Mine Closure Lead

Knight Piesold Consulting; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in South Africa is seeking a Mine Closure Lead to develop integrated closure strategies across various commodities. The successful candidate will manage projects, engage stakeholders, and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements while leading a specialist team. A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, along with an honours degree in Environmental Science or Engineering, is required. The role offers competitive benefits, including performance-based bonuses and professional growth opportunities.

Benefits

Market-related remuneration

Comprehensive benefits including medical aid

Professional growth support

Visa and relocation assistance

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in mine closure planning or environmental management.
• Proficiency in community engagement and working with regulatory authorities.
• Experience in leading multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical planning and project management for mine closure.
• Develop financial provision models and rehabilitation plans.
• Coordinate inputs from various disciplines for integrated closure planning.

Skills

Project management skills

Stakeholder engagement

Knowledge of closure regulations

Strong commitment to ESG

Education

Honours degree in Environmental Science

Professional registration (Pr.Sci.Nat., EAP, Pr.Eng., PMP)

Tools

GIS

Cost/financial modelling tools

Scheduling software

Job description

About the Role:

Knight Piésold is seeking a Mine Closure Lead to deliver integrated, multidisciplinary closure strategies - from concept to implementation - across diverse commodities and jurisdictions. You will collaborate with and mentor teams in SA, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, DRC and Madagascar. We’re looking for a proven leader with strong project management skills and a passion for sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical planning (rehab, water, waste), project management (budget, schedule), stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation.
• Lead business development related to closure planning to promote KP’s range of services and integrated approach and win new work to grow the specialist area into a separate section.
• Drive the implementation of international best practice closure considerations (e.g. ICMM, GISTM) within KP and our clients’ operations
• Remain technically involved in the execution of the work, with an opportunity to grow a specialist team to support the growth of this sector
• Coordinate and collate the inputs from various specialist disciplines in KP to facilitate integrated closure planning processes to deliver on time, in budget and to the required standards (full project management role)
• Develop closure cost / financial provision models to suit project, legal and client requirements
• Develop rehabilitation plans for various landforms and facilities, especially Tailings Storage Facilities
• Lead closure risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies on behalf of KP’s clients
• Stay current with industry best practices, innovations, and evolving regulatory expectations
• Work with the KP Marketing team to grow KP’s footprint in this sector

Minimum Requirements:

• An Honours degree in Environmental Science, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Geology, Hydrogeology, or a related field (a Master’s is a plus)
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Sci.Nat., EAP, Pr.Eng., PMP)
• 10+ years of experience in mine closure planning, environmental management, civil engineering or related fields with a track record of winning work and successful execution of projects
• Strong knowledge of integrated closure planning, closure regulations (Africa), and sustainable rehabilitation best practices
• Experience engaging communities and stakeholders and working with regulatory authorities
• Proficiency with relevant tools (e.g., GIS, cost/financial modelling, scheduling)
• A track record of collaborating in cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams
• A strong commitment to ESG principles across planning and delivery

Why Join Us?

• Market-related remuneration plus eligibility for a performance-linked bonus at the company's discretion.
• Comprehensive benefits: medical aid, pension and group risk cover
• Professional growth: support for registration (ECSA/SACNASP), CPD and further study
• Visa and relocation assistance for qualified international candidates
• Hybrid/flexible working, plus travel, phone and data allowances
• Inclusive, values-driven culture with a strong focus on transformation, learning and career growth

How to Apply:

Send your CV, a brief cover letter, and copies of your qualifications/professional registration:

• Email: [e-mail]
• Attention: Odessa Rungasamy (Talent Acquisition Specialist)
• Subject/Reference: SM-GEOTECH-2026
• Closing date: 30 January 2026