Principal Geologist - Resource Estimation

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + bonus

Medical and retirement benefits

Relocation assistance

Career development opportunities

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Geologist with a specialization in Resource Estimation for its operation near Kimberley, Northern Cape. You will lead resource modeling, ensure JORC/NI 43-101 compliance, and guide a multidisciplinary team to define the economic potential of mineral assets.

You will mentor junior staff, collaborate with engineers, and present findings to senior management and regulators while staying at the forefront of geostatistical methods and software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geology or Earth Sciences.
• Master's degree in Geostatistics or Economic Geology preferred.
• Minimum 10 years in mineral exploration and resource estimation.
• Experience with Leapfrog, Micromine, Vulcan and geostatistics packages.
• Strong QA/QC and data integrity practices.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Proven leadership and mentoring ability.
• Willing to reside or commute to the Kimberley area.

Responsibilities

• Lead the geological resource estimation process for various commodities.
• Develop and apply advanced geostatistical methods for resource modeling.
• Ensure estimations comply with JORC/NI 43-101 reporting codes.
• Validate geological data, drilling results, and assay information.
• Prepare technical reports detailing resource estimates and methodologies.
• Collaborate with mining engineers to translate models into mine plans.
• Mentor and guide junior geologists and resource modelers.
• Present resource estimates to management, stakeholders and regulators.
• Stay updated on latest geological modeling software and techniques.

Skills

Leadership

QA/QC

Communication

Mentoring

Geostatistics

Education

Bachelor's in Geology

Master's in Geostatistics or Economic Geology

Tools

Leapfrog

Micromine

Vulcan

GSLIB

Supervisor

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the mining industry, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Geologist with a specialization in Resource Estimation. This challenging and rewarding role is based at their key operational hub near Kimberley, Northern Cape. As the Principal Geologist, you will lead the resource modeling and estimation efforts, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and JORC/NI 43-101 compliance of resource reports. Your expertise will be crucial in defining the economic potential of mineral assets, guiding exploration strategies, and supporting mine planning decisions. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team, including geologists, mining engineers, and geostatisticians. We are looking for an exceptional individual with a proven track record in complex resource modeling, a deep understanding of geostatistical methodologies, and strong leadership qualities. This position offers the opportunity to significantly influence the strategic direction of resource development within the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the geological resource estimation process for various commodities.
• Develop and apply advanced geostatistical methods for resource modeling.
• Ensure all resource estimations comply with international reporting codes (e.g., JORC, NI 43-101).
• Validate geological data, drilling results, and assay information.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports detailing resource estimates and methodologies.
• Collaborate with mining engineers to translate geological models into viable mine plans.
• Mentor and guide junior geologists and resource modelers.
• Present resource estimates and findings to senior management, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in geological modeling software and geostatistical techniques.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Geology or Earth Sciences.
• A Master's degree specializing in Geostatistics or Economic Geology is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mineral exploration and resource estimation.
• Demonstrated expertise in geological modeling software (e.g., Leapfrog, Micromine, Vulcan) and geostatistics packages (e.g., GSLIB, Supervisor).
• Proven track record of successfully estimating resources for one or more commodities.
• In-depth understanding of geological controls on mineralization and data quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex geological concepts.
• Leadership experience and the ability to mentor team members.
• Must be willing to reside in or commute to the Kimberley area.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus program.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and retirement benefits package.
• Relocation assistance provided if necessary.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Generous annual leave and other company-mandated benefits.