Senior Exploration Manager - Base Metals

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Mbombela (Nelspruit) is seeking a Senior Exploration Manager to lead base metals exploration programs across Southern Africa. The role is based mainly in Nelspruit with significant travel to project sites, shaping the company’s exploration portfolio and guiding a multidisciplinary team.

You will apply a proven track record in discovering and advancing deposits, strong leadership, strategic planning, and expertise in geological modelling, Leapfrog or Vulcan, and GIS to deliver

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant Earth Science field.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive mineral exploration experience with base metals.
• Proven success in discovering and advancing mineral deposits.
• Experience managing exploration projects and teams in remote or challenging environments.
• Proficiency in geological modelling software (Leapfrog, Vulcan) and GIS.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic exploration plans focused on base metal targets in the region.
• Manage all phases of exploration projects, from greenfields targets to resource definition.
• Lead and mentor a team of exploration geologists, geochemists, and geophysicists.
• Oversee geological mapping, geophysics, geochemistry, and drilling programs.
• Interpret data to build robust exploration models and budgets.
• Manage exploration budgets and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with partners on project advancement and joint ventures.
• Ensure health, safety, environmental, and community relations best practices.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports and proposals for management and investors.
• Stay updated on new exploration technologies and methods.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree in Economic Geology

Tools

Leapfrog

Vulcan

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and growing exploration company, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Exploration Manager to lead their base metals exploration programs. This role will be primarily based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , with significant travel to project sites within Southern Africa. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in discovering and advancing base metal deposits (e.g., copper, nickel, platinum group metals), coupled with strong leadership and strategic planning skills. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the exploration portfolio of a forward-thinking company and contribute to the discovery of significant mineral resources in a region rich with potential, operating from the gateway to Mpumalanga.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic exploration plans focused on base metal targets in the region.
• Manage all phases of exploration projects, from greenfields target generation to advanced resource definition.
• Lead and mentor a team of exploration geologists, geochemists, and geophysicists.
• Oversee the planning and execution of exploration activities, including geological mapping, geophysical surveys, geochemical sampling, and drilling programs.
• Interpret and integrate geological, geochemical, and geophysical data to develop robust exploration models.
• Manage exploration budgets effectively, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and cost control.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners on project advancement and joint ventures.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, environmental, and community relations best practices throughout exploration activities.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, presentations, and proposals for management and potential investors.
• Stay abreast of new exploration technologies and methodologies, advocating for their implementation.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Economic Geology, Exploration Geochemistry, or a related Earth Science discipline.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mineral exploration, with a strong focus on base metals.
• Demonstrated success in discovering and advancing mineral deposits.
• Proven experience in managing exploration projects and teams in remote or challenging environments.
• Proficiency in geological modeling software (e.g., Leapfrog, Vulcan) and GIS platforms.
• Strong understanding of structural geology, geochemistry, and geophysics relevant to base metal exploration.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness to undertake extensive travel to project sites.
• Knowledge of South African geological settings and regulatory frameworks.
• Must be legally eligible to work in Nelspruit and surrounding operational areas.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, significant annual performance bonus, and long-term incentive plans. Comprehensive benefits include excellent health insurance, a robust retirement savings plan, and generous paid time off. The company strongly supports professional development through advanced training, industry conferences, and opportunities for international assignments. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates relocating to Nelspruit . This role provides a unique opportunity to lead exploration efforts in a prospective region and contribute significantly to the company's growth.