Principal Geologist, Resource Estimation & Leadership

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

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.