Senior Geologist

Sgr Sa; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 167,400 - 279,000; Full time

Job summary

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is seeking a Senior Geologist in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to lead exploration campaigns and resource evaluation across their Arabian Shield portfolio.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in geological modeling, drilling supervision, and regulatory compliance, ensuring all activities align with MIM standards while supporting SGR's long-term objectives. This vital role directly contributes to the company's efforts in expanding mineral production capacity and supporting Vision 2030 mining goals.

Qualifications

• Ten years of experience in hard-rock gold exploration and resource estimation.
• Advanced proficiency in geological modeling software.
• Valid Saudi driving license and field rotation readiness.

Responsibilities

• Lead exploration campaigns to identify economically viable gold deposits.
• Supervise drilling operations and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
• Prepare technical documentation for MIM license compliance.

Skills

Geological modeling software proficiency

Geochemical analysis

Drilling program management

Regulatory knowledge

Budget management

Communication skills

Autonomy in fieldwork

Education

Bachelor of Science in Geology or Earth Sciences

Master of Science in Economic Geology

Tools

Leapfrog Geo

Micromine

Surpac

Job description

Overview

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is a Saudi mining and precious-metals company specialized in the refining of gold and precious metals, bullion production, and value-added precious-metal services. Operating within the Kingdom's mining value chain, SGR is aligned to the Vision 2030 mining pillar and to the regulatory framework set by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) and applicable Saudi and international standards. We produce responsibly sourced, traceable, and certified bullion, operate to LBMA Good Delivery and ISO-aligned quality standards, and invest in the people, processes, and controls behind every bar we produce.

Role Overview

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is seeking a Senior Geologist in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to lead exploration campaigns and resource evaluation across our Arabian Shield portfolio. The role focuses on identifying and delineating economically viable gold deposits through systematic field mapping, drilling supervision, and geochemical analysis. The incumbent will translate geological data into resource models that directly inform pre-feasibility studies and future mine planning. This position requires a disciplined approach to regulatory compliance, contractor oversight, and technical documentation aligned with MIM standards.

The Senior Geologist will report directly to the Team Leader License and will play a key role in advancing SGR\'s exploration licenses toward mining status. The position ensures that all geological data collection and resource estimation activities meet international reporting standards while supporting the company\'s long-term feedstock strategy. Success in this role directly contributes to expanding SGR\'s in-Kingdom mineral production capacity and supporting Vision 2030 mining objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Exploration Campaign Design and Execution: The incumbent plans and supervises regional and detailed exploration programs to target structurally controlled gold mineralization within approved license boundaries.
• Drilling Program Management: The role oversees reverse circulation and diamond core drilling operations to ensure adherence to approved drill plans, safety protocols, and budget constraints.
• Geological Data Acquisition and Logging: The geologist conducts systematic core logging, structural mapping, and lithogeochemical sampling to capture accurate subsurface geological information.
• Resource Modeling and Estimation: The position develops and maintains three-dimensional geological models using industry-standard software to calculate indicated and inferred mineral resources.
• Regulatory and Licensing Documentation: The incumbent prepares technical annexes, reserve statements, and compliance reports required for MIM license renewals and progression approvals.
• QA/QC Protocol Implementation: The geologist establishes and monitors quality assurance procedures by inserting certified reference materials and tracking assay laboratory performance.
• Contractor and Vendor Coordination: The role manages relationships with drilling contractors, geophysical survey providers, and assay laboratories to maintain project timelines and technical standards.
• Cross-Functional Technical Support: The incumbent provides geological input to metallurgical test work programs and collaborates with mine planning engineers to define future ore boundaries.
• Field Team Leadership and Training: The geologist supervises junior technical staff and field technicians while enforcing strict HSE protocols during remote exploration campaigns.

Qualifications

• Education: Holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology or Earth Sciences from an accredited university, with a Master of Science degree in Economic Geology strongly preferred.
• Experience: Possesses a minimum of ten years of progressive experience in hard-rock gold exploration and resource estimation within the Arabian Shield or comparable geological settings.
• Skills: Demonstrates advanced proficiency in geological modeling software such as Leapfrog Geo, Micromine, or Surpac for three-dimensional resource interpretation.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Exhibits thorough knowledge of MIM licensing requirements, Saudi environmental regulations, and international mineral reporting frameworks.
• Licensing & Mobility: Maintains a valid Saudi driving license and demonstrates readiness to conduct extended field rotations in remote desert and mountainous terrain.
• Budget & Leadership: Proven ability to manage multi-contractor exploration budgets while maintaining strict cost control and schedule adherence.
• Communication: Delivers clear technical presentations and written reports to senior management, regulatory bodies, and external audit committees.
• Autonomy: Operates independently during remote field campaigns and translates geological findings into commercially viable exploration strategies.

Preferred / Nice-to-have

• Professional Registration: Holds professional registration as a Competent Person or Qualified Person under recognized international reporting standards.
• Experience with Metallurgy: Possesses prior experience coordinating metallurgical test work programs for refractory or free-milling gold deposits.
• Geophysical/Remote Sensing: Demonstrates working knowledge of geophysical inversion techniques and remote sensing applications for target generation.
• Feasibility Studies: Has previously contributed to feasibility studies or bankable feasibility reports for mining projects in the GCC region.

Success Metrics

• Completes resource estimation updates for at least three priority exploration targets and submits technical packages to MIM within twelve months.
• Reduces drilling program cost per meter by ten percent through optimized hole planning and contractor performance management.
• Establishes a fully validated QA/QC protocol that achieves zero critical data rejections during external resource audits.
• Delivers a comprehensive geological model that integrates historical data with newly acquired drill results to refine mineable reserve boundaries.
• Trains and certifies two junior geologists in core logging standards and field data management procedures.
• Maintains a one hundred percent compliance rate with MIM reporting deadlines and environmental baseline submission requirements.
• Achieves a ninety-five percent or higher core recovery rate across all active drilling campaigns through continuous monitoring and contractor feedback.

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.