Mine Ventilation Engineer - Underground Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Mine Ventilation Engineer to oversee ventilation systems for underground operations in Paarl, Western Cape. You will design, implement and manage ventilation strategies to ensure safe air quality and temperature, leveraging CFD tools and industry standards.

The ideal candidate holds a Mining or Mechanical Engineering degree with ventilation specialization and 7+ years of experience, including Ventsim/Ventsys and CFD proficiency. SA regulations and safety are paramount.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining or Mechanical Engineering with ventilation specialization.
• 7+ years in mine ventilation engineering, underground mining preferred.
• Strong knowledge of ventilation principles, thermodynamics, and contaminant control.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain mine ventilation networks for adequate airflow.
• Perform site assessments and monitor pressure/airflow.
• Develop dust suppression and contaminant control strategies.
• Monitor underground thermal environments and implement cooling.
• Use CFD/ventilation software for modeling and optimization.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regs.
• Collaborate with planning/production to integrate ventilation needs.
• Manage ventilation budget and procurement.
• Train and supervise junior staff.
• Investigate ventilation-related incidents and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Ventilation design

CFD modeling

Dust control

Thermal management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Ventsim

Ventsys

CFD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading operator in the mining sector, is seeking a highly skilled Mine Ventilation Engineer to oversee critical ventilation systems for their underground operations based in Paarl, Western Cape . This essential role focuses on ensuring a safe, healthy, and productive working environment through the design, implementation, and management of effective ventilation strategies. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of mine ventilation principles, dust and gas control, and thermal environments, along with a strong understanding of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for airflow modeling. This is a vital position for maintaining operational integrity and worker well-being.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain mine ventilation networks to ensure adequate airflow and air quality.
• Conduct regular site assessments of ventilation systems, including pressure and airflow measurements.
• Develop and execute strategies for dust suppression and control of airborne contaminants.
• Monitor and manage thermal environments underground, implementing cooling strategies where necessary.
• Utilize mine ventilation software and CFD tools for simulation, analysis, and optimization of airflow.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations related to mine ventilation.
• Collaborate with mine planning and production teams to integrate ventilation requirements into mine designs.
• Develop and manage the mine ventilation budget, including equipment procurement and maintenance.
• Train and supervise junior ventilation staff and technicians.
• Investigate ventilation-related incidents and recommend corrective actions.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in ventilation.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in mine ventilation engineering, specifically within underground mining environments.
• In-depth knowledge of mine ventilation principles, thermodynamics, and contaminant control.
• Proficiency in mine ventilation simulation software (e.g., Ventsim, Ventsys) and ideally CFD software.
• Strong understanding of dust control technologies and thermal management in underground mines.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex systems and projects effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Experience with relevant South African mining regulations and standards.
• A commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and health.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and expertise, along with performance-related bonuses. A comprehensive benefits program includes private medical aid, provident fund contributions, and life insurance. Opportunities for professional development, advanced training courses, and attendance at international mining conferences are provided. The company fosters a challenging and supportive work environment, promoting employee growth and career progression. Relocation assistance may be available for successful candidates.