Chief Mine Geologist - Precious Metals

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 128,000 - 213,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Mine Geologist to lead geological operations for a precious metals mine in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This senior role oversees exploration, modeling, grade control, and planning support, directing geologists and technicians to optimize mineral resources.

The candidate will have extensive precious metals experience, strong modeling software skills, and proven leadership capabilities, with a focus on safety and operational excellence on-site.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geology or Economic Geology.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive mine geology experience.
• Experience managing geological operations for underground/open-pit mines.
• Expertise in geological modeling software and mineral resource reporting.
• Willingness to work on-site at the Queenstown, Eastern Cape mine.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the mine geology department and teams.
• Oversee geological modeling for resource estimation and grade control.
• Ensure accurate mapping, sampling, and logging of drill core.
• Provide geological input for mine planning and production.
• Ensure compliance with resource reporting standards (JORC/NI 43-101).
• Manage geological databases and reporting systems.

Skills

Leadership

Geology expertise

Team management

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Geology

Tools

Leapfrog

Vulcan

Datamine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished mining enterprise, is seeking an accomplished Chief Mine Geologist to lead geological operations for their precious metals mine in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This senior leadership position is responsible for overseeing all geological activities, including exploration, resource modeling, grade control, and geological support for mine planning and production. You will manage a team of geologists and technicians, ensuring the accurate assessment and effective management of the mine's mineral resources. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in precious metal deposits, a strong understanding of geological modeling software, and proven leadership capabilities. This role offers a significant opportunity to impact the success of a key mining operation in the Queenstown, Eastern Cape region. You will work closely with mine management, production teams, and external consultants to ensure the strategic and efficient exploitation of mineral wealth. We are looking for a technically adept, results-oriented professional committed to geological excellence and safe mining practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the mine geology department, including supervision of geologists and technicians.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of geological models for resource estimation and grade control.
• Ensure accurate mapping, sampling, and geological logging of drill core and underground workings.
• Provide timely and accurate geological input for mine planning, scheduling, and production.
• Implement and manage grade control procedures to ensure ore quality targets are met.
• Conduct geological reviews, reconciliations, and performance monitoring.
• Collaborate with exploration teams on new targets and resource expansion programs.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., JORC, NI 43-101) for resource reporting.
• Manage geological databases and reporting systems.
• Promote a strong safety culture within the geology team and ensure adherence to safety protocols.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Geology or Economic Geology.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mine geology, with a significant focus on precious metals.
• Proven experience in managing geological operations for underground or open-pit mines.
• Expertise in geological modeling software (e.g., Leapfrog, Vulcan, Datamine).
• Strong understanding of precious metal deposit genesis, characterization, and exploration.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams and projects effectively.
• Experience with resource estimation and reporting.
• Professional registration with ECSA or equivalent is desirable.
• Willingness to work at the mine site in the Queenstown, Eastern Cape area.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, a generous performance-based bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, provident fund, and life insurance.
• We are committed to fostering professional growth through continuous training, development opportunities, and career progression within the organization.
• Relocation assistance is available for candidates relocating to the Queenstown, Eastern Cape area.

Join a leading mining company dedicated to operational excellence and sustainable resource development.