Senior Exploration Geologist - Base Metals Focus

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Company vehicle for fieldwork

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Exploration Geologist based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, to lead base metals programs and drive discovery. You'll oversee field campaigns, geological interpretation, and data integration, guiding junior staff and coordinating with stakeholders across remote field sites.

The role requires MSc or PhD, 7+ years in mineral exploration with strong GIS/geochemical/geophysical skills, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Geology or Economic Geology.
• 7+ years in mineral exploration with base metals emphasis.
• Strong GIS, geochemistry and geophysics background.
• Proven success in advancing exploration projects.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage and execute exploration programs for base metals.
• Conduct detailed mapping, structural analysis and logging.
• Design and supervise RC and diamond drilling campaigns.
• Interpret multi-disciplinary data to define drill targets.
• Use GIS for data integration and spatial interpretation.
• Prepare technical reports and resource updates.
• Manage budgets and liaise with stakeholders.
• Mentor junior geologists and field staff.
• Ensure compliance with exploration regulations.

Skills

GIS

ArcGIS

QGIS

Leapfrog

Vulcan

Structural geology

Geochemistry

Geophysics

Project management

Leadership

Education

MSc in Geology or Economic Geology

PhD in Geology or Economic Geology

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Leapfrog

Vulcan

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent exploration company with a significant footprint in South Africa, is seeking an experienced Senior Exploration Geologist to be based at their operational hub in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is pivotal in identifying, evaluating, and advancing new base metal exploration opportunities. The Senior Exploration Geologist will lead field campaigns, interpret geological data, manage exploration projects, and contribute to the company's strategic growth in discovering world-class mineral deposits. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in structural geology, geochemistry, and geophysics, coupled with proven success in greenfield and brownfield exploration. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a reputable organization and contribute to significant discoveries in a strategically important region near Richards Bay.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and execute exploration programs for base metals (copper, nickel, platinum group elements).
• Conduct detailed geological mapping, structural analysis, and lithological logging.
• Design and supervise drilling campaigns (RC, diamond drilling), including core logging and sampling.
• Interpret geological, geochemical, and geophysical data to identify drill targets and define mineralized zones.
• Utilize GIS software for data integration, spatial analysis, and geological interpretation.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, including resource estimation updates and exploration summaries.
• Manage exploration budgets and ensure efficient resource allocation.
• Liaise with stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and joint venture partners.
• Mentor and guide junior geologists and field assistants.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant exploration regulations and best practices.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Geology or Economic Geology.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mineral exploration, with a strong emphasis on base metals.
• Demonstrated success in discovering or significantly advancing exploration projects.
• Proficiency in geological software, including GIS platforms (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and modeling software (e.g., Leapfrog, Vulcan).
• Solid understanding of structural geology, stratigraphy, geochemistry, and geophysics as they apply to exploration.
• Experience with various exploration techniques and methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management and leadership abilities.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively to remote field locations.
• Registered Professional Natural Scientist (Pr. Sci. Nat.) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, a performance-based bonus, comprehensive health insurance, a company vehicle for fieldwork, and contributions to a retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences are provided.
• This role is primarily field-based with administrative duties performed at the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal office, offering a dynamic and challenging career in mineral exploration.