PROCESS ENGINEER - AQUA REGIA SPECIALIST
Rand Refinery (Pty) Limited
2026/10/02   JHB East Rand

Job Ref #: 20006479
Industry: Manufacturing
Job Type: Fixed-Term Contract
Positions Available: 2
The purpose of this role is to safely and efficiently perform dissolution and refining of precious metals using aqua regia, ensuring maximum recovery, high purity, and strict compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards while supporting continuous improvement and metallurgical investigations.
Job Description

Vacancy: Process Engineer - Aqua Regia Specialist

Division: Refinery -Ghana

Job Grade: C - Upper

Job Type: Fixed Term Contract (24 months)

Closing Date: 12 October 2026

Salary: Salary and benefits will be negotiated in line with relevant experience and qualifications.

 

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The purpose of this role is to safely and efficiently perform dissolution and refining of precious metals using aqua regia, ensuring maximum recovery, high purity, and strict compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards while supporting continuous improvement and metallurgical investigations.

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.

 

Job 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.