Lead Geoscientist - Mineral Exploration

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Performance-based bonuses

Comprehensive medical coverage

Major retirement fund

International travel

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Geoscientist to spearhead mineral exploration in the Rustenburg, North West region. You will lead a team to identify targets, manage surveys, and interpret data to define viable mineral deposits.

The role requires a Ph.D./M.Sc. in a geoscience field and at least 10 years of progressive exploration experience, with a track record in base or precious metals. Strong leadership and reporting skills are essential for stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Economic Geology, Geophysics, or related geoscience discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years in mineral exploration with focus on precious/base metals.
• Proven track record leading greenfields to resource definition projects.
• Expertise in geological interpretation, structural geology, and regional targeting.
• Proficiency with Leapfrog/Vulcan/Surpac and GIS tools.
• Strong communication, leadership, and reporting skills.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in remote locations in North West.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement regional and project-specific exploration strategies to identify new mineral resources.
• Manage and interpret data from geophysical and geochemical surveys (magnetics, gravity, EM, seismic, geochemistry).
• Conduct geological mapping, structural analysis, and drill core logging to understand geological frameworks.
• Oversee exploration drilling programs, including budget and contractor management.
• Build 3D geological/resource models using Leapfrog, Vulcan or Surpac.
• Evaluate prospects and advise on project progression or termination.
• Collaborate with engineers and metallurgists to advance exploration to development.
• Mentor junior geoscientists and prepare technical reports and proposals.

Skills

Geological interpretation

Structural geology

Exploration targeting

GIS

Education

Ph.D./M.Sc. in Economic Geology or Geophysics

Tools

Leapfrog

Vulcan

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the mining and exploration sector, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Geoscientist to spearhead mineral exploration initiatives in the Rustenburg, North West region. This senior position demands a strategic thinker with a profound understanding of geological principles, exploration techniques, and resource modeling. You will be responsible for identifying and evaluating new exploration targets, managing geophysical surveys, and interpreting complex geological data to define viable mineral deposits. The successful candidate will lead a team of geoscientists and contribute to the company's growth by discovering and advancing prospective mineral assets. This is a critical role for shaping the future resource portfolio, based in the heart of South Africa's mineral-rich landscape near Rustenburg .

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement regional and project-specific exploration strategies to identify new mineral resources. Manage and interpret data from a variety of geophysical and geochemical surveys (e.g., magnetics, gravity, EM, seismic, geochemistry). Conduct geological mapping, structural analysis, and drill core logging to understand geological frameworks. Oversee the planning and execution of exploration drilling programs, including budget and contractor management. Utilize geological modeling software (e.g., Leapfrog, Vulcan, Surpac) to build and refine 3D geological and resource models. Evaluate exploration prospects and provide technical recommendations for project progression or termination. Collaborate with mining engineers and metallurgists to ensure successful transition from exploration to resource development. Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior geoscientists and field personnel. Prepare comprehensive technical reports, presentations, and proposals for internal stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Requirements

Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Economic Geology, Geophysics, or a related geoscience discipline. A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mineral exploration, with a strong focus on identifying and defining precious metals or base metal deposits. Proven track record in leading exploration projects from greenfields to resource definition. Expertise in geological interpretation, structural geology, and regional exploration targeting. Proficiency in industry-standard geological modeling software and GIS applications. Strong understanding of geophysical methods and their application in mineral exploration. Excellent project management and team leadership skills. Experience with diverse geological terrains and deposit types. Ability to conduct fieldwork in remote locations as required. Excellent communication and reporting skills, essential for our operations in North West .

Benefits

Our client offers an executive-level salary package with performance-based bonuses and long-term incentives. Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage, a substantial retirement fund, and opportunities for international travel to attend conferences and site visits. The company invests heavily in employee development, offering advanced training courses and opportunities for career advancement. You will work with cutting-edge exploration technologies and contribute to high-impact projects. This role is based in the accessible vicinity of Rustenburg , providing a balanced lifestyle.