Senior Process Engineer - Hydrometallurgy

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Presencial; ZAR 1.100.000 - 1.900.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Performance-based bonuses

Medical insurance

Retirement benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Process Engineer specialized in hydrometallurgy for our mining client near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, South Africa. You will optimize existing hydrometallurgical processes, develop new routes, and ensure safe, efficient production of valuable metals.

The ideal candidate has a Master's or PhD in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering, 7+ years in process engineering with hydrometallurgy, and hands-on experience with leaching, SX, IX, precipitation, and EEE.

Formación

• Master's or PhD in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering.
• 7+ years of process engineering experience in mining or metals.
• Strong hydrometallurgy knowledge: leaching, SX, IX, precipitation.

Responsabilidades

• Optimize and troubleshoot hydrometallurgical processes to improve yield and reduce costs.
• Lead process development, including lab tests, pilot plant trials and scale-up.
• Design, specify and commission new process equipment and systems.
• Model and simulate processes to predict performance and improvements.
• Develop process control strategies for stable, efficient operations.
• Perform metallurgical accounting and analyze process data.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Provide technical support to operators and maintenance staff.
• Prepare detailed reports, feasibility studies, and manuals.
• Stay current with advancements in hydrometallurgy and mineral processing.

Conocimientos

Hydrometallurgy

Process optimization

Leaching

Pilot plant trials

Educación

Master's or PhD in Chemical/Metallurgical Engineering

Herramientas

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Aspen Plus

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a leading company in the mining and minerals processing sector, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Process Engineer with specialized expertise in hydrometallurgy. This role will be based at their operations near **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga**. You will be responsible for optimizing existing hydrometallurgical processes, developing new process routes, and ensuring the efficient and safe production of valuable metals. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, extensive experience with leaching, solvent extraction, precipitation, and other hydrometallurgical unit operations, as well as strong analytical and problem-solving skills. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of mineral processing technology in **South Africa**, working within a dynamic operational environment. Join our team in **Nelspruit** and play a key role in maximizing resource recovery and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize and troubleshoot existing hydrometallurgical processes to improve yield, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Lead process development initiatives, including laboratory testing, pilot plant trials, and scale-up studies for new or improved processes.
• Design, specify, and commission new process equipment and systems.
• Conduct process modeling and simulation to predict performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure stable and efficient operation.
• Perform metallurgical accounting and analyze process performance data.
• Ensure all operations comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Provide technical support and guidance to plant operators and maintenance personnel.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and operational manuals.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and best practices in hydrometallurgy and mineral processing.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process engineering, with a strong focus on hydrometallurgy within the mining or metals industry.
• Proven expertise in unit operations such as leaching (e.g., acid, alkaline), solvent extraction (SX), ion exchange (IX), precipitation, and electrowinning/electrorefining.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry, Aspen Plus).
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills, with the ability to solve complex process challenges.
• Excellent understanding of chemical thermodynamics and kinetics relevant to hydrometallurgical processes.
• Proficiency in English, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a plant environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Must have valid working rights for **South Africa**.
• Experience with precious metals or base metals processing is highly advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive medical insurance, and retirement benefits. Opportunities for professional growth and development, including attendance at international conferences and specialized training, are provided. This position based near **Nelspruit** offers the chance to work on significant mineral processing projects in the resource-rich **Mpumalanga** province, contributing to **South Africa's** economic development. A supportive team environment and a commitment to operational excellence are core to our culture.