Chief Mine Geologist - Underground Operations

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive compensation

Executive benefits package

Relocation housing support

Medical aid and retirement fund

Bonuses and incentives

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Mine Geologist to lead the geological team at an underground operation in Vereeniging. You will drive exploration, resource modeling, grade control, and collaboration with planning and operations to optimize development and production.

The role demands 10+ years in mine geology with leadership experience, strong modeling skills (JORC/NI 43-101), and proficiency in Leapfrog, Micromine, and Vulcan. A commitment to safety and environmental practices is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geology or Economic Geology.
• 10+ years in mine geology with at least 5 years in a leadership role within underground operations.
• Proven expertise in geological modeling, resource estimation (e.g., JORC, NI 43-101 standards), and grade control.
• Proficiency with geological modeling software (Leapfrog, Micromine, Vulcan).
• Strong understanding of structural geology and its impact on underground mining.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams and drive strategic initiatives.
• Experience with geological data management systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor the mine geology team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Develop geological models and resource estimation for underground operations.
• Oversee grade control programs to ensure accurate ore identification and dilution management.
• Collaborate with mine planning and production teams to optimize mine development and extraction.
• Conduct geological mapping, sampling, and core logging to delineate ore bodies and identify new targets.
• Ensure compliance with industry best practices and regulatory requirements for geological reporting and resource management.
• Manage geological databases and software, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
• Contribute to mine feasibility studies and life-of-mine planning.
• Promote and uphold the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental practices within the geology department.
• Represent the geology department in cross-functional team meetings and external stakeholder engagements.

Skills

Leadership

Geology expertise

Resource estimation

Geological modeling

Grade control

Data management

Team management

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Master's or PhD in Geology

Tools

Leapfrog

Micromine

Vulcan

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining industry, is actively seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Chief Mine Geologist to lead their geological team at their underground operations in Vereeniging . This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing all geological activities, including exploration, resource modeling, mine geology, and grade control, to ensure the efficient and profitable extraction of mineral resources. You will manage a team of geologists and technicians, develop geological strategies, and collaborate closely with mine planning and operations to guide development and production. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in underground mining environments, a deep understanding of resource estimation and modeling, and exceptional leadership qualities. This is a critical position that requires strategic vision, strong technical expertise, and the ability to foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement within the geological department. Your contribution will be fundamental to unlocking the full potential of the mine and ensuring its long-term success within the competitive mining landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor the mine geology team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Develop and implement geological models and resource estimation for underground operations.
• Oversee grade control programs to ensure accurate ore identification and dilution management.
• Collaborate with mine planning and production teams to optimize mine development and extraction.
• Conduct geological mapping, sampling, and core logging to delineate ore bodies and identify new targets.
• Ensure compliance with industry best practices and regulatory requirements for geological reporting and resource management.
• Manage geological databases and software, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
• Contribute to mine feasibility studies and life-of-mine planning.
• Promote and uphold the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental practices within the geology department.
• Represent the geology department in cross-functional team meetings and external stakeholder engagements.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Geology or Economic Geology.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mine geology, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within underground mining operations.
• Proven expertise in geological modeling, resource estimation (e.g., JORC, NI 43-101 standards), and grade control.
• Proficiency with geological modeling software (e.g., Leapfrog, Micromine, Vulcan).
• Strong understanding of structural geology and its impact on underground mining.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams and drive strategic initiatives.
• Experience with geological data management systems.
• Commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and operational excellence.
• Membership in a professional geological society is preferred.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead geological operations at a significant mine.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund.
• Performance-based bonuses and long-term incentives.
• Professional development and leadership training opportunities.
• Relocation assistance and potential for housing provision.
• A challenging and rewarding career at the forefront of the mining industry.