Remote Lead Data Scientist - Mining Analytics

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive compensation

Home office stipend

Learning opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Data Scientist for a remote role in the mining sector. You will design, develop and deploy ML models across exploration, extraction, processing and logistics, translating data into business insights and strategic decisions.

You will mentor a team of data scientists, collaborate with geologists, engineers and managers, stay abreast of advances in AI, and drive data-driven decision making across the organization.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in quantitative field.
• 8+ years in data science and leadership.
• Mining industry experience preferred.
• Proficient in Python or R and ML libraries.
• Experience with Spark/Hadoop and SQL/NoSQL.
• Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP) for workflows.
• Excellent communication to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven mentoring ability.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development and deployment of ML models for mining.
• Define data strategy and key data sources.
• Mentor and manage data scientists.
• Collaborate with geologists, engineers and managers.
• Present data-driven insights to senior management.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and security.
• Stay current with data science advancements.
• Oversee end-to-end data science lifecycle.
• Champion data literacy and data-driven decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Data science

Python

R

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

ML algorithms

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science/CS/Statistics

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking leader in the Mining industry, is revolutionizing its operations through data-driven insights and is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Data Scientist to join their expanding analytics division. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere. The successful candidate will be instrumental in developing and implementing advanced analytical models to optimize various aspects of our mining operations, from exploration and extraction to processing and logistics. You will lead a team of data scientists and collaborate closely with geologists, engineers, and operational managers to translate complex data into actionable business intelligence. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of machine learning, statistical modeling, and big data technologies, specifically applied within the mining context. This remote role allows you to shape the future of data science in mining without geographical constraints.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of machine learning models and analytical solutions for mining applications (e.g., predictive maintenance, resource estimation, operational efficiency).
• Define data strategy and identify key data sources for analytical projects.
• Mentor and manage a team of data scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business challenges and translate them into data science problems.
• Develop and present compelling data-driven insights and recommendations to senior management.
• Ensure the quality, integrity, and security of data used for analysis.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, AI, and machine learning techniques relevant to the mining sector.
• Oversee the end-to-end data science project lifecycle, from data acquisition and exploration to model validation and deployment.
• Champion data literacy and the adoption of data-driven decision-making across the organization.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 8+ years of experience in data science, with a proven track record of leading analytical projects.
• Demonstrated experience applying data science techniques to solve complex problems in the Mining industry or a related resource sector.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, and proficiency with relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and database management (SQL/NoSQL).
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) for data science workflows.
• Excellent understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and data mining techniques.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven leadership experience and ability to mentor junior team members.

Benefits

• A highly competitive annual salary of ZAR.
• Flexible working hours and a fully remote work environment.
• Generous annual leave allowance and public holidays.
• Performance-based bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities.
• Company-provided equipment and a stipend for home office setup.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, professional certifications, and conference attendance.
• Contribute to impactful projects that are shaping the future of the mining industry globally.