Senior Exploration Geologist - Critical Minerals

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

Competitive salary with performanceBon

Equity participation in discovery

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo, is seeking a Senior Exploration Geologist to lead mapping, sampling, and drill-target development for critical minerals. You will direct diamond, RC, and RAB programs and refine deposit models using advanced geoscience tools.

You will mentor junior geologists, collaborate with geochemists and metallurgists, prepare technical reports, manage field budgets, and uphold safety and environmental standards in pursuit of responsible mineral asset development across

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geology or related Earth Science.
• 8+ years in mineral exploration focusing on critical minerals.
• Experience planning and executing exploration programs, including drilling.
• Proficient in Leapfrog, ArcGIS, ioGAS for mapping and analysis.
• Strong understanding of deposit models, structural geology, geochemistry.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and ability to work in a team.
• Experience in Limpopo or Southern Africa terrains desirable.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to remote locations.

Responsibilities

• Lead geological mapping, sampling, and prospecting in exploration areas.
• Plan, design, and manage exploration drilling programs (diamond, RC, RAB).
• Interpret geological, geochemical, and geophysical data to identify mineralized zones.
• Develop geological models for various deposit types, focusing on critical minerals.
• Collaborate with other geoscientists to integrate data and advance projects.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and exploration proposals.
• Manage budgets and logistics for field exploration activities.
• Ensure adherence to safety and environmental management in exploration.
• Mentor junior geologists and contribute to a strong technical team culture.
• Stay updated on exploration technologies and regional geological trends.

Skills

Geology expertise

Exploration planning

Data interpretation

Team collaboration

Technical report writing

Field supervision

Education

Master's degree in Geology

Tools

Leapfrog

ArcGIS

ioGAS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing mining exploration company focused on critical minerals essential for the green energy transition, is seeking a seasoned Senior Exploration Geologist to join their team in Polokwane, Limpopo . This position is critical for identifying and evaluating new mineral deposits. The successful candidate will leverage advanced geological techniques, including mapping, geochemistry, and geophysics, to define drill targets and guide exploration programs. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to work on exciting projects in a region rich with mineral potential, contributing directly to securing vital resources for future technologies. The emphasis is on discovery and the responsible development of new mineral assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct geological mapping, sampling, and prospecting in exploration areas.
• Plan, design, and manage exploration drilling programs (diamond, RC, RAB).
• Interpret geological, geochemical, and geophysical data to identify and define mineralized zones.
• Develop and refine geological models for various deposit types, with a focus on critical minerals.
• Collaborate with other geoscientists, geochemists, and metallurgists to integrate data and advance projects.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and exploration proposals.
• Manage budgets and logistics for field exploration activities.
• Ensure adherence to best practices in exploration, safety, and environmental management.
• Mentor junior geologists and contribute to a strong technical team culture.
• Stay updated on exploration technologies and regional geological trends relevant to critical minerals.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geology or a related Earth Science discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in mineral exploration, with a strong focus on identifying and delineating deposits of critical minerals (e.g., lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, nickel).
• Proven experience in planning and executing exploration programs, including drilling campaigns.
• Proficiency in geological software for mapping, modeling, and data analysis (e.g., Leapfrog, ArcGIS, ioGAS).
• Strong understanding of deposit models, structural geology, and geochemistry.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Experience working in the Limpopo province or similar geological terrains in Southern Africa is highly desirable.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively to remote field locations.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with performance bonuses and potential for equity participation in discovery milestones.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• This role, based in Polokwane , offers a hybrid working arrangement, allowing for flexibility.
• Employees benefit from significant opportunities for professional development, including advanced training, conference attendance, and exposure to cutting-edge exploration technologies.
• Our client fosters a dynamic and collaborative work environment focused on discovering and developing the resources of the future.