Process / Mineral Processing Lead (Lead Design Authority), Pretoria

200TPH Hard-Rock Processing Plant | DRC

Location: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – Site / Project Based

Industry: Mining | Gold | Mineral Processing | EPCM

About the Opportunity

Our client is an innovative mining development platform focused on transforming artisanal gold regions into structured industrial production systems across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The business is currently entering a critical engineering and execution phase for the development of a 200TPH hard-rock mineral processing plant, transitioning from conceptual development into fabrication-ready engineering, commissioning preparation, and operational ramp-up.

As part of a highly specialised Core Design Triad, the company seeks to appoint an experienced Process / Mineral Processing Lead (Lead Design Authority) to take ownership of the complete process design, metallurgical recovery strategy, mass balance development, and technical process integration for the plant.

This role requires a hands-on engineering leader with proven success in delivering operational mining plants, rather than purely theoretical designs.

Key Responsibilities

Process Design & Flowsheet Development

• Lead the full process plant design and flowsheet development for a 200TPH hard-rock gold processing plant.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, and complete metallurgical process integration strategies.
• Define and optimise metallurgical recovery strategies and operating philosophies.

Mass Balance & Equipment Sizing

• Develop detailed mass balances and process calculations.
• Prepare process equipment sizing schedules and technical specifications.
• Ensure accurate definition of process performance and recovery targets.

Engineering Coordination

• Coordinate closely with mechanical, structural, electrical, piping, and civil engineering disciplines.
• Provide technical process leadership across engineering interfaces.
• Review and approve vendor technical submissions and equipment specifications.

Commissioning & Plant Optimisation

• Provide commissioning, start-up, and operational ramp-up support.
• Define commissioning process parameters and operational readiness requirements.
• Support troubleshooting, plant optimisation, and metallurgical performance improvements.

Technical Documentation & Governance

• Prepare process design criteria and technical reports.
• Ensure engineering outputs are fabrication-ready and execution-focused.
• Maintain compliance with project HSE standards and engineering best practice.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• 10–20+ years mineral processing experience
• Degree in Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline
• Strong EPCM, mining consultancy, or owner’s team background
• Proven hard-rock mineral processing plant design and commissioning experience
• Demonstrated experience delivering operational plants, not conceptual-only engineering
• Strong African mining exposure, including DRC / Central African mining environments
• Deep understanding of:
  • Crushing circuits
  • Milling systems
  • Gravity recovery
  • Flotation systems
  • Gold recovery processes
• Experience using process simulation and metallurgical software
• Strong practical, execution-focused mindset

Essential Requirements

The successful candidate must demonstrate:

• Proven delivery of operational mining plants
• Hands-on engineering and execution capability
• Prior DRC or Central African mining experience
• Ability to work in remote and fast-paced project environments
• Strong cross-cultural leadership capability
• Practical, solution-driven engineering approach

Key Deliverables

• Process flowsheets (PFDs / P&IDs)
• Mass balance documentation
• Equipment sizing schedules
• Process design criteria reports
• Commissioning process parameters
• Plant optimisation recommendations

Contract Conditions

• Willingness to work in remote mining environments
• Ability to mobilise to the DRC project site as required
• Strong field leadership and stakeholder engagement capability
• Compliance with all HSE and project standards

Remuneration

Market Related Salary

Why Join?

This is a rare opportunity to play a lead technical role in the engineering and execution of a high-impact 200TPH hard-rock gold processing plant in the DRC. You will form part of a specialist senior design team responsible for taking the project from engineering into commissioning and operational readiness.

Interested?

Apply online

Brought to you by AGC Mining Recruitment

. Skillset Required: Mineral Processing, Process Engineer, Metallurgist, Process Plant Design, Hard Rock Processing, Gold Processing, Mineral Processing Lead, EPCM, Metallurgical Engineering, Plant Commissioning, Flowsheet Design, PFD, P&ID, Mass Balance, Gold Recovery, Gravity Circuit, Flotation, Crushing, Milling, Process Simulation, Metallurgical Software , Mining Engineering, DRC Mining, Africa Mining, Commissioning Engineer, Plant Optimisation, Process Design Criteria, Mining Consultancy, Process Plant Engineering