Geotechnical Engineer - Mine Stability

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement fund benefits

Performance-based incentives

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer for mining operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on mine stability assessments, ground support design, and risk management to safeguard underground and open-pit excavations.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in geotechnical engineering within mining, strong rock/soil mechanics knowledge, and proficiency with RocScience, FLAC and PLAXIS. This is a site-based, full-time opportunity.

Qualifications

• BEng/BSc in Civil or Mining Engineering with a Geotechnical specialization.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant geotechnical experience in mining.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software for analysis and modelling (Rocscience Suite, FLAC, PLAXIS).
• Strong understanding of rock mechanics, soil mechanics and engineering geology.
• Experience designing and implementing ground support systems.
• Knowledge of geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and risk assessment skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on site.
• Professional registration with ECSA or relevant body desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed geotechnical investigations and analyses for open-pit and underground mines.
• Assess rock mass properties, discontinuity characteristics, and ground conditions.
• Design and recommend ground support systems (bolting, mesh, shotcrete).
• Perform slope stability analyses and advise on open-pit mine design.
• Monitor ground conditions using instrumentation (extensometers, piezometers, inclinometers).
• Analyze monitoring data and provide timely risk feedback.
• Develop and implement geotechnical risk management plans.
• Prepare geotechnical reports and presentations for management and stakeholders.
• Liaise with mine engineers and geologists to integrate requirements into planning.
• Stay updated on latest geotechnical and mining practices.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Risk assessment

Written and verbal communication

Independent and collaborative

Education

BEng/BSc in Civil or Mining Engineering (Geotechnical specialization)

Tools

Rocscience Suite

FLAC

PLAXIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major force in the mining sector, is seeking a highly qualified Geotechnical Engineer to oversee mine stability assessments and strategies at their operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This critical role involves ensuring the safety and integrity of all underground and open-pit excavations through rigorous geotechnical analysis and monitoring. You will be responsible for evaluating rock mass conditions, designing support systems, and developing strategies to mitigate geotechnical risks associated with mining activities. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in geotechnical engineering within a mining context and a strong understanding of geological principles and soil/rock mechanics. This position requires a proactive approach to hazard identification and risk management, contributing directly to the operational safety and longevity of the mine in Richards Bay. You will work closely with mine planning, engineering, and safety departments to implement best practices and innovative solutions for ground support and slope stability.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed geotechnical investigations and analyses for open-pit and underground mines.
• Assess rock mass properties, discontinuity characteristics, and ground conditions.
• Design and recommend appropriate ground support systems (e.g., bolting, mesh, shotcrete).
• Perform slope stability analyses and provide recommendations for open-pit mine design.
• Monitor ground conditions using instrumentation (e.g., extensometers, piezometers, inclinometers).
• Analyze monitoring data and provide timely feedback on potential risks.
• Develop and implement geotechnical risk management plans.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports and presentations for management and stakeholders.
• Liaise with mine engineers and geologists to integrate geotechnical requirements into mine planning.
• Stay updated on the latest developments in geotechnical engineering and mining practices.

Requirements

• BEng/BSc in Civil or Mining Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering within the mining industry.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software for analysis and modelling (e.g., Rocscience Suite, FLAC, PLAXIS).
• Strong understanding of rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and engineering geology.
• Experience in designing and implementing ground support systems.
• Knowledge of geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a site-based environment.
• Professional registration with ECSA or relevant body is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical insurance, retirement fund benefits, and performance-based incentives.
• This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth and exposure to large-scale mining projects in Richards Bay.
• Employees benefit from a commitment to continuous learning and development, as well as a strong focus on health and safety within the workplace.
• The company supports professional affiliations and encourages participation in industry conferences.