Mintek (Council for Mineral Technology) Jobs

To apply, click on the link at the end of the posts and all the best with your applications

Engineers / Scientists

Listing reference: minte_000419

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 29 May 2026

Position summary

Industry: Scientific, Research & Development

Job category: Engineering, Technical, Production and Manufacturing

Location: Randburg

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: No

Introduction

Mintek has an exciting opportunity for Engineers/Scientists who will undertake commercial commissions and research projects in the field of percolation leaching (heap leaching) of low-grade ores under the guidance of a Principal Investigator, execute defined research activities with increasing independence.

Job description

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

• Execute laboratory, column, and pilot-scale test work for chemical and biological heap leaching systems in line with project scope, timelines, and quality requirements.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data, including microbial performance, mass balances, metal recoveries, leach kinetics, and reagent consumption.
• Display a sound understanding of the inter-related biological and chemical processes in heap leaching systems.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and high-quality technical reports, including participation in meetings and oral presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams and demonstrate progression towards independent execution of defined research activities and small projects.
• Contribute to ideation, conceptual development, and preparation of research funding proposals, including Science Vote submissions and commercial project proposals.
• Ensure that safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) procedures are strictly adhered to at all times.

Minimum requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• BSc(Hons) or 4 year degree in Chemical Engineering / Chemistry.
• MSc / MEng will be considered advantageous.
• Post degree work experience within hydrometallurgical field for 2 to 3 years.
• Contribute to ideation, conceptual development, and preparation of research funding proposals, including Science Vote submissions and commercial project proposals.
• Demonstrated exposure to chemical, biological, and microbiological aspects of heap leaching systems will be advantageous.
• Experience in data analysis and interpretation of metallurgical test work (e.g. recoveries, kinetics, mass balances).
• Exposure to preparation of technical reports, presentations, and contribution to proposals will be advantageous.
• Computer modelling experience will be considered advantageous.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g. Aspen, HSC, or similar) will be considered advantageous.

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Experimental Execution.
• Analytical Data Processing.
• Operational Independence. 
• Integrity, intelligence and energy.
• Be willing to register for a technical Master’s degree.
• Multi-task and pay attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Take initiative, follow through and deliver.
• Team player.

Click here to apply

Principal Engineer: Process Design

Listing reference: minte_000418

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 5 June 2026

Position summary

Industry: Scientific, Research & Development

Job category: Engineering, Technical, Production and Manufacturing

Location: Randburg

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: No

Introduction

Mintek has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Engineer based in the Process Design Group within the Biometallurgy Division and will lead commercial and research projects in heap leaching of low-grade base and precious metal resources. The role requires providing technical leadership in process development, innovation, and scale-up, while leading complex, integrated projects and mentoring junior staff to ensure effective delivery and impact.

Job description

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

• Lead and oversee complex laboratory, pilot, and demonstration-scale test work for chemical 
  and biological heap leaching systems.
• Drive research and innovation, contributing to the development of new technologies and, 
  methodologies in line with the Group’s focus areas.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior Engineers / Scientists / Technicians, 
  supporting skills development and succession planning.
• Lead the preparation of high-quality technical reports, client deliverables, and presentations.
• Initiate, develop, and lead proposals for commercial work and research funding, including 
  strategic input and client engagement.
• Contribute to business development, including client interaction and identification of new 
  opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with SHEQ requirements, laboratory protocols, and data governance 
  standards.
• Responsible for key process equipment and facilities, ensuring optimal utilisation, 
  maintenance, and development.

Minimum requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering (with a BSc(Eng) or BEng undergraduate degree). 
• A minimum of 6 years’ relevant experience in hydrometallurgy, bioleaching, or heap leaching 
  including process development and management of complex commercial and research projects.
• Strong understanding of chemical and microbiological processes in heap leaching.
• Proven track record in attracting research funding (e.g. state grant, contract research, or similar 
  funding mechanisms).

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Project management. 
• Strategic leadership mentoring and people development.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder & client engagement.
• Problem solving & critical thinking.

Click here to apply

SENIOR ENGINEER (4IR): MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL

Listing reference: minte_000417

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 2 June 2026

Position summary

Industry: Mining & Quarrying

Job category: Software-Engineering

Location: Gauteng

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: No

Introduction

Senior Engineer to research and develop innovative and practical solutions for the minerals processing industry focusing on artificial intelligence solutions. The engineer will work with the software team, contributing to the development of new products for the South African and global minerals and metals industry

Job description

• Conduct research into machine learning and computational modelling applications in the mining
industry;
• Ensure that projects are executed on time and within budget;
• Play a leading role in research projects and the development of products from that research;
• Act as a Principal Investigator on research projects.
• Actively participate in the training, guidance and motivation of junior staff. Participate in team debates
and technical decisions;
• Produce professional reports, journal articles, papers and presentations at local and international
conferences;
• Conceptualise, design, execute, analyse and troubleshoot independently;
• Maintain and extend existing software products, as well as develop new software products
(C /C#/VB.NET)
• Ensure that SHEQ procedures are strictly adhered to and that project work is executed with maximum
overall technical efficiency;
• Identify opportunities for technology development and commercialisation; and,
• Keep up-to-date at a professional level with technology and business developments that are relevant to
the division’s interests.

Minimum requirements

The following skills are required for this role:
o Machine learning (supervised and unsupervised machine learning)
o Computer Science or Applied Mathematics M.Sc, or Engineering with Computer Science
background M.Sc (must have demonstrated the ability to tackle programming challenges in
machine learning)
o Academic writing, ability to present (evidenced by publication record)
o English-speaking
o Python programming language experience
• Suitable candidates must possess at least an M.Sc and be willing to study further in a field aligned with
Mintek’s research. A PhD in a machine learning or computational modelling field is an advantage.
• 3-5 years relevant vocational experience following first graduation (BSc Hon/BEng).
• C , C# or VB.NET experience a bonus.
• Control systems, process modelling, reinforcement learning or a strong statistical background is a
bonus.

Click here to apply

We wish you all the best with your applications