Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Housing allowance

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer for our client in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and monitoring ventilation systems to ensure safe underground conditions.

You will oversee dust and gas control strategies and lead a team of engineers and technicians in a field-based environment. The ideal candidate has a minimum of 7 years in underground mine ventilation, a strong background in thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, and proven

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive mine ventilation experience in underground operations.
• Strong knowledge of ventilation principles, thermodynamics, dust/gas control, and SA mining regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive mine ventilation plans for underground operations in Durban.
• Design and optimize ventilation networks including fan selection and ducting.
• Monitor airflow, temperature, humidity, and air quality on site.
• Implement dust suppression and gas control measures.
• Lead and mentor ventilation engineers and technicians.

Skills

Leadership

Ventilation system design

Thermodynamics

Fluid dynamics

Dust and gas control

Data analysis

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Ventsim

Diffix

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the mining sector , is seeking an experienced and proactive Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer to join their operations based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This pivotal role requires a seasoned professional to oversee and manage all aspects of mine ventilation systems, ensuring a safe, healthy, and productive underground working environment. You will be responsible for the design, implementation, and continuous monitoring of ventilation networks, dust control, and gas management strategies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and mine environmental control principles, specifically within the context of South African mining regulations. This is a hands-on role based in the field, offering the chance to make a substantial impact on operational safety and efficiency. You will lead a dedicated team, foster innovation, and collaborate closely with mine management and other engineering disciplines to achieve excellence in environmental management. We are committed to providing a safe and rewarding career path for our employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive mine ventilation plans and strategies for underground operations in Durban .
• Design and optimize ventilation networks, including fan selection, ducting, and airflow distribution systems.
• Conduct regular site assessments and measurements of airflow, temperature, humidity, and air quality (dust, gases).
• Implement and manage dust suppression and control measures in accordance with health and safety regulations.
• Develop and oversee strategies for the control of hazardous gases (e.g., methane, CO, NOx).
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and international health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of ventilation engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with mine planning, operations, and safety departments to address ventilation challenges.
• Conduct incident investigations related to ventilation failures or environmental issues.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, specifications, and budgetary proposals for ventilation projects.
• Utilize advanced modeling software for ventilation network analysis and simulation.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mine ventilation engineering, with a focus on underground mining.
• In-depth knowledge of mine ventilation principles, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and dust/gas control technologies.
• Proven experience with mine ventilation software (e.g., Ventsim, Diffix).
• Strong understanding of South African mining legislation and environmental regulations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to conduct site visits and work effectively in an underground mining environment.
• Experience in a supervisory or lead role is essential.
• Proficiency in data analysis and report writing.
• A passion for ensuring a safe and healthy working environment in the mining industry .

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with potential for performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund contributions.
• Company-provided accommodation or housing allowance.
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Durban .
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and further specialization.
• A stimulating work environment with challenging projects in the mining sector .
• Annual leave and other company-mandated benefits.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing organization.