Principal Mine Ventilation Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 2,800,000 - 4,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Relocation assistance

Executive salary and bonus potential

Private health insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mine Ventilation Engineer near Cape Town to lead ventilation strategies across underground and surface mining operations. You will guide safety, health, and environmental practices while delivering robust ventilation designs.

The role requires senior expertise in gas dynamics, regulatory compliance, and team leadership, with a strong track record in large-scale projects. The ideal candidate has 12+ years in mine ventilation, hands-on CFD modelling, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining or Mechanical Engineering; Master's preferred.
• 12+ years in mine ventilation engineering; 5+ years in senior roles.
• Proven CFD modelling and ventilation design skills; strong data interpretation.
• Knowledge of SA Mine Health and Safety Act regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strategic mine ventilation plans for complex operations.
• Conduct CFD modelling and airflow hazard predictions.
• Oversee ventilation infrastructure design and maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with SA regulations and best practices.
• Monitor underground environment (temp, humidity, dust, gas).
• Lead ventilation team and provide technical training.
• Participate in feasibility studies and mine design reviews.

Skills

Ventilation design

CFD modelling

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining or Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree advantageous

PrEng registration desirable

Tools

Ventsim

Surpac

Map3D

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious mining group, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Mine Ventilation Engineer to oversee ventilation strategies and ensure optimal working conditions within their diverse operations, primarily based near Cape Town, Western Cape . This pivotal role demands extensive expertise in mine atmospheric conditions, gas dynamics, and regulatory compliance. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring comprehensive ventilation plans for both underground and surface mining activities, with a strong emphasis on safety, health, and environmental sustainability. The ideal candidate will possess advanced analytical skills, a deep understanding of mine ventilation principles, and the ability to lead complex projects and provide expert technical guidance. This position offers the chance to influence the strategic direction of mine safety and operational efficiency for a significant industry player.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain strategic mine ventilation plans and systems for complex mining operations.
• Conduct detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling and simulations for airflow analysis and hazard prediction.
• Oversee the design, installation, and maintenance of ventilation infrastructure, including fans, ducting, and auxiliary systems.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant South African mining regulations and international best practices for mine ventilation and environmental monitoring.
• Manage the monitoring of underground environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, dust, and gas concentrations.
• Develop and implement dust suppression and control strategies to maintain a healthy working environment.
• Provide expert technical advice and training to site personnel on ventilation principles and safety procedures.
• Lead a team of ventilation officers and technicians, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Participate in feasibility studies and mine design reviews, providing critical input on ventilation aspects.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; a Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in mine ventilation engineering, with at least 5 years in a senior or principal capacity.
• Proven expertise in mine ventilation design software, CFD modelling tools (e.g., Ventsim, Surpac, Map3D), and environmental monitoring systems.
• In-depth knowledge of South African Mine Health and Safety Act regulations pertaining to ventilation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication abilities.
• Experience with large-scale mining projects, preferably in hard rock or open-pit environments relevant to the Cape Town, Western Cape region.
• Professional Engineer (PrEng) registration is highly desirable.

Benefits

• An attractive executive-level salary and performance bonus structure.
• Comprehensive private health insurance and retirement plan.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates moving to the Cape Town, Western Cape area.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and development, including attendance at international conferences.
• A hybrid work arrangement offering a balance between site visits and office-based strategic planning.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and methodologies in mine ventilation.