Geotechnical Engineer - Underground Mining

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Life insurance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Geotechnical Engineer for an underground hard-rock mining role in Welkom, Free State. You will assess rock masses, design support systems, and advise on ground control to ensure safe, efficient extraction of gold.

Responsibilities include geotechnical investigations, monitoring program implementation, and numerical modeling to predict stability. Strong SA mining experience and instrumentation knowledge are required.

Qualifications

• Degree in geotechnical/mining engineering or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in geotechnical engineering for underground hard-rock mining.
• Strong rock mechanics knowledge and practical ground control experience.
• Proficiency with Rocscience/FLAC and instrumentation systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations and rock-m mass characterization.
• Design ground support for tunnels, stopes, and shafts.
• Implement monitoring programs using extensometers and piezometers.
• Model excavation stability and predict rock mass behavior.
• Provide real-time geotechnical guidance to operations.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Rock mechanics

Underground mining

Data interpretation

Instrumentation & monitoring

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Geotechnical or Mining Engineering

Tools

Rocscience

FLAC

Geotechnical instrumentation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the gold mining industry, is seeking a highly qualified Geotechnical Engineer to join their operations in **Welkom, Free State**. This pivotal role will focus on ensuring the stability and safety of underground mining excavations through rigorous geotechnical analysis and design. The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing rock mass conditions, developing support systems, and providing expert advice to mining operations to mitigate geotechnical risks. You will work closely with mine planning, operations, and geology teams to implement best practices in ground control. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the safe and efficient extraction of gold in one of **South Africa**'s most significant mining regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations, including rock mass characterization, in situ testing, and laboratory analysis.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs using instruments such as extensometers, piezometers, and data loggers.
• Design and recommend appropriate ground support systems for various underground mining excavations (e.g., tunnels, stopes, shafts).
• Perform numerical modeling and analysis to assess excavation stability and predict rock mass behavior.
• Provide real-time geotechnical advice to mining operations to ensure safe working conditions.
• Contribute to the development of operational guidelines and procedures for safe mining practices in **Welkom**.
• Investigate and report on geotechnical incidents and failures, identifying root causes and recommending preventative measures.
• Collaborate with geologists and mine planners to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine design and production planning.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in geotechnical engineering and instrumentation relevant to underground mining.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, specifically within underground hard-rock mining.
• Strong knowledge of rock mechanics principles and their application in mining environments.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software for analysis and modeling (e.g., Rocscience suite, FLAC).
• Experience with geotechnical instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience working in the **Free State** mining environment is a significant advantage.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to spend time underground.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, attractive performance bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a pension fund, and life insurance. The company provides significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement within its extensive operations. Join a safety-focused culture in Welkom that prioritizes the well-being of its employees and invests in their growth. This role offers the chance to work on challenging projects within a historically significant gold mining region of South Africa.