"Here, I can put my passion for chemistry into practice."
Beerse | Thursday, September 24, 2026
Jenthe works as a Tankhouse Process Engineer at Aurubis Beerse, where he monitors the electrolysis process and is constantly looking for ways to further optimize it. From the production floor, he works closely with operators and various support departments to ensure that the process runs efficiently, safely, and to a high standard.
- Jenthe Agemans
- 25 years old
- Process Engineer Tankhouse
- Working at Aurubis Beerse since November 2025
> Tell us, Jenthe, how did you end up at Aurubis Beerse?
I earned my degree in chemical engineering in February 2024. During my studies, I developed a strong interest in chemistry and electrochemistry. When I came across the job opening for Process Engineer Tankhouse at Aurubis Beerse, the combination of chemistry and a large-scale industrial production process immediately appealed to me. After learning more about the position and the company, the decision was easy.
> What appealed to you about the position of Process Engineer Tankhouse?
Electrolysis was one of the topics that really interested me during my studies. At Aurubis Beerse, I get the chance to apply that knowledge in practice.
I also really love large-scale industrial processes. It’s fascinating to see how technical and chemical processes come together and constantly offer opportunities for further optimization.
Every day, I work closely with operators, maintenance, the lab, engineering, R&D, and various other departments. That variety is what makes the job particularly interesting to me.
> What exactly does your job entail?
As a Tankhouse Process Engineer, I monitor the entire electrolysis process. Every day, I check how the process is running, analyze data and trends, and look for ways to further optimize the process in terms of efficiency, quality, and safety.
My day starts with a review of what happened during the previous shifts, followed by our morning meeting. After that, I continue monitoring the process and make my rounds through the production hall. I find that contact with the production very important: it gives you a good sense of what’s going on. In the afternoon, I work on projects, analyses, and meetings. I also supervise a team of seven colleagues on a daily basis; they can come to me with questions or concerns regarding the process.
> Electrolysis sounds technical. How would you explain the process in simple terms?
We start with impure copper, which contains about 92% copper. In the Tankhouse, we refine this through an electrochemical process to produce copper cathodes with a purity of 99.98% or higher. The impure copper anodes dissolve in a bath, and the pure copper is redeposited onto a stainless steel cathode plate. The remaining materials form sludge, which is regularly extracted and filtered. This is how we produce high-purity copper cathodes that can be further processed.
> You work with many different colleagues every day. What makes working at Aurubis Beerse so interesting?
We work closely with many different departments. We’re in daily contact with the maintenance team, and we also regularly collaborate with sampling, the lab, engineering, R&D, purchasing, and the foundry. That collaboration is essential to everything we do. When we see opportunities to further improve the process, we review the data and trends together and look for the best approach. This way, everyone can contribute based on their own expertise.
> What projects are you currently working on?
One of the projects I’m currently fully engaged in is a study of our sludge composition. We’re examining how we can determine and optimize the composition of our sludge for the ASPA process.
In addition, we’ve started upgrading our electrolysis cells. This is a major project with a significant impact on the future of our department. We’ve taken the first steps, and we’ll continue to build on this in the coming years.
> Safety is a core value at Aurubis Beerse. How does that play a role in your job?
Safety is very important in my day-to-day work. For me, it’s mainly about awareness: recognizing risks, having open conversations, and supporting colleagues in working safely.
I also conduct safety training sessions within the production departments, covering topics such as risks and risk factors on the shop floor, work permits, LOTO, and general process safety.
In the electrolysis department, we work in an acidic environment. That’s why we use appropriate PPE, such as safety goggles or face shields, helmets, safety shoes, protective clothing, Tyvek coveralls (acid-resistant coveralls), and acid-resistant gloves.
> What gives you energy in your job?
At a certain point, a production process almost becomes like your own child. You dedicate yourself every day to ensuring the process runs optimally, so that colleagues can do their work smoothly and safely. That’s a major motivator for me.
It’s rewarding when you implement an improvement and then hear from an operator that it really makes a difference in practice. That’s when you immediately see the results of your work.
> What advice would you give to someone interested in a technical career?
Go for it! You’ll face many challenges, work with a variety of people, and discover new possibilities every day. It’s an environment where you can learn a lot and where you can truly make an impact.
Will you be our new colleague? There is still a spot available for you in one of our departments!
- Apply quickly and easily online.
- We would be happy to welcome you for an introductory interview. See you soon?
