Senior Process Engineer - Hydrometallurgy

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

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

International travel opportunities

Access to advanced R&D facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Engineer specializing in hydrometallurgy to join their remote team, supporting operations near Klerksdorp. This role focuses on optimizing metallurgical processes, troubleshooting operational challenges, and driving process improvements within the mining and metals sector.

The ideal candidate will have MSc or PhD in Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering, 8+ years in hydrometallurgical design/operations, and strong knowledge of gold/base

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering is required.
• 8+ years of hydrometallurgical design and operations experience.
• Experience with gold, base metals, or PGM processing and knowledge of thermodynamics/kinetics.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot hydrometallurgical processes (leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning).
• Conduct pilot plant studies and scale-up of metallurgical processes.
• Perform mass and energy balance calculations and process simulations.
• Provide remote technical support to plant operations and prepare technical reports.

Skills

Remote collaboration

Communication

Problem-solving

Analytical mindset

Metallurgical/process design

Education

MSc or PhD in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering

Tools

HSC Chemistry

METSIM

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Engineer specializing in hydrometallurgy to join their remote team, supporting operations near Klerksdorp . This pivotal role will focus on optimizing metallurgical processes, troubleshooting operational challenges, and driving process improvements within the mining and metals sector. You will leverage your deep technical expertise to enhance recovery rates, reduce costs, and ensure environmentally sound practices. The ideal candidate possesses a strong analytical mindset, a proven ability to solve complex process issues, and excellent communication skills suitable for a remote work environment, contributing to efficient and sustainable resource extraction.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot hydrometallurgical processes, including leaching, solvent extraction, and electrowinning.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and scale-up of metallurgical processes.
• Perform mass and energy balance calculations, and process simulations.
• Analyze process data to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, yield, and cost reduction.
• Provide remote technical support and guidance to plant operations teams.
• Prepare technical reports, process flow diagrams, and operating manuals.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in hydrometallurgical process design and operations.
• Proven expertise in gold, base metals, or PGM (Platinum Group Metals) processing.
• Strong knowledge of chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, and unit operations relevant to hydrometallurgy.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., HSC Chemistry, METSIM).
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and remote collaboration skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Fully remote work arrangement offering exceptional flexibility.
• Opportunities for international travel for project support and site visits.
• Access to advanced research and development facilities.
• Engage with innovative projects in the critical metals sector in the North West province.