Chief Geologist: Lead Global Mineral Exploration

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

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.