Mine Ventilation Engineer - Underground Operations Specialist

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Mine Ventilation Engineer for our client in the Rustenburg area. The role focuses on on-site oversight of ventilation systems for underground operations, ensuring safe air quality and effective heat management.

You will design and implement ventilation networks, monitor gas and dust levels, lead site teams, and collaborate with mine management to optimize performance while adhering to safety standards. Willingness to relocate to Rustenburg is required.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of underground mine ventilation experience.
• Strong knowledge of ventilation principles, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Proficiency with ventilation modeling software (Ventsim, Micasa).
• Experience with dust suppression and gas monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain mine ventilation systems.
• Conduct airflow measurements, surveys, and diagnostic tests.
• Monitor air quality, dust, and gas levels to ensure safety compliance.
• Develop heat management strategies for deep underground mines.
• Perform heat load calculations and cooling analyses.
• Ensure compliance with Mine Health and Safety Act regulations.
• Collaborate with mine planning and production to integrate ventilation needs.
• Manage ventilation budgets and procure equipment/services.
• Provide training on ventilation best practices.
• Investigate ventilation-related incidents and implement corrective actions.
• Optimize ventilation networks for energy efficiency in Rustenburg area.

Skills

Ventilation design

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Communication

Relocation willingness

Education

Bachelors in Mining Engineering (ventilation)

Mechanical Engineering (related)

Tools

Ventsim

Micasa

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the South African mining industry, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Mine Ventilation Engineer to oversee and manage all aspects of ventilation systems for their underground operations near Rustenburg, North West . This is a critical, on-site position focused on ensuring a safe, healthy, and productive working environment for all personnel. You will be responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of sophisticated ventilation networks, air quality monitoring, and heat management strategies. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of mine ventilation principles, thermodynamics, and airflow dynamics, coupled with practical experience in managing complex underground environments. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to upholding the highest safety standards within the mining sector. You will work closely with mine management and operational teams to achieve optimal ventilation performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain mine ventilation systems, including fans, ducting, and auxiliary ventilation.
• Conduct regular airflow measurements, surveys, and diagnostic tests to assess system performance.
• Monitor and control air quality, dust, and gas levels (e.g., methane, carbon monoxide) to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Develop and implement heat management strategies for deep underground mines.
• Perform heat load calculations and analyze cooling requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all South African Mine Health and Safety Act regulations pertaining to ventilation.
• Collaborate with mine planning and production teams to integrate ventilation requirements into mine design and operations.
• Manage ventilation budgets and procure necessary equipment and services.
• Provide technical expertise and training to site personnel on ventilation best practices.
• Investigate ventilation-related incidents and implement corrective actions.
• Optimize ventilation networks for energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the Rustenburg, North West operational area.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in ventilation.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in mine ventilation engineering, specifically within underground mining operations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of mine ventilation principles, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Proficiency in ventilation modeling software (e.g., Ventsim, Micasa) is essential.
• Experience with dust suppression and control techniques.
• Familiarity with mine atmospheric monitoring equipment and interpretation of data.
• Strong understanding of the Mine Health and Safety Act and related mining regulations.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities to effectively manage teams and liaise with stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a demanding underground mining environment.
• Based in or willing to relocate to the vicinity of Rustenburg, North West.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including an annual bonus structure, extensive medical aid coverage, and a generous provident fund contribution.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a leading mining group are readily available.
• The company provides a safe and challenging work environment, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being and work-life balance.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for the successful candidate.
• This role offers the chance to work on significant projects and contribute to the operational excellence of a major mining entity in the Rustenburg, North West region.