Hydrometallurgical Heap Leaching Expert

We seek an experienced and highly skilled Hydrometallurgical Heap Leaching Expert specialising in laterite ores to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will possess extensive technical expertise in heap leaching processes, particularly for Nickel laterite ore bodies, and will lead the development, optimisation, and implementation of heap leaching strategies to enhance metal recovery and operational efficiency.

• Lead the design, development, and optimisation of heap leaching processes for Nickel laterite ore projects;
• Provide technical oversight and strategic guidance on hydrometallurgical operations, ensuring efficient and cost-effective metal recovery;
• Oversee and support bottle roll, column testing, and pilot-scale heap leaching test programs, analysing results to scale up to commercial operations;
• Evaluate and select appropriate reagents, process parameters, and leach pad designs specific to laterite ores;
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including geology, mining, and environmental, to ensure integrated project development;
• Identify and troubleshoot operational challenges, implementing solutions to improve process performance;
• Oversee metallurgical accounting and process modelling to track recovery rates, reagent consumption, and operational KPIs;
• Mentor and train junior metallurgists and plant operators in heap leaching techniques and best practices;
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in hydrometallurgy, particularly heap leaching innovations and laterite ore processing;
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards in all heap leaching operations;
• Support Project Evaluation and M&A Due diligence process;
• Ability to support other task out of scope and responsibility is required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field;
• Experience in hydrometallurgy focused on heap leaching of laterite ores;
• Proven track record of designing, implementing, and optimising heap leaching processes;
• Strong understanding of laterite mineralogy and its impact on heap leaching efficiency;
• Experience with METSIM process modeling software and Ion Exchange systems;
• Strong understanding of process modelling software and metallurgical accounting systems;
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to make data-driven decisions;
• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring abilities;
• Willingness to travel to project sites as required.

A Piauí Níquel Metais S/A (PNM), subsidiária da Brazilian Nickel, foi criada com um objetivo claro: desenvolver uma nova planta de extração e processamento de minério laterítico de níquel para produzir precipitados de níquel e cobalto de alta pureza para uso em indústrias como veículos elétricos, energia sustentável, aeroespacial e outras mais tradicionais.

Estamos comprometidos em melhorar continuamente a saúde, a segurança e o desempenho ambiental nos nossos projetos e operações futuros, visando compartilhar os benefícios das nossas atividades com nossos fornecedores, parceiros de negócios, clientes e as comunidades nas quais operamos. O nosso sucesso depende da nossa capacidade de desenvolver, operar e encerrar nossas operações de forma a proporcionar benefícios sociais, ambientais e econômicos de longo prazo e sustentáveis.