Process Engineer - Aqua Regia Specialist at Rand Refinery

SUMMARY OF KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDED BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Perform dissolution of gold-bearing materials using aqua regia.
• Monitor reaction parameters (temperature, acid ratios, reaction time).
• Conduct filtration, precipitation, and washing processes.
• Manage reprocessing of residues to maximise recovery.
• Safely handle and manage hazardous chemicals (HCl, HNO3).
• Neutralise and treat waste solutions.
• Control and minimise toxic gas emissions and operate scrubber systems.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental standards.
• Conduct sampling and ensure product meets required purity standards.
• Prepare metal balance and stock reports.
• Investigate deviations in refining processes.
• Support continuous improvement and optimisation initiatives.
• Compile and maintain process documentation.
• Liaise with internal departments and external stakeholders.
• Provide technical input on projects and refinery processes.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Completed Matric qualification.
• A Diploma or Degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a precious metals refining environment.
• Experience in hydrometallurgy processes and acid digestion systems.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:

• Intermediate proficiency—Microsoft suite (Excel, E-mail, Word) and SAP.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Strong attention to detail and process discipline.
• Team leadership and collaboration capability.
• Project management and continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong communication and report-writing skills.
• Risk management and compliance knowledge.
• Team leadership and collaboration capability.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Strong knowledge of wet chemistry and hydrometallurgy, precious metals refining processes and plant operations.
• Working experience and knowledge in hydrometallurgical systems and acid digestion processes.
• Understanding and working experience in metallurgical accounting and metal balancing principles.
• Knowledge in SHERQ standards and statutory compliance.
• Working experience in sampling, assaying, and laboratory interpretation techniques.
• Understanding of aqua regia reactions and gold chemistry.
• Working experience in hazardous chemical handling and environmental control knowledge.