Chief Geologist

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level salary + bonus

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Pension fund contributions

Generous annual leave

Company car or travel allowance

International travel opportunities

Access to advanced geological software

Relocation assistance

Dynamic work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Geologist in Cape Town to lead exploration, resource evaluation, and modelling efforts. The role combines office work with site visits and remote flexibility, and requires a strong leadership track record in geology and geostatistics.

You will oversee data collection, interpretation, and reporting, guiding a team of geologists and collaborating with engineers, metallurgists, and environmental experts.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Geology, Economic Geology, or a related earth science field.
• Minimum 10–15 years of mineral exploration and resource geology experience; leadership preferred.
• Knowledge of geological environments and mineral deposit types.
• Proficient in Leapfrog, Vulcan, Datamine for modelling and analysis.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing abilities.
• Experience with SA mining legislation (SAMREC) and reporting codes.
• Ability to travel to remote exploration sites as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead geology department, oversee exploration, resource definition, and modelling.
• Develop exploration strategies to identify new deposits and expand resources.
• Oversee collection, interpretation, and reporting of geological data.
• Ensure accuracy of resource and reserve estimates using standard software.
• Mentor geologists and technical staff, fostering high performance.
• Collaborate with mining engineers and environmental specialists.
• Stay updated on latest exploration techniques and technologies.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and resource statements.
• Manage exploration budgets and allocate resources efficiently.
• Ensure compliance with mining regulations and safety practices.

Skills

Leadership

Geology

Geostatistics

Project management

Reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Master's or PhD in Geology

Tools

Leapfrog

Vulcan

Datamine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the mining industry, is seeking an accomplished Chief Geologist to lead their geological exploration and resource evaluation efforts in Cape Town, Western Cape. This senior role requires extensive experience in geological surveying, resource modelling, and strategic planning for mineral exploration. You will be responsible for guiding the geological team, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of resource estimations, and advising on exploration strategies to identify and develop viable mineral deposits. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership qualities, deep technical expertise in geology and geostatistics, and a comprehensive understanding of the mining lifecycle. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining office-based work in Cape Town with potential site visits and remote flexibility. You will play a pivotal role in the company's long‑term success by identifying and unlocking valuable mineral resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the geology department, overseeing all exploration, resource definition, and geological modelling activities.
• Develop and implement exploration strategies to identify new mineral deposits and expand existing resources.
• Oversee the collection, interpretation, and reporting of geological data, including drilling, mapping, and sampling.
• Ensure the accuracy and reliability of geological resource and reserve estimates using industry‑standard software and geostatistical methods.
• Manage and mentor a team of geologists and technical staff, fostering a high‑performance culture.
• Collaborate closely with mining engineers, metallurgists, and environmental specialists to ensure integrated project development.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in geological exploration techniques and technologies.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and resource statements for internal stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Manage exploration budgets and ensure efficient allocation of resources.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant mining regulations, safety standards, and environmental best practices.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in Geology, Economic Geology, or a related earth science field.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in mineral exploration and resource geology, with a significant portion in a leadership role.
• Extensive knowledge of various geological environments and mineral deposit types.
• Proven expertise in geological modelling software (e.g., Leapfrog, Vulcan, Datamine) and geostatistical analysis.
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking abilities.
• Proficiency in report writing and presentation of technical geological information.
• Experience working in diverse geological settings and challenging terrains.
• Familiarity with relevant South African mining legislation and reporting codes (e.g., SAMREC).
• Ability to travel to remote exploration sites as required.
• This role is based in Cape Town with a hybrid working model.

Benefits

• Executive‑level salary and comprehensive bonus structure.
• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous pension fund contributions.
• Significant annual leave and paid time off.i>
• Company car or generous travel allowance.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art geological software and equipment.
• Leadership role with significant strategic impact.
• Relocation assistance available for candidates relocating to Cape Town.
• A dynamic work environment within a respected mining organization.