Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Pension plan

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer for our mining operator client in Pretoria, Gauteng. You will design, implement and optimise underground ventilation systems, oversee surveys and air quality monitoring, and develop strategies to control heat, dust and gases.

You will lead technical teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute to project planning and budgets with a hybrid schedule including site visits in Pretoria.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in mine ventilation engineering, underground preferred.
• Experience with ventilation network analysis using Ventsim or Mutsumi.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage mine ventilation networks for underground operations.
• Conduct ventilation surveys, air quality assessments, and heat stress monitoring.
• Develop ventilation plans ensuring health and safety regulation compliance.
• Oversee installation and maintenance of ventilation equipment (fans, ducting, regulators).
• Lead cross-functional teams and mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals, and budget recommendations.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Ventsim

Mutsumi

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent mining operator with significant underground operations, is seeking a Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer to join their esteemed technical services department in **Pretoria, Gauteng**. This crucial role involves overseeing the design, implementation, and optimisation of mine ventilation systems to ensure a safe, healthy, and productive working environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing ventilation surveys, air quality monitoring, and developing strategies to control heat, dust, and gases. This position requires strong leadership capabilities and a deep understanding of mine environmental control. We are looking for an experienced professional who can ensure compliance with all regulatory standards and contribute to operational excellence in a key South African mining hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage mine ventilation networks and systems for underground mining operations.
• Conduct regular ventilation surveys, air quality assessments, and heat stress monitoring.
• Develop and maintain ventilation plans, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Specify and oversee the installation and maintenance of ventilation equipment, including fans, ducting, and regulators.
• Perform heat and mass transfer calculations, and assess gas generation rates within the mine environment.
• Collaborate with mine planning, operations, and safety departments to integrate ventilation requirements into overall mine design and scheduling.
• Investigate and resolve ventilation-related issues and incidents.
• Mentor and guide junior ventilation engineers and technicians.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals, and budget recommendations for ventilation projects.
• Stay current with advancements in mine ventilation technology and best practices.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in mine ventilation engineering, preferably in underground mining.
• Proven experience in ventilation network analysis using software such as Ventsim, Mutsumi, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and air quality control principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and manage projects effectively.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear technical documentation.
• Proficiency in relevant mining software and modelling tools.
• Must be willing to work a hybrid schedule, potentially including some site visits in the **Pretoria, Gauteng** region.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive health insurance plan and retirement fund.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development and further training.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging underground mining projects.
• Potential for career progression within a leading mining group.