Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 101,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer for a major mining operator in Kimberley, Northern Cape. You will design, implement, and oversee underground ventilation systems to ensure safe working conditions and regulatory compliance.

You will lead ventilation planning, network analysis, and dust/gas control strategies, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with mine planning and operations to integrate ventilation requirements into production schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining or Mechanical Engineering with a ventilation specialization.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in mine ventilation, underground operations.
• Proven experience with mine ventilation software (Ventsim, Minescape).
• Strong knowledge of airflow dynamics, heat transfer, and air quality management.

Responsibilities

• Design, review, and optimize underground ventilation systems (fans, ducting, airflow).
• Model ventilation networks and conduct analyses using Ventsim or Minescape.
• Develop dust, gas, and thermal environment control strategies for underground workings.
• Ensure compliance with South African Mine Health and Safety Act on ventilation and environment.

Skills

Analytical

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Decision-making

Prioritization

Education

BEng Mining or Mechanical (ventilation)

Tools

Ventsim

Minescape

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major mining operator, is seeking an experienced and qualified Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer to join their team in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This critical role is responsible for the design, implementation, and management of mine ventilation systems to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all personnel. The Lead Ventilation Engineer will oversee ventilation planning, network analysis, contaminant control, and thermal environment management for the company's underground mining operations. This is a key position requiring strong technical expertise and leadership skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, review, and optimize mine ventilation systems, including fan selection, ducting, and airflow distribution.


• Conduct ventilation network modeling and analysis using specialized software (e.g., Ventsim, Minescape).


• Develop and implement strategies for controlling dust, gases, and thermal environments in underground workings.


• Ensure compliance with South African Mine Health and Safety Act regulations regarding ventilation and environmental conditions.


• Manage and maintain ventilation instrumentation and monitoring systems.


• Collaborate with mine planning, geotechnical, and operations teams to integrate ventilation requirements into mine design and production schedules.


• Investigate and resolve ventilation-related issues and incidents.


• Prepare detailed ventilation reports, plans, and operational procedures.


• Oversee ventilation maintenance and repair activities.


• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior ventilation engineers and technicians.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in ventilation.


• A minimum of 10 years of experience in mine ventilation engineering, with a significant focus on underground operations.


• Proven experience with mine ventilation software (e.g., Ventsim, Minescape).


• Thorough understanding of mine airflow dynamics, heat transfer, and air quality management.


• In-depth knowledge of South African mining legislation related to ventilation and occupational hygiene.


• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.


• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.


• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple priorities.


• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) or Professional Technologist (Pr Tech Eng) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.


• Experience with commissioning and troubleshooting large ventilation fans and systems.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance incentives, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits. Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning are provided. This role is based in Kimberley, Northern Cape , a historically significant city with developing mining interests.