, throughput, and cost-reduction improvements.
• Lead troubleshooting for process upsets, conduct root cause analysis, implement effective solutions.
• Conduct process simulations and test work to evaluate new technologies and strategies.
• Develop and implement process control strategies for consistent product quality and stability.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and geology teams for integrated plant functioning.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process documentation, and operational guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations in the Klerksdorp vicinity.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical training to staff.

Skills

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major gold mining operation located near Klerksdorp, North West , is seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer to focus on gold extraction processes. This role is essential for optimizing the efficiency, yield, and cost-effectiveness of the gold processing plant, encompassing crushing, milling, leaching, and refining stages. The Senior Process Engineer will play a key part in process improvement initiatives, troubleshooting operational challenges, and ensuring the plant operates at peak performance while adhering to strict safety and environmental standards. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a significant operation within South Africa's renowned goldfields, working with advanced technologies and a skilled team. We are committed to operational excellence and seek passionate individuals to join our ranks. The position offers a challenging and rewarding career in the heart of the North West mining region.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize gold extraction processes, including comminution, leaching (e.g., CIL, CIP), carbon regeneration, and gold recovery.
• Monitor plant performance using key metallurgical indicators and identify areas for improvement in yield, throughput, and cost reduction.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for process upsets, conducting root cause analysis and implementing effective solutions.
• Conduct process simulations and test work to evaluate new technologies, reagents, or operating strategies.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality and operational stability.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and geology teams to ensure integrated and efficient plant functioning.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process documentation, and operational guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations pertaining to gold processing in the Klerksdorp vicinity.
• Mentor junior process engineers and provide technical training to operational staff.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in process engineering within the gold mining industry, with a strong focus on extraction and recovery.
• In-depth knowledge of gold processing circuits, including crushing, milling, leaching (CIL/CIP), gravity concentration, and refining.
• Proven experience in process optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry) and data analysis tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Experience working at operational sites in the North West province is preferred.
• Commitment to upholding high standards of safety and environmental responsibility.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based incentive schemes.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Relocation assistance for candidates relocating to the Klerksdorp area.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a large mining group.
• Access to advanced processing technologies and facilities.
• A stable work environment with a focus on employee well-being.