Lead Mineral Economist

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 103,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Our client in Kimberley, Northern Cape, is seeking a Lead Mineral Economist to lead economic evaluations across exploration, development and operations. Hybrid role with on-site collaboration and remote analysis, reporting to senior management, and engagement with project teams.

You will develop financial models, analyze commodity markets, assess risks, and provide strategic economic advice to guide investment decisions in mining projects. Strong leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Economics, Finance, Mineral Economics, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of mineral economics, financial analysis, or investment appraisal experience.
• Expertise in financial modeling and commodity market analysis.
• Knowledge of mining lifecycles and project finance.
• Proficiency with Excel and specialized financial analysis tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication; leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead economic evaluation of exploration, development, and operating projects.
• Conduct market analysis for key commodities and forecast trends.
• Develop financial models including NPV, IRR, payback, and sensitivity analysis.
• Perform risk assessments of economic, financial, and market risks.
• Prepare feasibility studies and investment proposals for senior management.
• Collaborate with geologists, engineers, and metallurgists for data requirements.
• Advise on project financing structures and strategies.
• Stay current with global economic trends, mining policies, and regulatory changes.
• Develop and maintain databases of economic and market information.
• Mentor and guide junior economists and analysts.

Skills

Economic analysis

Financial modeling

Market analysis

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Economics or related field

Tools

Excel

Financial analysis tools

Databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the global resources sector, is seeking an accomplished Lead Mineral Economist to be based in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This role involves a hybrid work arrangement, offering flexibility between remote analysis and essential on-site collaboration and reporting. The Lead Mineral Economist will be instrumental in assessing the economic viability of mineral projects, from exploration through to production. You will conduct market analysis, financial modeling, risk assessment, and provide strategic economic advice to senior management and project teams. This position requires a deep understanding of commodity markets, mining project finance, and economic evaluation techniques within the mining industry. Your expertise will directly influence investment decisions and project success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the economic evaluation of mineral exploration, development, and operating projects.
• Conduct detailed market analysis for key commodities, forecasting price trends and supply/demand dynamics.
• Develop comprehensive financial models to assess project profitability, including NPV, IRR, payback period, and sensitivity analysis.
• Perform risk assessments, identifying potential economic, financial, and market risks associated with mining projects.
• Prepare high-quality economic reports, feasibility studies, and investment proposals for senior management and stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with geologists, engineers, and metallurgists to gather technical data required for economic evaluations.
• Advise on project financing structures and strategies.
• Stay current with global economic trends, mining policies, and regulatory changes affecting the industry.
• Develop and maintain databases of relevant economic and market information.
• Mentor and guide junior economists and analysts within the team.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Economics, Finance, Mineral Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in mineral economics, financial analysis, or investment appraisal within the mining sector.
• Proven expertise in financial modeling, economic valuation techniques, and commodity market analysis.
• Strong understanding of mining project lifecycles, technical challenges, and industry drivers.
• Proficiency in financial modeling software (e.g., Excel, specialized financial analysis tools) and databases.
• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex economic information clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience managing projects and teams.
• Familiarity with international reporting codes (e.g., JORC, NI 43-101) and their economic implications.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid and collaborative environment.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and opportunities for significant career growth. This hybrid role based in Kimberley, Northern Cape, provides a balance of flexibility and engagement. Employees will gain exposure to a diverse range of significant mining projects, contribute to strategic decision-making, and benefit from continuous professional development. We are committed to fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and innovation in the vital resources sector. Join a company that values rigorous analysis and sustainable development.