Principal Mining Engineer - Rock Mechanics

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical coverage

Long-term incentive plan

Relocation support

Job summary

Placements24, a mining industry leader, seeks a Principal Mining Engineer – Rock Mechanics for Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will provide expert geotechnical guidance, lead rock mass stability investigations, and drive safe, efficient mine design and ground control across projects.

You will oversee complex analyses, develop monitoring programs, and mentor geotechnical teams, partnering with planning, operations, and safety to implement best practices and advance the company’s operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in mining/geotechnical engineering.
• Minimum 10–15 years in rock mechanics/geotechnical mining.
• Experience with geotechnical monitoring programs and numerical modeling.

Responsibilities

• Lead rock mechanics investigations and stability assessments for underground and surface mining operations.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs (extensometers, piezometers, seismicity).
• Provide expert advice on mine design, stope sequencing, and pillar design for ground stability.
• Interpret geological and geotechnical data, including seismic monitoring and lab tests.
• Develop and validate numerical models for rock mass behavior and stability predictions.
• Contribute to ground support standards and supervise geotechnical teams.
• Collaborate with mine planning, operations, and safety to integrate rock mechanics into daily activities.
• Produce technical reports and presentations for stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Project management

Ground control knowledge

Numerical modeling

Education

Master's or PhD in Mining/Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

FLAC3D

UDEC

Map3D

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the mining sector, is seeking to appoint a highly experienced Principal Mining Engineer specializing in Rock Mechanics for their operations in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**. This senior position will be responsible for providing expert technical guidance on all aspects of rock mechanics, geotechnical engineering, and ground stability across a range of mining projects. The role is crucial for ensuring the safety of personnel, optimizing mining layouts, and maximizing resource recovery by understanding and mitigating geological risks. You will lead complex investigations, develop innovative solutions, and contribute significantly to the strategic planning and execution of mining activities. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a seasoned professional to exert influence and drive best practices in a challenging and impactful domain.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage rock mechanics investigations and stability assessments for underground and surface mining operations.
• Develop and implement comprehensive geotechnical monitoring programs.
• Provide expert advice on mine design, stope sequencing, and pillar design to ensure ground stability.
• Interpret geological and geotechnical data, including seismic monitoring and laboratory testing results.
• Develop and validate numerical models for analyzing rock mass behavior and predicting stability issues.
• Contribute to the development of ground support standards and specifications.
• Oversee the work of geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate closely with mine planning, operations, and safety departments to integrate rock mechanics principles into daily activities.
• Author high-quality technical reports, specifications, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay current with advancements in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering relevant to the mining industry.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. degree in Mining Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of progressively responsible experience in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering within the mining industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in numerical modeling software (e.g., FLAC3D, UDEC, Map3D).
• Proven experience in designing and interpreting geotechnical monitoring programs (e.g., extensometers, piezometers, seismicity).
• Strong knowledge of rock mass classification systems and ground support techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience in managing projects and leading technical teams.
• Ability to work effectively on-site in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**, and potentially at remote mine locations.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent registration is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, executive-level benefits including private medical coverage, a substantial long-term incentive plan, and relocation support.
• Opportunities for continued professional development, conference participation, and knowledge sharing are abundant.

This role provides a significant platform for professional growth and leadership within the mining industry. Join a forward-thinking company committed to operational excellence and safety. Be a key contributor to the sustainable future of mining.