Principal Exploration Geologist - South African Operations

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

International travel

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Exploration Geologist to lead regional exploration initiatives in the Cape Town, Western Cape region. You will head geological teams, shape strategies, interpret data, and drive programs from concept to resource definition for a globally recognized minerals company.

The role requires extensive field experience, proficiency with Leapfrog and ArcGIS, and strong leadership. You will manage drilling programs, QA/QC, and reporting to senior management while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geology or Earth Sciences.
• Honours or Master's degree strongly preferred.
• GSSA or equivalent membership required/advantageous.
• 10-15 years of mineral exploration geology experience with proven discoveries.
• Extensive knowledge of deposit types and SA geology.
• Proficiency in Leapfrog, ArcGIS, and data management systems.
• Experience in resource estimation and understanding of JORC or similar codes.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to remote field locations.
• Excellent report writing and presentation capabilities.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage regional exploration strategies and targets for various commodities.
• Oversee and interpret geological mapping, geochemical sampling, and geophysical surveys.
• Plan and manage drilling programs (RC, diamond drilling) including core logging and detailed geological modeling.
• Utilize advanced software for 3D geological modeling, resource estimation, and data visualization.
• Conduct thorough data analysis and QA/QC protocols.
• Collaborate with geochemists, geophysicists, and other specialists to integrate diverse datasets.
• Prepare detailed geological reports, resource estimations, and technical presentations for senior management and stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide junior geologists and field technicians, fostering a culture of scientific rigor.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards during exploration activities.
• Evaluate potential new project areas and conduct due diligence for acquisitions or joint ventures.

Skills

10-15 years exp

Deposit types

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Travel willingness

Report writing

Presentations

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's in Geology or Earth Sciences

Honours/Master's preferred

GSSA membership

Tools

Leapfrog

ArcGIS

Data management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in mineral exploration and resource development, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Exploration Geologist to spearhead crucial exploration initiatives in the Cape Town, Western Cape region and surrounding areas. This senior role is instrumental in identifying and delineating new mineral resources, leveraging advanced geological techniques and strategic planning. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading geological teams, interpreting complex geological data, and driving exploration programs from conceptualization through to resource definition. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on future mining ventures within a company renowned for its technical expertise and commitment to sustainable resource management. The role requires a blend of extensive field experience and sophisticated analytical capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage regional exploration strategies and targets for various commodities.
• Oversee and interpret geological mapping, geochemical sampling, and geophysical surveys.
• Plan and manage drilling programs (RC, diamond drilling) including core logging and detailed geological modeling.
• Utilize advanced software for 3D geological modeling, resource estimation, and data visualization.
• Conduct thorough data analysis and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols.
• Collaborate with geochemists, geophysicists, and other specialists to integrate diverse datasets.
• Prepare detailed geological reports, resource estimations, and technical presentations for senior management and stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide junior geologists and field technicians, fostering a culture of scientific rigor.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental regulations and safety standards during exploration activities.
• Evaluate potential new project areas and conduct due diligence for acquisitions or joint ventures.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Geology or Earth Sciences.
• An Honours or Master's degree is strongly preferred.
• Professional membership with the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA) or equivalent.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of experience in mineral exploration geology, with a proven track record of successful discoveries.
• Extensive knowledge of various deposit types and exploration techniques relevant to South African geology.
• Demonstrated proficiency in geological software such as Leapfrog, ArcGIS, and data management systems.
• Experience in resource estimation and an understanding of JORC or similar reporting codes.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel extensively to remote field locations as required.
• Excellent report writing and presentation capabilities.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Benefits

• This position offers a highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• The comprehensive benefits package includes excellent medical and dental coverage, a substantial retirement fund, and opportunities for international travel and professional development.
• Our client values innovation and sustainability, providing a challenging yet rewarding work environment.
• Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.
• Employees benefit from ongoing training programs and a clear pathway for career progression.