Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical aid

Pension fund

Professional development

Conference attendance

Generous leave days

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer for its client in George, Western Cape. You will lead ventilation design, airflow optimization, and safety compliance to protect underground personnel.

You will mentor engineers, collaborate with planning and safety teams, and manage budgets while implementing innovative ventilation strategies for challenging underground environments.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline with a specialization in ventilation.
• A minimum of 10 years in mine ventilation engineering with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.
• Knowledge of mine ventilation software (Ventsim, GASSIM) for analysis and simulation.
• Understanding of thermal environments, dust control, and gas management in underground mines.
• Strong knowledge of SA mining legislation and safety regulations.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making capabilities.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a technical team.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Pr.Eng. registration with ECSA is an advantage.
• Experience in different mining methods and their ventilation impact.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive mine ventilation plans and strategies.
• Conduct airflow, dust, and gas surveys to ensure safety compliance.
• Design and optimize ventilation networks, including fans, ducting, and regulators.
• Model and predict thermal conditions and manage heat in underground workings.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, and maintenance of ventilation equipment.
• Investigate and resolve ventilation-related issues such as temperature and air quality.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with mine planning, geology, and safety departments for integrated design.
• Manage ventilation budget and resource allocation.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Report writing

Presentation skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering with specialization in ventilation

Tools

Ventsim

GASSIM

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading mining corporation, is seeking an accomplished Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer to spearhead ventilation strategies for their operations in George, Western Cape . This pivotal role demands a strategic thinker with extensive expertise in mine ventilation systems, air quality management, and thermal environment control. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the health and safety of all personnel underground by maintaining optimal working conditions. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to innovation in ventilation design and operation. You will play a crucial role in optimising airflow and thermal conditions to enhance productivity and safety in challenging underground environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive mine ventilation plans and strategies.
• Conduct detailed airflow, dust, and gas surveys to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Design and optimize ventilation networks, including fan selection, ducting, and regulator systems.
• Model and predict thermal conditions in underground workings and develop strategies for heat management.
• Oversee the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of ventilation equipment.
• Investigate and resolve ventilation-related issues, including temperature, humidity, and air quality problems.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant regulatory requirements and industry best practices for mine ventilation.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior ventilation engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with mine planning, geology, and safety departments to ensure integrated mine design and operation.
• Manage the ventilation budget and resource allocation effectively.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or a related discipline, with a specialization in ventilation.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in mine ventilation engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in mine ventilation software (e.g., Ventsim, GASSIM) for network analysis and simulation.
• Thorough understanding of thermal environments, dust control, and gas management in underground mines.
• Strong knowledge of relevant South African mining legislation and safety regulations.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making capabilities.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a technical team.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is a significant advantage.
• Experience in different mining methods and their impact on ventilation requirements.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, and a generous pension fund. Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training courses and attendance at international conferences, are provided. The company values work-life balance and offers competitive leave days. You will be part of a forward-thinking organization committed to innovation and sustainable mining practices in the scenic region of George, Western Cape . This role provides significant exposure to diverse mining challenges and career growth potential within a globally recognized company.