Senior Process Engineer - Minerals Processing

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Development opportunities

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Engineer for a Polokwane, Limpopo mining operation. You will optimize mineral processing circuits, model using METSIM/HSC Chemistry/Aspen Plus, and lead multi-disciplinary improvement projects to boost throughput and recovery.

The role requires a strong background in unit operations, process optimization, and project management, with travel to sites as needed. A dynamic, safety-driven team environment awaits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering.
• ECSA registration preferred.
• 7+ years' experience in mineral processing or chemical process engineering.
• Strong knowledge of unit operations (crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, thickening, filtration).
• Experience with process simulation software.
• Proven ability to optimize processes and manage projects.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to operational sites.

Responsibilities

• Optimize mineral processing circuits to improve throughput and recovery.
• Run process simulations and modeling with METSIM, HSC Chemistry, and Aspen Plus.
• Troubleshoot issues and identify root causes.
• Lead process improvement projects from conception to implementation.
• Design and evaluate new process technologies and equipment changes.
• Develop process control strategies for stable plant operation.
• Collaborate with R&D on pilot plant testing and tech transfer.
• Prepare reports, feasibility studies, and equipment specs.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health and environmental regulations.
• Mentor junior engineers and operations staff.

Skills

Process design

Process simulation

Troubleshooting

Scale-up

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading name in the mining and metals sector, is seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Process Engineer to enhance their minerals processing operations based in Polokwane, Limpopo. This role is vital for optimizing plant performance, improving recovery rates, reducing operating costs, and implementing new technologies within their processing facilities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in process design, simulation, troubleshooting, and scale-up, with expertise across various unit operations such as comminution, flotation, leaching, and solid-liquid separation. You will collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, and R&D teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives and ensure efficient, safe, and environmentally sound processing of mineral resources. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant contribution within a respected organization committed to operational excellence in the South African mining landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize existing mineral processing circuits to improve throughput, recovery, and product quality.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry, Aspen Plus).
• Troubleshoot operational issues and identify root causes, developing and implementing effective solutions.
• Lead process improvement projects from conception through to implementation and validation.
• Design and evaluate new process technologies and equipment modifications.
• Develop process control strategies to ensure stable and efficient plant operation.
• Collaborate with the R&D team on pilot plant testing and technology transfer.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, process design documents, and equipment specifications.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Provide technical support and mentorship to junior engineers and plant personnel.
• Monitor plant performance KPIs and identify areas for optimization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional registration with ECSA or equivalent is preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mineral processing or chemical process engineering, preferably within the mining industry .
• Strong understanding of unit operations (crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, thickening, filtration) and their application.
• Proficiency in process simulation software is required.
• Demonstrated experience in process optimization, troubleshooting, and project management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience in the South African mining sector is advantageous.
• Willingness to travel to operational sites as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based bonuses and potential for profit sharing.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Generous annual leave and other employee benefits.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging processing projects.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.