Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance bonuses

Retirement fund benefits

Medical aid and wellness programs

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, South Africa seeks a Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer to design, implement and manage ventilation systems in an underground mine. You will lead a team of ventilation technicians and engineers, ensuring safe air quality, dust and gas control, and regulatory compliance while collaborating with mine planning and safety teams.

This senior role offers a pathway to shape ventilation strategy, optimize airflow, and drive safe, efficient operations in a dynamic mining

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, ventilation specialization.
• Minimum 10 years in mine ventilation, underground preferred.
• Knowledge of ventilation principles and relevant legislation.
• Experience with ventilation simulation software.
• Ability to lead and mentor a team.
• On-site Rustenburg, adherence to safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive mine ventilation plans and strategies.
• Conduct detailed airflow analyses, pressure drop calculations, and fan performance assessments.
• Design and optimize ventilation networks, including ducting, fan installations, and air crossing systems.
• Monitor and control air quality, temperature, and humidity levels throughout the mine.
• Manage dust suppression and control measures in accordance with health and safety regulations.
• Oversee the installation, operation, and maintenance of ventilation equipment.
• Conduct regular site inspections and audits of ventilation systems and practices.
• Provide expert advice on ventilation-related safety issues, including gas detection and emergency response planning.
• Train and mentor junior ventilation engineers and site personnel.
• Collaborate with mine planning, geology, and safety departments to ensure integrated operational effectiveness.

Skills

Leadership

Ventilation engineering

Airflow analysis

Regulatory compliance

Problem solving

Reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining or Mechanical Engineering (ventilation specialization)

Tools

Ventsim

Minesim

Strataflex

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer to join their expanding operations in Rustenburg, North West . This critical role focuses on designing, implementing, and managing mine ventilation systems to ensure optimal working conditions, safety, and regulatory compliance. You will be responsible for assessing ventilation requirements, optimizing airflow, controlling dust and gas concentrations, and managing thermal environments within the mine. The Lead Mine Ventilation Engineer will oversee a team of ventilation technicians and engineers, providing technical leadership and strategic direction. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to the operational efficiency and safety standards of a major mining enterprise, working closely with mine management and production teams in a challenging, yet rewarding, underground mining environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive mine ventilation plans and strategies.
• Conduct detailed airflow analyses, pressure drop calculations, and fan performance assessments.
• Design and optimize ventilation networks, including ducting, fan installations, and air crossing systems.
• Monitor and control air quality, temperature, and humidity levels throughout the mine.
• Manage dust suppression and control measures in accordance with health and safety regulations.
• Oversee the installation, operation, and maintenance of ventilation equipment.
• Conduct regular site inspections and audits of ventilation systems and practices.
• Provide expert advice on ventilation-related safety issues, including gas detection and emergency response planning.
• Train and mentor junior ventilation engineers and site personnel.
• Collaborate with mine planning, geology, and safety departments to ensure integrated operational effectiveness.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, with a specialization in ventilation.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mine ventilation engineering, preferably in underground mining.
• In-depth knowledge of mine ventilation principles, practices, and relevant legislation.
• Proficiency with mine ventilation simulation software (e.g., Ventsim, Minesim, Strataflex).
• Experience in designing and managing complex ventilation networks.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and air quality management.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and reporting skills.
• Professional registration with ECSA is highly advantageous.
• Must be able to work on-site in Rustenburg, North West , and adhere to strict safety protocols.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including performance bonuses and excellent retirement fund benefits.
• Comprehensive medical aid coverage and access to wellness programs are provided.
• Opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and career progression within the organization are significant.
• The role is based in the key mining hub of Rustenburg, North West , offering a dynamic work environment.
• Our client is committed to fostering a safe and healthy workplace, with robust health and safety protocols and supportive management.