Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Generous leave entitlements

Performance-based incentives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer for a mining client in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will design, implement and optimise ventilation systems for underground and surface operations, ensuring safe air quality, energy efficiency and regulatory compliance.

You will lead a team of engineers and technicians, mentor staff, review plans, conduct CFD and air quality studies, and manage large ventilation projects with a focus on cost-effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related with mine ventilation specialization.
• 10+ years of progressive mine ventilation experience, especially underground.
• Proven CFD modelling experience (Ventsim, MinesPC, Surpac) for ventilation networks.
• Strong understanding of thermal effects in deep mines and cooling tech.
• In-depth knowledge of mine air quality management (dust, gas detection).
• Experience managing large ventilation projects and CAPEX programs.
• Strong leadership and communication skills; ability to manage teams and stakeholders.
• Professional registration with ECSA or equivalent preferred.
• Familiarity with South African mining regulations and standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and approve ventilation plans for underground and surface mining.
• Conduct air quality, thermal environment, and dust/gas dispersion studies using modelling tools.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, and maintenance of ventilation infrastructure.
• Provide technical guidance to management and operations on ventilation matters.
• Develop strategies to optimise ventilation efficiency, energy use, and cost.
• Conduct site inspections and audits to ensure standards.
• Lead and mentor a team of ventilation engineers and technicians.
• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.
• Contribute to company standards and best practices for ventilation engineering.

Skills

Mine ventilation design

CFD modelling

Ventilation network analysis

Leadership

Project management

Team mentoring

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Ventsim

MinesPC

Surpac

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the Mining sector, is actively recruiting for a highly skilled and motivated Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer to be based in Tembisa, Gauteng . This pivotal position is responsible for the design, implementation, and optimization of mine ventilation systems to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all personnel. The role demands exceptional expertise in mine atmospheric control, thermal environment management, and dust/gas control strategies. The Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer will play a crucial role in project planning, operational support, and ensuring compliance with stringent industry standards and regulations. This opportunity is ideal for a seasoned professional seeking to take on greater leadership responsibilities and make a significant impact in a critical area of mine operations. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the future of ventilation strategies in their extensive Mining operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and approve mine ventilation plans and designs for both underground and surface mining operations, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Conduct detailed studies on mine air quality, thermal environments, and dust/gas dispersion, utilizing advanced modelling software.
• Oversee the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of ventilation infrastructure, including fans, ducting, regulators, and air monitoring systems.
• Provide expert technical guidance and support to mine management, operations teams, and other engineering disciplines on all ventilation-related matters.
• Develop and implement strategies for optimizing ventilation efficiency, energy consumption, and cost-effectiveness of ventilation systems.
• Conduct regular site inspections and audits to ensure adherence to ventilation standards and identify potential hazards.
• Lead and mentor a team of ventilation engineers and technicians, fostering professional development and technical expertise.
• Investigate ventilation-related incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Contribute to the development and updating of company standards, procedures, and best practices for mine ventilation engineering within the Mining industry.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline with a specialization in mine ventilation.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mine ventilation engineering, with a substantial focus on underground mining operations.
• Proven expertise in mine ventilation network analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling software (e.g., Ventsim, MinesPC, Surpac).
• Comprehensive understanding of thermal effects in deep mines, mine cooling technologies, and refrigeration systems.
• In-depth knowledge of mine air quality management, including dust suppression, gas detection, and control strategies.
• Experience in managing large-scale ventilation projects and capital expenditure programs.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively manage a team and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Professional registration with ECSA or equivalent professional body is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with South African mining regulations and standards.

Benefits

Our client provides a highly competitive salary package, reflecting the seniority and critical nature of this role, along with attractive performance-based incentives. Comprehensive benefits include excellent medical aid coverage, a substantial provident fund, and generous leave entitlements. Opportunities for professional growth, further training, and development within the international Mining group are extensive. This position offers the chance to work on challenging and technically complex projects in Tembisa, Gauteng , contributing directly to the safe and efficient operation of world-class mines. Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and invests in its people.