Lead Ventilation Engineer - Underground Mining

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,600,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Medical aid & retirement fund

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Ventilation Engineer to oversee underground mine ventilation, ensuring air quality, temperature and humidity meet safety and productivity goals. You will design, implement and manage ventilation systems, perform airflow modelling and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in Stellenbosch.

The role requires a strong background in mine ventilation, thermodynamics and gas monitoring, with leadership experience to guide a team and coordinate with mine

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or closely related field.
• 8+ years in mine ventilation engineering, underground operations.
• Proven design, optimization and environmental monitoring expertise.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and maintain mine ventilation systems for underground operations.
• Conduct ventilation surveys including airflow, gas detection, temperature/humidity monitoring.
• Use CFD and other tools to model and optimize airflow patterns.
• Develop dust suppression and gas management strategies and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Lead and mentor ventilation technicians and junior engineers.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree (Mechanical or Mining Engineering)

Tools

Ventsim

CFD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the mining sector , is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Lead Ventilation Engineer to enhance their underground mining operations based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This critical role focuses on ensuring optimal underground environmental conditions, specifically concerning air quality, temperature, and humidity, to guarantee the safety, health, and productivity of personnel. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive ventilation systems, conducting airflow modelling, and ensuring compliance with stringent health and safety regulations. The position requires a deep understanding of mine ventilation principles, thermodynamics, dust control, and gas management in underground environments. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, coupled with excellent leadership capabilities to guide a team and collaborate effectively with mine management and operations. This role offers a significant opportunity to contribute to safe and efficient underground mining practices in a region known for its rich resource potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain mine ventilation systems for underground operations to ensure safe and healthy working environments.
• Conduct detailed ventilation surveys, including airflow measurements, gas detection, and temperature/humidity monitoring.
• Utilize computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and other modelling tools to simulate and optimize airflow patterns.
• Develop strategies for effective dust suppression and control, and manage gaseous contaminants (e.g., methane, radon).
• Ensure compliance with all relevant mine safety regulations, health standards, and environmental legislation.
• Prepare detailed ventilation plans, reports, and technical specifications.
• Provide expert advice on ventilation-related aspects of mine design and expansion projects.
• Collaborate with mine planning, geology, and safety departments to integrate ventilation requirements.
• Lead and mentor a team of ventilation technicians and junior engineers.
• Investigate and address any ventilation-related incidents or deviations from standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mine ventilation engineering, specifically within underground mining operations .
• Proven expertise in mine ventilation design, system optimization, and environmental monitoring.
• Proficiency with mine ventilation software (e.g., Ventsim, VentSim, CFD software).
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, psychrometrics, and air quality management.
• Understanding of dust control techniques and gas monitoring principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with South African mining health and safety legislation is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively within the Stellenbosch region.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience.
• Performance-related bonus scheme.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and career progression.
• Exposure to challenging and technologically advanced underground mining projects.
• Relocation assistance available for successful candidates moving to the Stellenbosch area.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment dedicated to safety and operational excellence.
• Annual leave and company holidays.