Principal Geologist - Exploration

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Performance bonuses

Medical aid & retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Principal Geologist to lead Exploration Geology in Benoni, Gauteng. The role targets identification and evaluation of new mineral deposits, directing programs, and delivering robust 3D models and resource estimates.

The candidate will guide a team of geologists and technicians, ensuring safety, budget discipline, and compliance with JORC/NI 43-101 while liaising with mine planning to transition discoveries into workable assets.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Economic Geology, Exploration Geosciences, or a related field.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in mineral exploration.
• Extensive knowledge of South African geology and mineral systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in 3D geological modeling software and data interpretation tools.
• Strong field exploration experience, including mapping, sampling, and drilling management.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and resource estimation methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with geophysical and geochemical data integration is essential.
• Familiarity with relevant reporting codes and standards.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Sci.Nat) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic exploration plans to identify and evaluate new mineral targets.
• Oversee all phases of exploration projects, from conceptualization to resource estimation.
• Interpret and integrate geological, geophysical, and geochemical data to build robust 3D geological models.
• Conduct detailed field mapping, prospecting, and drilling supervision.
• Manage drilling programs, including planning, core logging, sampling, and assay interpretation.
• Apply advanced statistical and geological modeling software (e.g., Leapfrog, ArcGIS, Datamine) for data analysis and visualization.
• Lead and mentor a team of exploration geologists and field technicians, fostering a culture of technical excellence and safety.
• Conduct geological risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Prepare comprehensive exploration reports, presentations, and proposals for senior management and potential investors.
• Ensure compliance with industry best practices, reporting codes (e.g., JORC, NI 43-101), and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with mine planning and operations teams to facilitate the smooth transition of exploration discoveries into mineable assets.
• Manage exploration budgets and ensure efficient resource allocation.

Skills

Leadership

Exploration Geology

3D Modeling

Data Interpretation

Project Management

Field Mapping

Drilling Oversight

Budget Management

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Economic Geology / Exploration Geosciences

Tools

Leapfrog

ArcGIS

Datamine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant mining group, is seeking a highly experienced and distinguished Principal Geologist to lead their Exploration Geology initiatives in the Benoni, Gauteng region. This senior role demands extensive expertise in mineral exploration, target generation, and resource definition, particularly within the South African context. The Principal Geologist will be responsible for directing exploration programs, interpreting complex geological data, and applying advanced geological modeling techniques to identify and evaluate new mineral deposits. You will play a crucial part in shaping the future exploration strategy and ensuring the successful discovery of economically viable orebodies. This position requires a blend of field expertise, analytical prowess, and strong leadership capabilities to guide a team of geologists and support staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic exploration plans to identify and evaluate new mineral targets.
• Oversee all phases of exploration projects, from conceptualization to resource estimation.
• Interpret and integrate geological, geophysical, and geochemical data to build robust 3D geological models.
• Conduct detailed field mapping, prospecting, and drilling supervision.
• Manage drilling programs, including planning, core logging, sampling, and assay interpretation.
• Apply advanced statistical and geological modeling software (e.g., Leapfrog, ArcGIS, Datamine) for data analysis and visualization.
• Lead and mentor a team of exploration geologists and field technicians, fostering a culture of technical excellence and safety.
• Conduct geological risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Prepare comprehensive exploration reports, presentations, and proposals for senior management and potential investors.
• Ensure compliance with industry best practices, reporting codes (e.g., JORC, NI 43-101), and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with mine planning and operations teams to facilitate the smooth transition of exploration discoveries into mineable assets.
• Manage exploration budgets and ensure efficient resource allocation.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Economic Geology, Exploration Geosciences, or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mineral exploration, with a proven track record in discovering significant mineral deposits.
• Extensive knowledge of South African geology and mineral systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in 3D geological modeling software and data interpretation tools.
• Strong field exploration experience, including mapping, sampling, and drilling management.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and resource estimation methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with geophysical and geochemical data integration is essential.
• Familiarity with relevant reporting codes and standards.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Sci.Nat) is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a leading remuneration package, including substantial bonuses and long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits include top-tier medical aid, a robust retirement fund, and generous leave.
• The company is committed to employee development, providing opportunities for advanced training, conference participation, and career growth.
• The role is based in Benoni, Gauteng , a key hub within the province, offering good infrastructure and amenities.
• Relocation assistance is provided to the successful candidate.