Principal Geochemist - Exploration & Evaluation

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and wellness benefits

Professional development opportunities

Field equipment and travel support

Bonuses based on performance

Exposure to diverse geologicalsettings

Strategic mineral exploration ventures

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Geochemist for a flagship mining exploration role in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will lead geochemical sampling programs, interpret large geochemical datasets, and develop models to target mineralization.

Collaboration with geologists, geophysicists, and data scientists is essential to integrate geochemical data. The role combines fieldwork with laboratory interaction, delivering high-quality reports and strategic input to exploration teams.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Geochemistry, Geology, or related Earth Science.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in exploration geochemistry.
• Proven expertise in designing and interpreting large-scale geochemical datasets.
• Strong understanding of mineral deposit geochemistry and exploration targeting.
• Experience with geochemical modeling software and GIS platforms.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to conduct extensive fieldwork in challenging terrains.
• Experience collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with a range of analytical techniques and their limitations.
• Hands-on fieldwork and laboratory interaction emphasized.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage comprehensive geochemical exploration programs (soil, stream sediment, rock chip, borehole).
• Perform detailed interpretation of geochemical data, identifying anomalies and patterns.
• Develop and refine geochemical exploration models and vectors to mineralization.
• Liaise with analytical laboratories to ensure sample prep, methods, and data quality control.
• Integrate geochemical data with geological, geophysical, and remote sensing datasets.
• Provide expert geochemical advice to exploration and mining teams.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, presentations, and summaries of findings.
• Contribute to technical evaluation of exploration projects and mineral assets.
• Manage geochemical budgets and contribute to exploration strategy development.
• Stay abreast of latest advancements in geochemical exploration techniques.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Geochemistry or related Earth Science

Tools

Geochemical modeling software

GIS platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished name in the mining sector, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Geochemist to drive exploration and evaluation initiatives. This role is central to identifying and characterizing mineral potential through advanced geochemical analysis and interpretation. Located in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA, you will be a key contributor to our new project generation efforts and the ongoing assessment of existing assets. Your responsibilities will include designing and managing geochemical sampling programs, interpreting complex datasets, and developing conceptual models to guide exploration targeting. You will work collaboratively with geologists, geophysicists, and data scientists to integrate geochemical data into a broader exploration framework. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of geochemical principles, analytical techniques, and their application in the search for diverse mineral commodities. This position requires a hands-on approach with a significant amount of fieldwork and laboratory interaction, ensuring the highest standards of data quality and interpretation accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage comprehensive geochemical exploration programs (e.g., soil, stream sediment, rock chip, and borehole geochemistry).
• Perform detailed interpretation of geochemical data, identifying anomalies and patterns indicative of mineralization.
• Develop and refine geochemical exploration models and vectors to mineralization.
• Liaise with analytical laboratories to ensure appropriate sample preparation, analytical methods, and data quality control.
• Integrate geochemical data with geological, geophysical, and remote sensing datasets.
• Provide expert geochemical advice to exploration and mining teams.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, presentations, and summaries of geochemical findings.
• Contribute to the technical evaluation of exploration projects and mineral assets.
• Manage geochemical budgets and contribute to exploration strategy development for areas near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in geochemical exploration techniques and instrumentation.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Geochemistry, Geology, or a related Earth Science discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in exploration geochemistry, with a strong focus on applied mineral exploration.
• Proven expertise in designing and interpreting large-scale geochemical datasets.
• Strong understanding of mineral deposit geochemistry and exploration targeting.
• Experience with geochemical modeling software and GIS platforms.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to conduct extensive fieldwork in challenging terrains.
• Experience collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with a range of analytical techniques and their limitations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and further education.
• Be part of an innovative exploration team at the forefront of discovery.
• Exposure to diverse geological settings and commodity types.
• Company-provided field equipment and travel support.
• Contribution to strategic mineral exploration ventures.