Principal, Project Processing Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 21, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 23, 2026.
Who We Are
AngloGold Ashanti is a global gold mining company with a diverse, high-quality portfolio of operations, projects and exploration activities across 10 countries on four continents. We pursue value-creating opportunities involving other minerals, where we can leverage our existing assets, shareholdings, skills and experience.
At AngloGold Ashanti, we assure you of work that carries significance and creates tangible results. What we do goes beyond mining. We build livelihoods in communities, champion environmental stewardship, and strengthen local and national economies. Our leaders and teams are committed to listening to and supporting each other, valuing differences, and embracing equity. We are convinced that greatness only happens when we prioritize these behaviors and the well-being of every person.
Learn more about ourVision, purpose, values - AngloGold Ashanti
Principal, Project Processing Engineer
Role Overview
Every gold plant starts as a flow sheet on a page: the crushing, grinding, leaching and refining steps that turn ore into bars. As our Principal Process Engineer, you will help design those flow sheets on our studies and growth projects, and make sure they work in the real world. You will be the in-house gold processing expert, guiding engineering partners and challenging designs so we build plants that perform. This is a brand-new role with real influence, where your judgement will shape how our gold is produced for years to come.
If you have run plants and designed them too, this role brings both sides of your experience together.
Your work will reach from the first study through to handover. You will work with our Director of Studies, outside engineering firms and site teams, and you will be trusted to say what others may not: where a design can be simpler, safer or better value.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert processing support to our studies team, from first concept through to commissioning.
- Guide outside engineering partners on studies, and review their gold flow sheets for quality, safety and value.
- Support our brownfield growth projects during execution when they need specialist help.
- Compare processing options and technologies, and recommend the best fit for each ore body and site.
- Challenge over-design and promote right-sized solutions that stay safe and compliant.
- Lead safety and risk reviews, including commissioning and operational readiness checks.
- Analyse the cost and time impact of supplier process packages and construction contracts.
- Work with international project teams and global engineering firms to keep standards high.
- Lead and coach a project-based team and develop junior and senior engineers.
- Influence decisions across functions and countries, even without direct line authority.
- Share lessons from site operations so that designs work well for the people who will run them every day.
Required Qualifications
- A bachelor of engineering degree in chemical, metallurgical or mineral processing engineering.
- Registration as a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). This is essential.
- 8 to 10 years of engineering experience in mineral processing, gold metallurgy, plant operations and capital-heavy projects.
- At least 5 years at senior, principal or expert level, ideally in an owner’s team managing engineering, procurement and construction contracts.
- Hands-on experience with gold flow sheets. Gold mining experience is required.
Skills and Competencies
- Expert knowledge of gold plant design, including crushing, grinding, gravity concentration, flotation, leaching, carbon-in-pulp and carbon-in-leach circuits, gold room refining and cyanide detoxification.
- A deep understanding of process, environmental and safety design codes, including the International Cyanide Management Code.
- Strong skills in risk-based technical assurance, safety in design and operational readiness reviews.
- Sharp analysis and problem-solving, even in uncertain or fast-moving situations.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills across teams and countries.
- A practical, value-focused mindset with the confidence to challenge a design.
- Energy and enthusiasm for coaching others and building a culture of learning.
Work Environment and Expectations
- Based in Johannesburg, with regular travel to mine sites. Expect about one week of site visits every six weeks.
- You will work closely with the Director of Studies and external engineering partners, so strong teamwork across locations is essential.
- Mine sites are safety-sensitive environments. You will lead by example on safety and follow site rules at all times.
- You may guide a project-based team of 5 to 10 people who report to other managers (a dotted-line team), depending on the project needs.
- This is a new position, so you will help shape how it works.
- You will report to the Director, Project Engineering.
Benefits Summary
- AngloGold Ashanti offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support employees’ health, financial security, and overall well-being.
- Medical insurance, employee assistance programmes, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Company-supported pension or provident fund contributions.
- Annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays in line with company policy.
AngloGold Ashanti Limited
Reg No: 1944/017354/06
AngloGold Ashanti is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, nationality, or disability.