Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Mining Operations

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Pension and life insurance

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Geotechnical Engineer to oversee ground stability for a mine near Rustenburg, North West. The senior role focuses on open-pit and underground design, slope stability and ground support, ensuring safe, efficient operations.

You will lead complex projects, mentor engineers, and liaise with planning and safety teams to integrate geotechnical insights into production. A passion for safety and excellence is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering with a geotechnical specialization, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering within mining.
• Proficiency with geotechnical software such as Rocscience or Maptek for design and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert geotechnical advice for open-pit and underground mining operations.
• Conduct site characterization, lab testing, and in-situ testing.
• Perform advanced slope stability analyses and monitor performance with instrumentation.
• Develop and review ground support designs for excavations and structures.
• Assess seismic hazards and mitigation strategies for mine stability.
• Oversee geotechnical monitoring programs and analyze data for risk informed decisions.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and technicians to uphold safety and technical excellence.
• Collaborate with mine planning, operations, and safety to integrate geotechnical considerations.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Slope stability analysis

Ground support design

Project leadership

Team mentoring

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Geotechnical Mining Civil Eng

Tools

Rocscience (Slide/Phase2/Examine3D)

Maptek

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining sector, is seeking a highly skilled Lead Geotechnical Engineer to oversee critical ground stability and slope engineering operations at their mine site near Rustenburg, North West, ZA. This senior role demands extensive experience in mining geotechnical challenges, including open-pit and underground mine design, slope stability analysis, and ground support systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the safety and operational integrity of all mining structures and excavations through expert geotechnical assessment and mitigation strategies. This is a challenging yet rewarding position for a seasoned professional looking to lead complex engineering projects in a demanding environment. You will play a pivotal role in risk management and operational excellence within a large-scale mining context.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert geotechnical advice and engineering solutions for open-pit and underground mining operations.
• Conduct detailed geotechnical investigations, including site characterization, laboratory testing, and in-situ testing.
• Perform advanced slope stability analyses, design stabilization measures, and monitor performance using various instrumentation techniques.
• Develop and review ground support designs for underground excavations and structures.
• Assess seismic hazards and their impact on mine stability, recommending appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Oversee the implementation of geotechnical monitoring programs and analyze monitoring data to assess risks and inform operational decisions.
• Mentor and guide junior geotechnical engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of safety and technical excellence.
• Liaise with mine planning, operations, and safety departments to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine design and production planning.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant geotechnical engineering standards, mining regulations, and best practices.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, design documents, and risk assessments.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering with a geotechnical specialization, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, specifically within the mining industry.
• Proven expertise in open-pit and underground mine geotechnical design, slope stability analysis, and ground support design.
• Proficiency with geotechnical software such as Rocscience (Slide, Phase2, Examine3D), Maptek, or similar.
• Strong understanding of rock mechanics, soil mechanics, hydrogeology, and seismic engineering as applied to mining.
• Experience in managing geotechnical projects and supervising engineering teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and management.
• Professional registration with ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa) is highly preferred.
• Willingness to reside in or near Rustenburg and work on-site.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive and highly competitive salary package, benchmarked against industry standards for senior geotechnical roles, along with significant performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, a robust pension fund, and life insurance are included.
• Opportunities for professional development, continuous training, and attendance at key industry conferences are provided.

Join a reputable organization committed to safety, innovation, and operational excellence in the heart of South Africa's mining region.