About Company
Exxaro Resources is a diversified resources company, with business interests in South Africa, Europe and the USA. We are one of the largest black-empowered mining companies in South Africa, committed to sustainable development and contributing significantly to the country’s economy. Our primary focus is on coal mining, with operations that span across various regions, including Mpumalanga. We pride ourselves on innovation, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to the communities where we operate. At Exxaro, we believe in empowering our employees, fostering a culture of safety, integrity, and performance, while driving towards a greener and more sustainable future for mining. Join our team and be part of a company that not only mines resources but also cultivates human potential, impacting global energy markets and local communities alike.
Advertisement
Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Mineral Processing Engineer to join our dynamic team in Witbank, Mpumalanga. This crucial role involves optimizing our mineral processing operations, primarily focusing on coal beneficiation plants, to ensure maximum efficiency, consistent product quality, and superior cost-effectiveness. The successful candidate will be instrumental in identifying and implementing innovative process improvements, troubleshooting complex operational challenges with precision, and contributing significantly to the overall strategic development and expansion of our processing facilities. You will work within a hybrid model, combining essential on-site presence at our plants for hands-on inspections, critical data collection, and collaborative team engagement, with remote work flexibility for analytical tasks, comprehensive reporting, and strategic planning. This flexible arrangement is meticulously designed to enable you to balance intensive field engagement with focused analytical and administrative duties effectively. This position offers an exciting opportunity to apply your deep expertise in a leading mining company, driving innovation in mineral processing technology, and significantly contributing to our unwavering commitment to operational excellence and sustainable practices. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, geology, and environmental departments, leveraging your profound technical insights to achieve departmental and company-wide objectives. Your work will directly impact our ability to deliver high-quality products to our customers while strictly adhering to stringent safety protocols, environmental stewardship, and all applicable regulatory standards. We are looking for a proactive problem-solver with a passion for continuous improvement, a strong understanding of advanced technical aspects of mineral processing, and a proven track record of implementing effective solutions in a fast-paced industrial setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor, analyze, and optimize mineral processing plant performance, focusing on coal beneficiation processes, to maximize recovery, yield, and product quality.
- Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement within current processing circuits and propose innovative, data-driven solutions.
- Conduct thorough process audits, advanced data analysis, and technical investigations to troubleshoot complex operational issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.
- Develop, evaluate, and implement new processing technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency, reduce operating costs, and improve the environmental footprint of operations.
- Collaborate strategically with operations, maintenance, and project teams on plant upgrades, commissioning of new equipment, and large-scale optimization projects.
- Ensure strict compliance with all safety, health, environmental, and quality regulations, as well as internal company standards and best practices.
- Prepare comprehensive technical reports, compelling presentations, and detailed documentation related to process performance, ongoing projects, and key findings.
- Provide expert technical support and guidance to plant operators and other team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Participate actively in risk assessments and implement robust control measures related to all aspects of processing operations.
- Stay abreast of industry best practices, emerging technological advancements, and regulatory changes in mineral processing to maintain a competitive edge.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or a closely related engineering field.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in mineral processing, with a specific focus on coal beneficiation processes.
- Proven experience in process optimization, advanced troubleshooting, and effective project management within a demanding mining environment.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, JKSimMet) and advanced data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, specialized mining software, Python/R for data analysis).
- Excellent understanding of mass and energy balances, fundamental unit operations (crushing, screening, washing, flotation, dewatering), and modern process control systems.
- In-depth knowledge of relevant safety, health, environmental, and quality management systems and legislation (e.g., Mine Health and Safety Act – MHSA).
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as a contributing member of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced setting.
Preferred Qualifications
- Postgraduate degree (Master's or PhD) in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Professional registration with ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa) or equivalent.
- Experience with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) and ERP systems (e.g., SAP) in a production environment.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies for process improvement.
- Project management certification (e.g., PMP, Prince2).
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package and attractive performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive medical aid and robust retirement funding schemes.
- Generous leave policy, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
- Extensive opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and career advancement.
- Exposure to cutting-edge mining technologies and participation in innovative, high-impact projects.
- A dynamic, collaborative, and supportive work environment focused on excellence.
- Clear career growth pathways within a leading diversified resources company.
- Comprehensive employee wellness programs, including health and fitness initiatives.
- Hybrid work model for enhanced flexibility and work-life balance.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to apply directly through Exxaro’s official careers portal. Please click on the application link below, register your professional profile, and search specifically for ‘Mineral Processing Engineer’ to submit your detailed CV and a comprehensive cover letter outlining your relevant experience, qualifications, and alignment with our company values. Ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential requirements for this challenging and rewarding role.
Advertisement