Remote Principal Geologist - Resource Estimation

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,976,000 - 3,129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Health benefits

Bonus program

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Geologist with expertise in Resource Estimation for a fully remote, international role. You will lead resource modeling, provide expert interpretation, and ensure compliance with JORC, NI 43-101 and SAMREC across global mining projects.

You will collaborate with exploration and engineering teams worldwide, driving decision-making on development and investment while mentoring junior staff and advancing geostatistical methods.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Geology or Economic Geology with focus on Geostatistics.
• 10–12 years of resource geology and estimation experience.
• Experience with 3D geological modeling and geostatistical software.

Responsibilities

• Lead resource estimation projects from data to reporting.
• Develop and validate 3D models for resource and reserve estimates.
• Apply kriging and simulation to quantify uncertainty.
• Interpret drilling, logging, assays, and geophysics data.
• Ensure compliance with JORC, NI 43-101, SAMREC.
• Collaborate with mining engineers to translate models to mine plans.
• Mentor junior geologists and modelers.
• Stay current with modeling software and methods.

Skills

Geology

Geostatistics

3D modeling

Leadership

Education

Master's or PhD in Geology

Tools

Leapfrog

Vulcan

Surpac

Isatis

GSLIB

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading international mining and exploration company, is seeking a distinguished Principal Geologist with specialized expertise in Resource Estimation to join their global team on a fully remote basis. This senior role is critical for ensuring accurate, reliable, and compliant resource and reserve estimations across the company's diverse portfolio of mining projects. The Principal Geologist will lead the technical aspects of resource modeling, provide expert geological interpretation, and ensure adherence to international reporting standards (e.g., JORC, NI 43-101). This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to leverage their deep geological knowledge and advanced modeling skills within a flexible, remote work environment. You will collaborate with exploration and mining engineering teams worldwide, contributing to strategic decision-making regarding project development and investment. We are seeking an analytical and detail-oriented individual with a proven track record in geostatistics and resource modeling for various commodities. Your expertise will be vital in unlocking the geological potential of our client's assets and guiding future exploration and development strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage resource estimation projects from data acquisition to final reporting.
• Develop, validate, and maintain 3D geological and block models for resource and reserve estimation.
• Apply advanced geostatistical techniques (e.g., kriging, simulation) to quantify geological uncertainty.
• Interpret geological data (drilling, logging, assay results, geophysics) to build robust geological interpretations.
• Ensure all resource and reserve estimations comply with relevant international codes (JORC, NI 43-101, SAMREC).
• Collaborate closely with mining engineers to translate geological models into practical mine plans.
• Review and critique geological data, interpretations, and models prepared by other geologists.
• Provide expert geological input for exploration targeting and mine development studies.
• Mentor and train junior geologists and resource modelers.
• Stay current with advancements in geological modeling software and geostatistical methodologies.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Geology or Economic Geology, with a specialization in Geostatistics.
• Minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in resource geology and estimation, with a significant focus on complex deposits.
• Proven expertise in 3D geological modeling software (e.g., Leapfrog, Vulcan, Surpac) and geostatistical software (e.g., Isatis, Supervisor, GSLIB).
• In-depth knowledge of international mineral resource and reserve reporting codes.
• Experience across multiple commodities (e.g., gold, base metals, PGMs) is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex geological concepts to diverse audiences.
• Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) status under relevant reporting codes is essential.
• Ability to work independently, manage projects remotely, and meet strict deadlines.
• Familiarity with exploration techniques and database management is beneficial.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers exceptional flexibility and work-life integration. Our client provides a highly competitive salary package, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, retirement savings plans, and significant performance-based bonuses. Opportunities for professional growth, continuous learning, and engagement with cutting-edge geological challenges are abundant. You will work with a globally recognized team committed to excellence in resource evaluation and sustainable mining practices. As a Principal Geologist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping investment decisions and driving the success of major mining projects worldwide. Join an innovative and supportive environment that values expertise and fosters career development.