Principal Process Engineer

About South32

South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company. Our purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people’s lives now and for generations to come. We are trusted by our owners and partners to realise the potential of their resources. We produce bauxite, alumina, aluminium, metallurgical coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc at our operations in Australia, Southern Africa and South America. With a focus on growing our base metals exposure, we also have two development options in North America and several partnerships with junior explorers around the world.

At South32, Corporate Development is accountable for developing and implementing portfolio strategy. Our Vancouver office supports South32’s corporate development activity in the Americas.

The Role  

The purpose of this role is to support the process development and execution of the Hermosa Clark manganese battery metal project. The role will include design and supervision of test work and pilot plant programs in addition to supporting demonstration plant and full-scale plant engineering activities through to commissioning and operation. 

Accountabilities (included but not limited to): 

Individual Accountabilities: 

• Support the metallurgical development of the proposed Hermosa Cark manganese, zinc and sliver production facilities. 

• Facilitate and organize assessment of current metallurgical test work data and trends and assists in development and management of ongoing metallurgical development plans. 

• Partners with the geology team to understand the geo-metallurgy characteristics of the ore body, develop a geo-metallurgical model, and determine how to respond and maximize value 

• Support and review modelling and simulation of the proposed flowsheet configuration. 

• Partners with the Technology department to identify and implement technologies that are appropriate for managing and optimizing operation and generating value for the business. 

• Develop CAPEX and OPEX budget assumptions for the Processing department as it relates to studies associated the Clark deposit. 

• Lead and organize trade off studies to identify best path forward to maximise project value. 

• Ability to travel to external laboratory facilities to verify and validate trade off study data and assumptions on regular basis. 

• Review PFDs, P&IDs and conduct HAZIDs 

• Work with engineering groups and third-party contactors to ensure successful delivery of demo plant within scope, schedule and budget. 

• Thorough knowledge of mine safety practices, demonstrated ability to maintain safety awareness, and visible field safety leadership 

• Ability to supervise and direct others consistently and professionally 

• Excellent organizational and communication skills 

• High standards of professional and ethical conduct 

• Ability to work under pressure, maintain composure, set priorities, and work with a myriad of personalities and diverse work cultures 

• Strong English language written and oral communication skills 

• Ability to read technical drawings (PFDs, P&IDs, mechanical, electrical, etc.) is preferred 

• Hydrometallurgical expertise – solvent extraction and crystallization expertise will be considered as an asset 

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products – Word/Excel/Outlook/etc. 

• Process modelling experience an asset (Metsim, HSC, Cancha etc.) 

Qualifications, Skills, and Expertise:

• Experience with studies (Concept, PFS and FS) and stage gate processes is required. Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical/Chemical/Process Engineering (or similar Engineering field). Masters degree would be considered an asset.  

• 5 to 15 years of experience in a similar role 

• Experience in the field of hydrometallurgy– Battery metal experiences will be considered an asset 

• Previous hands-on laboratory and testwork experience  

• Proven experience and knowledge of comminution, leaching and purification processes. 

• Proven experience in development and utilization of modelling and simulation for hydrometallurgical plants. 

• Experience with studies (Concept, PFS and FS) and stage gate processes is required. 

Our culture

At South32, our people are fundamental to our success. We’re focused on creating an inclusive workplace, with the right people in the right roles, who are engaged, empowered and appropriately rewarded.

We aspire to be an inclusive organisation, where our workforce reflects the broader demographic of the countries and communities where we operate.

South32 embraces diversity and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds.