Mine Ventilation Engineer - Underground Safety Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Performance-based bonus

Training and development opportunities

Challenging underground mine projects

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a qualified Mine Ventilation Engineer for underground mining operations in Soweto. You will design, implement, and manage ventilation systems to ensure air quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements include a bachelor's degree in Mining/Mechanical Eng with a ventilation specialty and 5+ years of underground experience. Proficiency with Ventsim/Whittle/MineCAD is essential for modeling and optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mining or mechanical eng with ventilation specialization.
• Minimum 5 years in mine ventilation, underground preferred.
• Experience with ventilation modeling software (Ventsim/Whittle/MineCAD).
• Knowledge of mining legislation and health & safety standards.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, install, and maintain mine ventilation systems, including fans, ducting, and auxiliary ventilation.
• Conduct surveys of airflow, air quality, temperature, and humidity.
• Develop ventilation network models and analyze results to optimize airflow.
• Ensure compliance with legislative ventilation and air quality requirements.
• Monitor and control dust, fumes, and gas concentrations in workings.
• Collaborate with safety and production to address ventilation-related risks.
• Manage ventilation budget and ensure cost-effective operation.
• Assist in mine development planning to integrate ventilation needs.
• Inspect ventilation infrastructure and train personnel on ventilation principles.

Skills

Mine ventilation engineering

Ventilation modeling

Thermodynamics

Fluid dynamics

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Driver's license

Pr.Eng advantage

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with ventilation specialization

Tools

Ventsim

Whittle

MineCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading operator in the mining sector, is seeking a qualified Mine Ventilation Engineer to join their underground operations team in Soweto . This role is fundamental to ensuring a safe and healthy working environment by designing, implementing, and managing effective ventilation systems. You will be responsible for maintaining air quality, controlling dust and gas levels, managing temperature and humidity, and ensuring the efficient distribution of air throughout the mine. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in mine ventilation engineering, a deep understanding of underground mining environments, and proficiency with ventilation modeling software. You will work closely with mine planning, safety, and production departments to optimize ventilation strategies and ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations. This is a critical position for maintaining operational integrity and employee well-being within the challenging conditions of underground mining .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, install, and maintain mine ventilation systems, including fans, ducting, and auxiliary ventilation.
• Conduct surveys and measurements of airflow, air quality, temperature, and humidity.
• Develop ventilation network models and analyze results to optimize airflow distribution.
• Ensure compliance with all legislative requirements for mine ventilation and air quality.
• Monitor and control dust, fume, and gas concentrations within the mine workings.
• Collaborate with safety and production teams to address ventilation-related issues and risks.
• Manage the ventilation budget and ensure cost-effective operation of ventilation systems.
• Assist in the planning of mine development to ensure integration of ventilation requirements.
• Conduct regular inspections of ventilation infrastructure and equipment.
• Train mine personnel on ventilation principles and safety procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in ventilation.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in mine ventilation engineering, preferably in underground mining operations.
• Proficiency with mine ventilation modeling software (e.g., Ventsim, Whittle, MineCAD).
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and air quality principles.
• Knowledge of relevant mining legislation and safety standards related to ventilation.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
• Ability to conduct site inspections and work effectively in an underground mining environment.
• Valid driver's license.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng) is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in a key role for underground mine safety.
• Medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund contributions.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A challenging and rewarding career within the mining industry.