Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks an experienced Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer to oversee and advance ventilation strategies for safe underground conditions. You will lead a team of specialists, design and optimize systems, and drive innovation in ventilation technology across mining operations.

You will collaborate with mine planning, geology and safety departments to integrate ventilation requirements into overall mine design, while mentoring engineers and technicians to enhance performance and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in mine ventilation engineering.
• 3+ years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Knowledge of ventilation principles including airflow dynamics and dust control.
• Proficiency with mine ventilation modeling software (Ventsim, WENEV).
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) or eligible is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage mine ventilation plans for new and existing underground mines.
• Conduct airflow modeling and simulations under varying conditions.
• Oversee selection, installation and maintenance of ventilation equipment.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Lead and mentor ventilation engineers and technicians.
• Conduct site visits to assess systems and recommend actions.
• Collaborate with planning, geology and safety teams to integrate ventilation into mine design.
• Prepare technical reports, budgets and guidelines.
• Research and evaluate new ventilation technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Team management

Ventilation principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Master's degree (advantageous)

Tools

Ventsim

WENEV

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the mining industry, is seeking an experienced Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer to oversee and advance their ventilation strategies in Cape Town, Western Cape . This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing ventilation systems to ensure a safe, healthy, and productive underground working environment. You will lead a team of ventilation specialists, drive innovation in ventilation technology, and contribute significantly to the operational efficiency and safety standards of our mining operations. This is a crucial role that demands a deep understanding of mine air quality, thermal conditions, and airflow dynamics.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage comprehensive mine ventilation plans and designs for new and existing underground mining projects.
• Conduct detailed airflow modeling and simulations to predict and assess ventilation performance under various operating conditions.
• Oversee the selection, installation, and maintenance of ventilation equipment, including fans, ducting, and control systems.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations pertaining to mine ventilation and air quality.
• Lead and mentor a team of ventilation engineers and technicians, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Conduct site visits and inspections to assess ventilation systems, identify potential issues, and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop and implement strategies for managing thermal stress and fugitive dust control in underground mines.
• Collaborate with mine planning, geology, and safety departments to integrate ventilation requirements into overall mine design and operations.
• Prepare technical reports, budget proposals, and operational guidelines related to mine ventilation.
• Research and evaluate new ventilation technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency and safety.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mine ventilation engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Extensive knowledge of mine ventilation principles, including airflow dynamics, psychrometrics, dust control, and gas management.
• Proficiency in mine ventilation modeling software (e.g., Ventsim, WENEV) and general engineering design tools.
• Strong understanding of underground mining methods and their impact on ventilation systems.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a technical team.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing ventilation challenges.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effectively interacting with diverse stakeholders.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) or eligible for registration is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites as required for hybrid role responsibilities.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement benefits.
• The hybrid work model in Cape Town, Western Cape offers flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and career progression within a leading mining organization are abundant.
• Employees have access to a state-of-the‑art office facility and are supported with resources to facilitate effective remote work.

Join a company that values innovation, safety, and employee well‑being, and contribute to impactful projects in the extractive industries.