Principal Geologist - Resource Estimation

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance may be available

Competitive salary and bonus structure

Comprehensive medical aid, life ins, &

Retirement benefits

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Geologist specializing in Resource Estimation to lead mineral resource and reserve estimates in support of strategic planning in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role requires advanced geostatistical expertise, 3D geological modelling, and compliance with JORC/SAMREC.

You will manage a geologist team, collaborate with mining engineers, and mentor staff while delivering high-quality technical reports.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Economic Geology, Geostatistics, or a related Earth Science discipline.
• CP or Qualified Person (QP) status under SAMREC/JORC essential.
• Minimum 10–12 years of progressive experience in mineral resource estimation in mining.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, validation, and reporting of mineral resource and reserve estimates.
• Apply advanced geostatistical techniques (kriging, simulation) for resource grades and tonnages.
• Develop and maintain robust 3D geological models.
• Oversee QA/QC of geological data from exploration and mining activities.
• Ensure compliance with JORC/SAMREC and other international codes.
• Collaborate with mining engineers and metallurgists to ensure economic viability.
• Mentor a team of geologists in estimation and modelling.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for stakeholders and regulators.
• Conduct peer reviews of models and estimates.
• Stay updated on modelling software and methods.
• Advise senior management on resource potential and exploration strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Economic Geology

PhD in Geostatistics

CP or Qualified Person status

Tools

Leapfrog

Vulcan

Datamine

Isatis

GSLIB

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant and growing presence in the global mining sector, is seeking a highly skilled Principal Geologist specializing in Resource Estimation to lead their efforts in quantifying mineral reserves. This senior position, based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , is instrumental in ensuring accurate and reliable resource and reserve estimates that underpin the company's strategic decisions and investment planning. The successful candidate will possess extensive expertise in geological modeling, geostatistics, data validation, and reporting according to international standards (e.g., JORC, SAMREC). You will manage a team of geologists, oversee exploration data integration, and work closely with mine planning and engineering departments. We are looking for a technically proficient and influential leader who can contribute significantly to the sustainable growth of our client's mining portfolio within South Africa .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, validation, and reporting of mineral resource and reserve estimates for various commodities.
• Apply advanced geostatistical techniques (e.g., kriging, simulation) to estimate resource grades and tonnages accurately.
• Develop and maintain robust 3D geological models incorporating geological, structural, and analytical data.
• Oversee the collection, validation, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of geological data from exploration and mining activities.
• Ensure all resource and reserve estimations comply with relevant international reporting codes (e.g., JORC, SAMREC).
• Collaborate closely with mining engineers, metallurgists, and geologists to ensure estimates are technically sound and economically viable.
• Manage and mentor a team of geologists involved in resource estimation and geological modeling.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal stakeholders and external regulatory bodies.
• Conduct peer reviews of geological models and resource estimates.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in geological modeling software and geostatistical methodologies.
• Advise senior management on resource potential and exploration strategies.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Economic Geology, Geostatistics, or a related Earth Science discipline.
• Competent Person (CP) or Qualified Person (QP) status under relevant reporting codes (e.g., SAMREC, JORC) is essential.
• A minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in mineral resource estimation within the mining industry .
• Proven expertise in geological modeling software (e.g., Leapfrog, Vulcan, Datamine) and geostatistical software (e.g., Isatis, GSLIB).
• Strong understanding of various geological environments and deposit types relevant to South Africa .
• Demonstrated experience in managing geological data and implementing QA/QC protocols.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong presentation abilities.
• Leadership experience and the ability to mentor junior technical staff.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites as required.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure recognizing expertise and leadership.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement benefits.
• Exceptional career growth opportunities within a leading mining group.
• Significant exposure to diverse commodity projects.
• Generous leave package.
• Opportunity to shape resource strategy for key mining assets.
• Relocation assistance may be available.