Lead Process And Metallurgical Engineer - Minerals & Brine Extraction

Job Purpose

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical authority in hydrometallurgy and chemical process engineering, with a focus on brine-based systems for lithium, bromine, potash, and magnesium recovery.
• Lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of hydrometallurgical processes including leaching, precipitation, solvent extraction, ion exchange, Adsorption and electrowinning.
• Conduct metallurgical and chemical testwork, interpret brine composition data, and develop integrated process flowsheets to support feasibility studies and plant design.
• Evaluate ore and brine characteristics, and define leachability, recovery pathways, and reagent consumption, ensuring process efficiency and economic viability.
• Provide expert chemical and metallurgical input into process equipment design, materials selection, and corrosion resistance, particularly in aggressive chemical environments.
• Collaborate with exploration, mining, and process engineering teams to assess the technical feasibility of mineral deposits and define development roadmaps from discovery to production.
• Develop and validate metallurgical and chemical models using simulation tools to support mass balances, reagent optimization, and plant performance forecasting.
• Plan and oversee pilot-scale trials, bench-scale testing, and process validation, ensuring smooth transition from lab to industrial scale.
• Prepare and present technical reports, process evaluations, and feasibility studies for internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Utilize GIS and 3D modeling tools to integrate metallurgical and chemical data with geological and mining information for resource modeling and planning.
• Provide technical leadership in environmental and safety compliance, particularly in handling chemically reactive systems and managing waste streams.
• Maintain awareness of industry innovations, emerging technologies, and patentable solutions in hydrometallurgy and mineral processing.
• Collaborate across disciplines,including geology, chemical engineering, and environmental science, to drive integrated and sustainable mineral development.

Minimum Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering, with a strong background in hydrometallurgy or chemical process development. An MSc or PhD in Hydrometallurgy, Chemical Metallurgy, or Industrial Chemistry is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience, with at least 7-10 years in hydrometallurgical process development, chemical plant design, and industrial-scale mineral recovery, particularly for brine-based minerals.
• Demonstrated technical leadership in metallurgical and chemical testwork, flowsheet development, and industrial process scale-up.
• Strong proficiency in hydrometallurgical and chemical simulation tools (e.g., HSC Chemistry, FactSage, METSIM, Aspen Plus), and experience in materials compatibility evaluation and corrosion control strategies.
• Experience with chemical process equipment design, including reactors, settlers, columns, and crystallizers, and familiarity with ASME, API, ISO, and NACE standards for chemical systems.
• Proven track record of technical contributions in mineral processing and chemical engineering, including peer-reviewed publications, technology patents, and mentoring programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams, and to interface between technical, operational, and strategic functions.
• Willingness and ability to work in remote or field-based environments when required.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to technical excellence, innovation, and operational safety.