Senior Process Engineer - Hydrometallurgy

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Engineer specialized in Hydrometallurgy to optimize and develop hydrometallurgical processes at our Mahikeng facility in North West, South Africa.

You will lead design, troubleshooting and performance monitoring for leaching, SX, IX, EW and precipitation operations, collaborating with metallurgists and operations personnel to achieve production targets.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy with Hydrometallurgy specialization.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive process engineering experience in mining/metals, hydrometallurgy focus.
• Proven experience with leaching, SX, IX, EW and precipitation operations.
• Familiarity with process control and automation is advantageous.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot hydrometallurgical processes for metal recovery.
• Design and engineer hydrometallurgical circuits and equipment.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and bench-scale tests for viability.
• Monitor plant performance and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specs.
• Collaborate with R&D on scaling new metallurgical technologies.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health and environmental regulations.
• Provide technical support and training to plant operations.
• Perform economic evaluations for process changes and investments.
• Stay updated with hydrometallurgical tech advances.

Skills

Hydrometallurgy

Process engineering

Leaching

Solvent extraction

Ion exchange

Electrowinning

Precipitation

Process simulation

Project management

CAPEX estimation

Automation systems

Pr.Eng. (Desirable)

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading mining and metals company, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Engineer specializing in Hydrometallurgy to join their innovative team in Mahikeng, North West . This role is crucial for optimizing and developing hydrometallurgical processes, contributing to efficient metal recovery and sustainable operations. You will be involved in process design, troubleshooting, performance monitoring, and the implementation of new technologies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemical engineering with a deep understanding of leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, electrowinning, and precipitation techniques. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on diverse projects and contribute to the advancement of processing technologies within a dynamic mining environment. You will collaborate closely with metallurgists, chemists, and operations personnel to ensure optimal plant performance and achieve production targets. The role requires a proactive, analytical, and results-driven individual. The primary work location is our facility in Mahikeng, North West .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot hydrometallurgical processes for metal recovery.
• Design and engineer new hydrometallurgical circuits and equipment.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and bench-scale test work to evaluate process viability.
• Monitor plant performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare process flow diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Collaborate with R&D teams on the development and scaling-up of new metallurgical technologies.
• Ensure all process designs and operations comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Provide technical support and training to plant operations personnel.
• Perform economic evaluations for process modifications and new investments.
• Stay current with advancements in hydrometallurgical techniques and process control.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy, with a specialization in Hydrometallurgy.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in process engineering within the mining and metals sector, focusing on hydrometallurgy.
• Proven experience with key hydrometallurgical unit operations (leaching, SX, IX, EW, precipitation).
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry).
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer principles in hydrometallurgical systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• Experience with project management and capital cost estimation.
• Familiarity with process control and automation systems is an advantage.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites as needed.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, an annual performance bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a retirement fund, and life insurance.
• Relocation assistance may be available for candidates relocating to Mahikeng, North West .

Join a progressive company that values innovation, safety, and professional growth in the heart of the North West province.