Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Development Officer

Mintek Pty Ltd.; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A mining development agency based in Randburg is looking for an Artisanal & Small-Scale Mining Development Officer to facilitate training and support for small-scale mining initiatives. The role focuses on enhancing compliance and sustainable practices within this sector. Candidates should have a degree in mining or related fields, and experience in project management and community development is essential. Strong communication, attention to detail, and teamwork are crucial for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in mining related projects with a focus on community development.
• Experience in delivering training programmes related to mining.
• Solid project management skills with professional leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Support development needs of the small-scale mining sector.
• Deliver technical expertise to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Engage with clients to identify training needs and develop programmes.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

BSc (Honours) degree in mining or related fields

MSc in relevant fields

Job description

Artisanal & Small-Scale Mining Development Officer

Listing reference: minte_000395

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 6 February 2026

Position summary

Industry: Scientific, Research & Development

Job category: Management/Projects

Location: Randburg

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: No

Introduction

Mintek has an exciting position for an ASSM Development Officer to support the coordination of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASSM) activities, with emphasis on formalisation, basic compliance, and sustainable practices. The role includes assisting with the delivery of jewellery and ceramic training programmes, providing general technical support to project teams, and helping ensure that training programmes and project activities are completed within set timelines and budgets. The position contributes to meeting the development needs of the small-scale mining sector, supporting funder requirements, and aligning work with Mintek’s overall mandate.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

Project Support

• Assist with guiding staff in the Section, offering basic mentorship and support to help build competence, teamwork, and good discipline within the division.
• Support the Head of Section in securing mineral-related training projects by contributing to consulting activities and engaging with clients at various technical levels.
• Provide day-to-day support to junior staff, help with their training, and contribute to team discussions and technical decisions as needed.
• Prepare technical notes and internal communications that summarise project results, procedures, and operational information.

Project Planning

• Technical and Practical Project Support: Provide practical and technical expertise to support the successful delivery of projects, ensuring optimal utilisation of research facilities to achieve defined project objectives, timelines, and outcomes.
• Client Needs Assessment & Programme Development: Engage with clients to assess needs and requirements, and design, develop, and refine new training courses and programmes aligned with industry demand, institutional priorities, and Small-Scale Mining sector development objectives.
• Documentation & Knowledge Management: Ensure accurate, complete, and up-to-date documentation of all project work, methodologies, procedures, and outcomes in line with organisational standards and audit requirements.
• Technical Reporting & Knowledge Dissemination: Prepare and deliver high-quality professional reports, technical papers, and presentations for internal stakeholders and external platforms, including local conferences and industry forums.
• Sector Intelligence & Continuous Learning: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant mining programmes, emerging technologies, policy developments, and business initiatives targeted at supporting the Small-Scale Mining sector, and integrate insights into project planning and execution.
• Funding Mobilisation & Donor Engagement: Identify funding opportunities and actively source financial support by initiating, maintaining, and strengthening relationships with potential donors, development partners, and project sponsors through networking and follow-up on management-led initiatives.
• Contribution to Divisional Business Planning: Contribute to the Division’s business plans by providing cost-effective technical and practical input, supporting strategic objectives, and engaging with clients to enhance value creation and revenue opportunities.
• Facilities Monitoring & Asset Optimisation: Monitor, maintain, and manage existing facilities to prevent failures, sustain required service levels, and optimise facility utilisation in support of project delivery and operational efficiency.

Implementation of Projects

• Planned Maintenance Prioritisation: Develop, review, and prioritise planned and preventative maintenance programmes to ensure critical plant and equipment requirements are adequately identified, scheduled, and provided for within the approved budget.
• Technical Specifications & Procurement Support: Prepare accurate technical specifications for procurement of spares, materials, and services, ensuring alignment with operational requirements, engineering standards, and cost-effectiveness.
• Quality Assurance of Materials and Spares: Verify that all spares, materials, and services received comply with approved technical specifications, quality standards, and contractual requirements before acceptance and use.
• Resource Allocation & Preventative Maintenance Execution: Allocate and optimise human, financial, and technical resources to ensure effective execution of preventative maintenance activities, minimising downtime and improving asset reliability.
• ERP Time & Cost Capture: Ensure accurate capture of billable hours, maintenance activities, and associated costs on the ERP system to support financial control, reporting, and performance analysis.
• Plant and Equipment Inspections: Conduct regular inspections and condition assessments of plant and equipment to identify risks, maintenance needs, and opportunities for performance improvement.
• SHEQ Compliance: Ensure full compliance with Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) policies, standards, and legislative requirements, including implementation of corrective actions where necessary.
• Governance, Discipline, and Policy Enforcement: Enforce discipline and adherence to company policies, procedures, and codes of conduct within the section to ensure operational integrity and accountability.
• Research and Continuous Improvement Projects: Undertake and contribute to technical research, improvement initiatives, and special projects as assigned by management, with clear deliverables and timelines.
• Budget Control & Cost Centre Management: Manage and control the allocated cost centre budget, ensuring expenditure remains within approved limits and that variances are identified, justified, and addressed timeously.
• Skills Gap Identification & Development: Identify technical and competency gaps within the team and contribute to skills development plans, training initiatives, and succession planning to strengthen operational capability.

Stakeholder Interaction

• Internal Client Engagement: Liaise proactively with internal clients to understand, prioritise, and resolve maintenance-related issues, ensuring alignment with operational requirements and service-level expectations.
• Client Feedback & Relationship Management: Participate in structured client feedback meetings to communicate maintenance performance, address concerns, track action items, and continuously improve service delivery.
• Regulatory & Statutory Inspection Support: Provide technical and operational support to approved inspection authorities during statutory inspections conducted on site, ensuring readiness, compliance, and timely resolution of findings.
• Training & Knowledge Transfer: Train and mentor subordinates on Mintek’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring consistent application of approved practices, compliance with standards, and continuous skills development.

Qualifications:

• Minimum: BSc (Honours) degree in mining (specialization in Sustainable Development, Environment studies, Social Performance or related fields).
• MSc would be an added advantage.

Job Knowledge and Experience:

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in mining related projects (more so, social performance, social labour plans and community development in the mining sector).
• Experience in providing training programmes specifically related to fields of mining and minerals. Must have broad experience as a professional, leading major projects.
• Project management experience is essential.
• Be able to work in a team.
• Excellent communication, presentation and organisational skills.
• Attention to detail, ability to follow up and take initiative.