Senior Exploration Geologist - Base Metals

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and retirement benefits

Professional development and education

Field allowances and travel expenses

Career advancement opportunities

Fieldwork in Pretoria and Gauteng

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Exploration Geologist to lead base metals exploration programs in Pretoria and surrounding Gauteng regions. You will oversee mapping, sampling, drilling campaigns, and the development of 3D geological models, collaborating with geoscientists and engineers to advance projects from greenfield concepts to resource delineation.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in mineral exploration, with copper, nickel, and cobalt experience, plus proficiency in

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on experience in mineral exploration, with a focus on base metals (Cu, Ni, Co).
• Management of exploration projects from greenfield to brownfield.
• Proficiency in geological modeling software (Leapfrog, Vulcan, ArcGIS).
• Strong understanding of structural geology, mineral deposits, and geochemistry.
• Experience with geophysical and geochemical exploration techniques.
• Excellent data analysis, interpretation and reporting skills.
• Ability to conduct extensive fieldwork in diverse terrains.
• Familiarity with South African geology and exploration landscape.
• Strong project management and team collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geological exploration programs for base metals in Pretoria and associated regions.
• Conduct geological mapping, sampling and data interpretation to identify exploration targets.
• Design and oversee drilling programs (diamond, RC, AC), including core logging and QA/QC.
• Interpret and integrate geophysical, geochemical, and drilling data to build 3D models.
• Perform geological resource estimation and contribute to scoping studies.
• Manage exploration budgets and timelines with efficient resource use.
• Collaborate with external consultants and service providers as needed.
• Prepare detailed geological reports and proposals for stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with industry best practices, safety standards and environmental regulations in Gauteng.
• Stay updated on latest exploration technologies and methodologies.

Skills

Geology expertise

Data analysis

Interpretation

Project management

Team collaboration

Fieldwork

Education

Master's degree in Geology or Economic Geology

Tools

Leapfrog

Vulcan

ArcGIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected exploration company with a strong presence in the **Pretoria** region, is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Exploration Geologist to spearhead their base metals exploration initiatives. This role involves the identification, evaluation, and advancement of new exploration targets, focusing on copper, nickel, and cobalt deposits. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all phases of exploration projects, from conceptualization and fieldwork to resource estimation and drilling campaign management. Based in **Pretoria**, you will work closely with geoscientists, engineers, and management to ensure the successful discovery and delineation of economic mineral deposits. We are looking for a proactive geologist with a deep understanding of metallogeny, structural geology, and modern exploration techniques, particularly within the South African context. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to significant discoveries in a growing portfolio of projects located in **Gauteng** and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geological exploration programs for base metals in **Pretoria** and associated regions.
• Conduct geological mapping, sampling, and data interpretation to identify and prioritize exploration targets.
• Design and oversee drilling programs (diamond, RC, AC), including core logging, sampling, and QA/QC protocols.
• Interpret and integrate geophysical, geochemical, and drilling data to build 3D geological models.
• Perform geological resource estimation and contribute to scoping and pre-feasibility studies.
• Manage exploration budgets and timelines effectively, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
• Collaborate with external consultants and service providers as needed.
• Prepare detailed geological reports, presentations, and proposals for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with industry best practices, safety standards, and environmental regulations in **Gauteng**.
• Stay updated on the latest exploration technologies and methodologies relevant to base metals.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Geology or Economic Geology from a recognized university.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands‑on experience in mineral exploration, with a strong focus on base metals (copper, nickel, cobalt).
• Proven experience in managing exploration projects from greenfield to brownfield stages.
• Proficiency in geological modeling software (e.g., Leapfrog, Vulcan, ArcGIS).
• Strong understanding of structural geology, mineral deposit environments, and geochemistry.
• Experience with various exploration techniques, including geophysics and geochemistry.
• Excellent data analysis, interpretation, and reporting skills.
• Ability to conduct extensive fieldwork in diverse terrains.
• Familiarity with South African geology and exploration landscape.
• Strong project management and team collaboration skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• Exposure to exciting exploration projects in a resource‑rich region.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing exploration company.
• Field allowances and travel expenses covered.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment in **Pretoria**.
• Contribution to significant mineral discoveries in **Gauteng**.