Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer to oversee ventilation strategies and systems across operations. The role is hybrid, requiring presence in our Mahikeng office for key meetings and planning, with flexibility for remote work.

The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in mine ventilation design, modeling, and regulatory compliance, leading a team of ventilation specialists to drive innovation and best practices.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. or B.Eng. in Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in mine ventilation engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven experience with mine ventilation software (e.g., Ventsim, MineEx) and CFD modeling.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive mine ventilation plans and systems for underground operations.
• Conduct detailed airflow modeling and simulations to optimize ventilation networks, control heat, dust, and gas levels.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations pertaining to mine ventilation.
• Oversee the design, specification, and installation of ventilation infrastructure, including fans, ducting, and auxiliary systems.
• Lead and mentor a team of ventilation engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Investigate and resolve ventilation-related issues, including anomalous temperature, humidity, or gas concentrations.
• Collaborate closely with mine planning, production, and safety departments to integrate ventilation strategies into daily operations and long-term planning.
• Develop and manage the ventilation budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and resource optimization.
• Stay updated on industry best practices, new technologies, and regulatory changes in mine ventilation.
• Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and technical documentation for management and regulatory bodies.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

B.Sc./B.Eng. in Mining or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Ventsim

MineEx

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant contributor to the mining sector in South Africa, is seeking an accomplished Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer to oversee ventilation strategies and systems across their operations. This role operates on a hybrid model, requiring presence in our Mahikeng office for key meetings and project planning, with flexibility for remote work. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in mine ventilation design, modeling, and compliance, ensuring safe and efficient underground working environments. You will lead a team of ventilation specialists, driving innovation and best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive mine ventilation plans and systems for underground operations.
• Conduct detailed airflow modeling and simulations to optimize ventilation networks, control heat, dust, and gas levels.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations pertaining to mine ventilation.
• Oversee the design, specification, and installation of ventilation infrastructure, including fans, ducting, and auxiliary systems.
• Lead and mentor a team of ventilation engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Investigate and resolve ventilation-related issues, including anomalous temperature, humidity, or gas concentrations.
• Collaborate closely with mine planning, production, and safety departments to integrate ventilation strategies into daily operations and long-term planning.
• Develop and manage the ventilation budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and resource optimization.
• Stay updated on industry best practices, new technologies, and regulatory changes in mine ventilation.
• Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and technical documentation for management and regulatory bodies.

Requirements

• B.Sc. or B.Eng. in Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in mine ventilation engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven experience with mine ventilation software (e.g., Ventsim, MineEx) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling.
• Thorough understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer as they apply to mine environments.
• Knowledge of South African mining regulations and standards related to ventilation.
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing office-based and remote work.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
• Hybrid work arrangement for enhanced work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan contributions.
• Relocation assistance may be considered.