Principal Geologist

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Training & conferences

Sabbatical program

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Principal Geologist to lead exploration, resource estimation, and mine planning for high-value mineral deposits in Rustenburg, North West. This senior on-site role requires deep geological expertise and the ability to guide multidisciplinary teams.

The successful candidate will manage geological programs, develop mapping and drilling strategies, and provide expert input to mine management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in mineral exploration and resource geology.
• Experience with gold or PGMs.
• Proven success in defining significant deposits.
• Strong leadership and project management experience.
• Ability to build and interpret geological models.
• Willingness to work in remote field locations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geological exploration programs.
• Develop geological mapping, sampling, and drilling strategies.
• Perform geological data analysis, interpretation, and modeling.
• Conduct resource estimation and contribute to feasibility studies.
• Provide expert geological advice to management.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Mentor junior geologists and field staff.
• Prepare geological reports and technical documentation.
• Oversee quality control of geological data.

Skills

Geology leadership

Project management

Team supervision

Data analysis

Technical reporting

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Geology

Tools

Leapfrog

Vulcan

Micromine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading mining and exploration company, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Geologist to join their operations in Rustenburg, North West . This senior role will be instrumental in leading geological exploration efforts, resource estimation, and mine planning for significant mineral deposits. You will be responsible for providing expert geological advice, overseeing geological teams, and ensuring the application of best practices in exploration and resource characterization. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of geological principles, extensive experience in mineral exploration, and a proven ability to manage complex geological projects. This is a critical on-site position requiring dedication to fieldwork, data analysis, and strategic geological interpretation within the dynamic mining landscape of Rustenburg .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geological exploration programs for identifying and evaluating new mineral resources.
• Develop and implement detailed geological mapping, sampling, and drilling strategies.
• Perform comprehensive geological data analysis, interpretation, and modeling using industry-standard software.
• Conduct resource estimation and contribute to mine feasibility studies.
• Provide expert geological advice to mine management and operational teams.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Mentor and guide junior geologists and field staff.
• Prepare detailed geological reports, presentations, and technical documentation.
• Oversee the quality control and assurance of geological data.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geology, Economic Geology, or a related geoscience discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in mineral exploration and resource geology, with a focus on gold or platinum group metals.
• Demonstrated success in discovering and defining significant mineral deposits.
• Proficiency in geological modeling software (e.g., Leapfrog, Vulcan, Micromine) and database management.
• Strong understanding of geological controls on mineralization and deposit types relevant to the region.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and team supervision skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and concise technical reports.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work in remote field locations.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including a substantial base salary and performance-based bonuses linked to exploration success and resource definition.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions are provided.
• Generous paid annual leave and the opportunity for sabbaticals after long service are available.
• The company invests in employee development through continuous training programs, conference attendance, and opportunities for further specialization.
• Exposure to challenging and rewarding projects in a significant mining region is guaranteed.
• Assistance with relocation to Rustenburg may be provided.
• We foster a culture of safety, collaboration, and professional growth for all our employees.