Section Engineer – Smelter Operations

About the role

The Section Engineer Smelter supports the Engineering Manager in ensuring the smelter plant operates safely, efficiently, and reliably. This role focuses on maintaining plant availability, managing budgets, and leading maintenance and upgrade projects at Valterra Platinum’s Unki Mines.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain the highest standards of safety, health, and environmental performance within the smelter area.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, legal appointment requirements (SI 109 of 1990), and social performance standards.
• Plan and control operational expenditure, cost management, and capital projects.
• Oversee maintenance activities, plant upgrades (belt replacements, pump upgrades, crusher and compressor refurbishments), and the introduction of new mechanical systems.
• Provide technical advice and leadership to foremen and support the Section Engineering Manager.
• Implement and maintain ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 standards.
• Monitor smelter process output to meet matte product specifications.

Required profile

• Legal appointment under SI 109 of 1990 for operational responsibility.
• Proven ability to drive safety, health, and environmental performance.
• Experience in budgeting, cost control, and managing plant upgrade projects.
• Strong understanding of maintenance best‑practice standards.
• Capability to deliver technical guidance to operational teams.

Required skills

• Knowledge of ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 standards.
• Experience with mechanical systems maintenance and upgrades.
• Operational budgeting and cost management.
• Project planning for plant upgrades.