Geophysicist

SAUDI ARABIAN RESOURCES COMPANY; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 240,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Saudi Gold Refinery SGR in Riyadh seeks a Geophysicist to lead exploration across gold and base metal projects. You will design and interpret airborne and ground surveys, integrating results with geological models to identify high-potential drill targets.

Reporting to the VP of Exploration, you will manage data quality, contractor oversight, regulatory reporting to MIM, and contribute to resource estimation and mine planning within Vision 2030 mining pillars. Fluent English required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geophysics, Geology or Earth Sciences.
• 7+ years in mineral exploration geophysics, Arabian Shield preferred.
• Design and interpretation of airborne and ground surveys.
• Proficiency in Oasis Montaj, Geosoft or equivalent.
• Fluency in English for technical reporting and collaboration.
• Experience with MIM regulatory reporting.

Responsibilities

• Design detailed specifications for airborne and ground geophysical surveys.
• Process and interpret data to create 2D/3D subsurface models.
• Oversee third‑party survey contractors and ensure data quality.
• Prepare reports for MIM and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Maintain a centralized geophysical database for planning.
• Identify drill targets based on integrated evidence.
• Collaborate with HSE to minimize environmental impact.
• Provide technical support for resource block models.

Skills

Survey design

Data interpretation

Geophysical modeling

Regulatory reporting

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's in Geophysics or Earth Sciences

Geology background

Tools

Oasis Montaj

Geosoft

GIS software

Job description

Role Overview

Saudi Gold Refinery SGR is seeking a Geophysicist in Riyadh Saudi Arabia to lead geophysical exploration efforts across its growing portfolio of gold and base metal projects. This role focuses on designing and interpreting geophysical surveys to identify high-potential drill targets within the Arabian Shield. The Geophysicist will integrate subsurface data with geological models to support resource estimation and mine planning. This position is critical to SGR's strategy of expanding its mineral reserves and securing sustainable feedstock for its refining operations. The Geophysicist will report directly to the VP of Exploration and will play a key role in de‑risking exploration assets through advanced geophysical techniques. They will ensure that all exploration activities align with Saudi regulatory requirements and SGR's sustainability goals. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 mining pillar by unlocking new mineral resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Survey Design and Planning: The role designs detailed technical specifications for airborne and ground geophysical surveys to optimize detection of mineralization. It selects appropriate methods and parameters based on geological targets and terrain conditions.
• Data Interpretation and Modeling: This position processes and interprets complex geophysical datasets to create 2D and 3D subsurface models. It integrates these models with geological and geochemical data to refine exploration targets.
• Contractor Oversight: The Geophysicist manages third‑party survey contractors to ensure data acquisition meets quality and safety standards. It validates delivered data against contractual specifications before approval.
• Regulatory Compliance: The role prepares technical reports for submission to the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM). It ensures all exploration activities comply with Saudi mining laws and environmental permits.
• Database Management: This position maintains a centralized geophysical database to support long‑term exploration strategy. It ensures data integrity and accessibility for future resource estimation and auditing.
• Target Generation: The Geophysicist identifies structural controls and lithological units prospective for gold emplacement. It prioritises drill targets based on integrated geophysical and geological evidence.
• HSE and Environmental Stewardship: The role collaborates with the HSE team to ensure survey operations adhere to safety and environmental standards. It minimizes environmental impact during field data acquisition campaigns.
• Strategic Technical Support: This position provides geophysical constraints for resource block models to improve estimation accuracy. It advises the VP of Exploration on the technical feasibility of new exploration initiatives.

Success Metrics

• Completion of geophysical surveys for at least three major exploration targets within the first year.
• Delivery of integrated geophysical‑geological models that result in successful drill target definition.
• Establishment of a robust geophysical database supporting long‑term exploration planning.
• Full compliance with MIM reporting requirements for all active exploration licenses.
• Reduction of exploration risk by identifying and excluding low‑potential areas through precise mapping.
• Successful management of contractor performance with zero major safety or quality incidents.
• Positive feedback from the VP of Exploration on technical contributions to resource estimation.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Saudi Gold Refinery welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Hiring decisions are made based on role requirements, skills, experience and alignment with Saudization and Vision 2030 priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geophysics, Geology, or Earth Sciences from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mineral exploration geophysics, preferably in the Arabian Shield.
• Proven expertise in designing and interpreting airborne and ground geophysical surveys.
• Proficiency in geophysical software such as Oasis Montaj, Geosoft, or equivalent platforms.
• Strong understanding of structural geology and its relationship to geophysical signatures.
• Experience with regulatory reporting to the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM).
• Ability to work in remote field locations and manage multi-disciplinary teams.
• Fluency in English for technical reporting and international collaboration.
• Preferred / Nice-to-have
  • Master's degree or PhD in Geophysics or Economic Geology.
  • Experience with induced polarization (IP) and resistivity surveys in arid environments.
  • Familiarity with JORC or NI 43-101 reporting standards.
  • Knowledge of Arabic language to facilitate local stakeholder engagement.
  • Membership in the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG).