Chief Mine Surveyor - Underground Operations

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a leading gold mining group to appoint a Chief Mine Surveyor for Welkom, Free State operations. This senior role oversees all underground surveying activities, ensures the accuracy of mine workings, defines production boundaries, and maintains spatial integrity. You will manage a survey team, implement advanced surveying technologies, and ensure regulatory compliance for safe mine planning and execution.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in mine surveying, with underground emphasis.
• Professional registration with a statutory body (e.g., PLATO).
• Leadership or supervisory experience in a mining environment.
• Proficiency with mine surveying software and CAD packages.
• Knowledge of South African mining regulations and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mine surveying department including personnel and equipment.
• Conduct underground surveys including setting out and lode tracking.
• Develop and maintain digital mine models and databases.
• Ensure compliance with Mine Health and Safety Act and related legislation.
• Prepare survey plans, sections, and reports for management and regulators.
• Implement quality control procedures for all survey data.
• Mentor junior surveyors and provide training.
• Perform volumetric calculations for ore reserves and waste dumps.

Skills

Team leadership

Underground surveying

Data management

Spatial reasoning

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Mine Surveying or Geomatics

Tools

Total stations

GPS

Laser scanners

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading name in the gold mining industry, is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Chief Mine Surveyor to oversee all surveying activities for their extensive underground operations in Welkom, Free State. This senior position is critical for ensuring the accuracy of mine workings, defining production boundaries, and maintaining spatial integrity within the underground environment. The successful candidate will manage a team of mine surveyors, implement advanced surveying technologies, and ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to mine surveying. You will be responsible for precise measurements, data management, and the generation of essential survey plans and reports that guide mine development and production. This is an exceptional opportunity to take on a leadership role in a historically significant mining region, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of a major gold mine in Welkom, Free State. We are looking for a meticulous and technically adept professional who can uphold the highest standards of surveying practice and contribute to the strategic planning of underground mining operations. Your role will be fundamental in providing the spatial data necessary for safe and effective mine planning and execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the mine surveying department, including personnel, equipment, and resources.
• Conduct and supervise underground mine surveys, including setting out, lode tracking, and reconciliation.
• Develop and maintain accurate digital mine models and databases.
• Ensure compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act and other relevant legislation.
• Prepare and present survey plans, sections, and reports for management and regulatory bodies.
• Implement and maintain quality control procedures for all survey data.
• Utilize and manage advanced surveying equipment and software (e.g., total stations, GPS, laser scanners, CAD software).
• Provide survey support for mine planning, development, and production activities.
• Train and mentor junior surveyors.
• Perform volumetric calculations for ore reserves and waste dumps.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Degree in Mine Surveying or Geomatics.
• Professional registration with a relevant statutory body (e.g., PLATO).
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in mine surveying, with significant experience in underground operations.
• Proven experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Proficiency in mine surveying software and CAD packages.
• Strong understanding of mining methods and geological principles.
• Excellent spatial reasoning and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of legal requirements for mine surveying in South Africa.
• Good communication and report-writing skills.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression within a well-established mining group are provided.
• Relocation assistance is available.

Join our client in Welkom, Free State and contribute to the ongoing success of significant mining operations.