Principal Exploration Geologist - Gold

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 2,988,000 - 4,315,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading salary

Remote-first culture

Health and retirement benefits

Technology allowance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Exploration Geologist to lead global gold exploration initiatives from a fully remote setup. The role emphasizes strategic target generation, model development, and high-level data interpretation across a multinational team of geoscientists and project managers.

Ideal candidates bring 15+ years of gold exploration, proven discovery success, and mastery of geological modeling tools.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in gold exploration with discovery track record
• Master's degree or PhD in geology or related field
• Proven success in discovering and advancing significant gold deposits
• Expertise in multiple gold deposit styles (epithermal, orogenic, porphyry-related)

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of global gold exploration programs.
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize new exploration targets and projects.
• Develop and refine geological models for gold deposit types using structural, geochemical, and geophysical data.
• Design and manage exploration drilling campaigns, including planning, supervision, and data interpretation.
• Conduct detailed technical reviews of exploration data and project proposals.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for management and investors.
• Manage exploration budgets and resources effectively.
• Collaborate with external consultants, joint venture partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior exploration geologists.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in gold exploration techniques and technologies.

Skills

Geology expertise

Leadership

Data analysis

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's/PhD in Economic Geology or Geology

Tools

Leapfrog Geo

Micromine

ArcGIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly reputable international mining exploration company, is seeking a Principal Exploration Geologist with a distinguished track record in gold exploration to join their fully remote team. This senior role is responsible for leading strategic exploration initiatives, identifying and advancing high-potential gold targets globally. You will leverage your extensive geological knowledge, advanced data analysis skills, and leadership experience to guide exploration programs from conceptualization through to resource definition. As a remote-first employee, you will collaborate extensively with a global team of geoscientists, geochemists, geophysicists, and project managers, utilizing cutting-edge digital collaboration platforms. Your ability to interpret complex geological datasets, develop robust exploration models, and effectively communicate findings to stakeholders will be crucial. This is an exceptional opportunity to significantly impact the discovery of new gold deposits from a flexible work environment, contributing to the future growth of a leading exploration firm committed to innovation and sustainable resource development. You will mentor junior geologists and champion best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of global gold exploration programs.
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize new exploration targets and projects.
• Develop and refine geological models for gold deposit types, incorporating structural, geochemical, and geophysical data.
• Design and manage exploration drilling campaigns, including planning, supervision, and data interpretation.
• Conduct detailed technical reviews of exploration data and project proposals.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for management and investors.
• Manage exploration budgets and resources effectively.
• Collaborate with external consultants, joint venture partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior exploration geologists.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in gold exploration techniques and technologies.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Economic Geology, Geology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in gold exploration, with a strong emphasis on discovery and project generation.
• Proven success in discovering and advancing significant gold deposits.
• Expertise in various gold deposit styles (e.g., epithermal, orogenic, porphyry-related).
• Proficiency in geological modeling software (e.g., Leapfrog Geo, Micromine, ArcGIS).
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and strategic decision-making skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to executive levels.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor teams effectively in a remote setting.
• Willingness to travel internationally for project reviews and site visits as required.
• Strong understanding of project finance and economic evaluation principles for exploration projects.

Benefits

• Our client offers an industry-leading salary package, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and a generous performance-based bonus structure.
• This fully remote position provides exceptional flexibility and autonomy.
• We are committed to professional development, offering access to advanced training, conferences, and opportunities to work on diverse global projects.
• A substantial technology allowance is provided to ensure you have the optimal remote work setup.

Join a pioneering exploration company at the forefront of gold discovery and advance your career in a supportive, remote-first culture.