Lead Exploration Geochemist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and incentives

Flexible remote working arrangement

Travel allowances

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Exploration Geochemist to design and manage geochemical exploration programs remotely, with occasional travel to sites across South Africa. You will interpret complex geochemical data, guide teams, and contribute to the discovery pipeline for a leading mining organization.

You will lead sampling programs, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with geologists and geophysicists while staying abreast of new techniques and data processing methods.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Geochemistry, Economic Geology, or a related earth science.
• At least 8 years of progressive mineral exploration geochemistry experience with a successful discovery or target generation.
• Extensive experience with geochemical data analysis software and GIS platforms.
• Strong understanding of analytical chemistry principles and interpretation of ICP-MS, XRF, AAS.
• Ability to design and manage complex field exploration programs.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and remotely with frequent travel to sites.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage multi-element geochemical exploration programs across sampling types.
• Oversee sample collection, preparation, and analysis protocols to ensure data quality.
• Interpret large geochemical datasets using statistical and spatial techniques.
• Develop and refine models to identify drilling targets and resource definition.
• Collaborate with geologists and geophysicists to integrate data.
• Provide mentorship to junior geochemists and field technicians.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and exploration strategies.
• Stay updated on new analytical techniques and data processing methods.
• Manage budgets and contracts with external laboratories.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and suggest improvements.
• Contribute to exploration portfolio strategy and peer reviews.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Independent & collaborative work

Travel readiness

Education

Master's or PhD in Geochemistry / Economic Geology

Tools

ioGAS

GCDKit

Gemcom

ArcGIS

QGIS

ICP-MS

XRF

AAS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking and respected entity in the mining and exploration sector, is actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Exploration Geochemist . This pivotal role focuses on the strategic design and implementation of geochemical exploration programs aimed at identifying new mineral deposits. The position is based remotely, with the flexibility to work from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , or other suitable locations, involving periodic travel to exploration sites across South Africa . The Lead Exploration Geochemist will play a crucial role in interpreting complex geochemical data, guiding exploration teams, and advancing the company's discovery pipeline. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned geochemist to make a significant impact and drive exploration success for a leading mining organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage multi-element geochemical exploration programs, including soil, stream sediment, rock chip, and drill core sampling.
• Oversee sample collection, preparation, and analysis protocols, ensuring the highest quality data acquisition.
• Interpret large geochemical datasets using statistical and spatial analysis techniques, employing specialized software.
• Develop and refine geochemical exploration models to identify promising areas for follow-up drilling and resource definition.
• Collaborate closely with geologists, geophysicists, and other exploration personnel to integrate geochemical data with other geological information.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior geochemists and field technicians.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for exploration strategy and target generation.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in exploration geochemistry, including new analytical techniques and data processing methodologies.
• Manage budgets and contracts with external laboratories and service providers.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations pertaining to exploration activities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of exploration programs and recommend improvements.
• Contribute to the company's exploration portfolio strategy and peer review processes.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. degree in Geochemistry, Economic Geology, or a related earth science discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mineral exploration geochemistry, with a proven track record of successful discovery or target generation.
• Extensive experience with geochemical data analysis software (e.g., ioGAS, GCDkit, Gemcom) and GIS platforms.
• Strong understanding of analytical chemistry principles and the interpretation of various analytical techniques (e.g., ICP-MS, XRF, AAS).
• Demonstrated ability to design and manage complex field exploration programs.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information effectively.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote and field-intensive environment.
• Willingness to undertake frequent travel to exploration sites in various terrains.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Flexible remote working arrangement with travel allowances.
• Opportunity to work on high-potential exploration projects globally.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Professional development and training opportunities.Contribution to a company culture that values innovation and discovery.
• Exposure to cutting-edge exploration technologies and methodologies.