Chief Mine Surveyor - Gold Operations

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is working with a major gold producer to recruit a Chief Mine Surveyor for their Welkom, Free State operations. The role leads the surveying department, ensures data integrity for mine planning and compliance, and oversees a team of surveyors and technicians.

The successful candidate will implement advanced surveying techniques, manage budgets, and mentor staff while maintaining rigorous safety and regulatory standards in a demanding mining environment.

Qualifications

• National Diploma or Degree in Mine Surveying or related field.
• Mine Surveyor's Certificate of Competency preferred.
• 10+ years in mine surveying with underground gold mining experience.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Deswik, Surpac and Leica Survey Office.
• Experience with total stations, GPS/GNSS, and laser scanning.
• Strong knowledge of SA mining legislation governing surveying.
• Leadership and excellent communication skills; able to mentor others.
• Willingness to work underground in a mining environment.

Responsibilities

• Direct all underground and surface mine surveying activities.
• Establish and maintain mine control networks with accuracy.
• Process and interpret survey data using advanced software.
• Produce detailed mine plans, cross-sections and volume calculations.
• Liaise with planning, geology and production for survey support.
• Adopt new surveying tech including laser scanning and drone surveys.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards.
• Mentor surveyors and manage the survey team.
• Manage department budget and resources; conduct data audits.

Skills

Leadership

Mine surveying

Underground mining

Data interpretation

Regulatory knowledge

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Mine Surveying

Tools

AutoCAD

Deswik

Surpac

Leica Survey Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major gold producer with extensive operations in the Free State, is actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chief Mine Surveyor to lead their surveying department in Welkom, Free State . This senior role is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of all underground and surface survey data, managing survey operations, and providing critical spatial information for mine planning, production, and compliance. The Chief Mine Surveyor will oversee a team of surveyors and technicians, implement best practices in surveying technology, and ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements. This is a vital position for a meticulous and technically adept professional within a significant gold mining complex.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and direct all underground and surface mine surveying activities.
• Ensure the accurate establishment and maintenance of mine control networks.
• Process and interpret survey data using advanced surveying software and equipment.
• Produce detailed mine plans, cross-sections, and volumetric calculations for planning and reporting.
• Liaise with mine planning, geology, and production departments to provide timely survey support.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of new surveying technologies, including laser scanning and drone surveys.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory requirements and industry best practices for mine surveying.
• Train and mentor junior surveyors and survey technicians.
• Manage the survey department budget and resources effectively.
• Conduct regular audits of survey procedures and data quality.

Requirements

• A National Diploma or Degree in Mine Surveying or a related field.
• A Mine Surveyor's Certificate of Competency (preferred).
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in mine surveying, with a strong focus on underground gold mining operations.
• Proficiency in industry-standard surveying software (e.g., AutoCAD, Deswik, Surpac, Leica Survey Office).
• Experience with total stations, GPS/GNSS, and laser scanning equipment.
• In-depth knowledge of mining legislation pertaining to surveying in South Africa.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills.
• Willingness to work underground in a mining environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, complemented by a generous performance bonus and comprehensive medical aid cover.
• A significant contribution to a pension fund is included, alongside excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Relocation assistance will be provided to the successful candidate.
• Our client is committed to maintaining a safe and productive work environment, adhering to strict environmental standards and promoting employee well-being.
• This is an opportunity to take charge of a critical function at a major mining operation.