Principal Exploration Geologist - Gold & Platinum Group Metals

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Relocation assistance

Annual professional development budget

Health insurance

Travel opportunities

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Exploration Geologist for our client in Sandton, Gauteng. This senior role leads exploration programs for gold and PGMs, designs targets, and interprets complex geological data to define new ore bodies.

You will head exploration teams, manage budgets, and collaborate with mining engineers to transition discoveries from exploration to development. Regular site visits are expected in a hybrid working model.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geology or Economic Geology.
• 12+ years of progressive mineral exploration experience.
• Track record of discovering grassroots targets and advancing to resource definition.
• Expertise in structural geology, regolith interpretation, and metallogenic controls for gold and PGMs.
• Proficiency in geological modeling and GIS.

Responsibilities

• Develop exploration strategies for gold and PGM deposits.
• Lead and mentor exploration teams.
• Perform geological mapping, structural analysis, and data compilation.
• Oversee geophysical surveys, geochemical sampling, and drilling programs.
• Create 3D ore body models using Leapfrog/ioGAS/Vulcan.
• Manage budgets, resources, and timelines.
• Prepare technical reports for management and investors.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance.
• Collaborate with mining engineers to transition exploration to development.

Skills

Geology

Leadership

Project management

GIS

Geostatistics

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Geology

PhD in Economic Geology

Tools

Leapfrog

ioGAS

Vulcan

ArcGIS

Job description

About the Role

About the Role Our client, a globally recognized entity in the exploration and development of mineral resources, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Exploration Geologist for their operations based in Sandton, Gauteng . This senior role is instrumental in identifying, evaluating, and advancing new exploration targets for gold and platinum group metals (PGMs) across various regions. You will lead exploration teams, design and manage exploration programs, and interpret complex geological data to define new mineral deposits. The ideal candidate possesses extensive field experience, a deep understanding of metallogenesis for gold and PGMs, and proficiency with advanced geological modeling software. This hybrid role combines strategic planning and analysis from our Sandton office with the necessity of site visits and field exploration. We are looking for a leader passionate about discovery and contributing to the future growth of our mineral portfolio in Gauteng and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive exploration strategies and programs for gold and PGM deposits.
• Lead and mentor exploration geology teams, including field geologists and data specialists.
• Conduct detailed geological mapping, structural analysis, and data compilation.
• Oversee and interpret results from geophysical surveys, geochemical sampling, and drilling campaigns.
• Utilize geological modeling software (e.g., Leapfrog, ioGAS, Vulcan) to interpret data and generate 3D models of ore bodies.
• Manage exploration budgets, resources, and project timelines effectively.
• Evaluate exploration project viability and prepare technical reports for management and potential investors.
• Ensure compliance with best practices in exploration geology, safety, and environmental management.
• Collaborate with mining engineers and resource geologists to facilitate seamless project transitions from exploration to development.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geology or Economic Geology.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mineral exploration, with a strong focus on gold and PGM deposits.
• Demonstrated success in discovering and advancing grassroots exploration targets to resource definition.
• Expertise in structural geology, regolith interpretation, and metallogenic controls for gold and PGMs.
• Proficiency in geological modeling software and GIS applications.
• Strong understanding of geostatistics and resource estimation principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, including regular site visits.
• Experience working within the South African geological context, particularly in Gauteng , is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and significant performance-based bonus potential.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Annual allowance for professional development and conferences.
• Hybrid work environment offering flexibility.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Opportunity to shape the exploration strategy of a major mining company.
• Travel opportunities to various project sites.
• Generous paid time off.