Geotechnical Engineer - Mining Operations

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement benefits

Performance-related incentives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer for its Richards Bay mining operations. The role focuses on ground condition assessment, design of ground support, and monitoring slope stability for open-pit and underground works.

You will work with mine planning and operations to ensure safety and continuity. The position requires a Bachelor's in Geotechnical/Civil engineering and a minimum of 6 years in mining geotech, with strong analytical and reporting abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of geotechnical experience in the mining sector.
• Strong knowledge of soil and rock mechanics and engineering geology.
• Proficiency with RocScience Suite and Slide for stability analysis.
• Experience with field investigations, instrumentation, and data analysis.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and report writing skills.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites and work remotely as needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations including site characterization and testing.
• Analyze data to assess slope stability, ground support, and seismic risks.
• Design and specify ground support for underground excavations and open pits.
• Develop monitoring programs for ground movement and geotechnical hazards.
• Provide geotechnical advice to mine planning and operations teams.
• Prepare detailed reports, specifications and design documents.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical standards and mine safety regulations.
• Assist in investigations of geotechnical incidents and corrective actions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Report writing

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field

Tools

RocScience Suite

Slide

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the Mining industry, is seeking a highly competent Geotechnical Engineer to bolster their operational support team. This role is based in the strategic location of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA , and is pivotal in ensuring the stability and safety of our client's mining infrastructure. The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing ground conditions, designing and implementing ground support systems, and monitoring slope stability for both open-pit and underground operations. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the safe and efficient operation of significant mining assets, working within a company that prioritizes engineering excellence and the well-being of its workforce. You will be involved in critical projects that safeguard operational continuity.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations, including site characterization, laboratory testing, and in-situ testing.
• Analyze geological and geotechnical data to assess risks related to slope stability, ground support, and seismic activity.
• Design and specify ground support systems for underground excavations and open-pit slopes.
• Develop and implement monitoring programs for ground movement, rock falls, and other geotechnical hazards.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice and recommendations to mine planning and operations teams.
• Prepare detailed geotechnical reports, technical specifications, and design documentation.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical engineering standards and mine safety regulations.
• Assist in the investigation of geotechnical incidents and the implementation of corrective measures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, with specific experience in the mining sector.
• Strong knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and engineering geology principles.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software for stability analysis (e.g., Rocscience suite, Slide).
• Experience with field investigations, instrumentation, and data analysis.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong report writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work remotely and travel to mine sites as needed.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, retirement benefits, and performance-related incentives. This role provides excellent opportunities for professional development, specialized training, and career advancement within a globally recognized mining company. The position is designed to offer a high degree of autonomy and impact. We also provide a supportive work environment and the chance to work on challenging and impactful projects within the South African mining landscape.