Senior Exploration Manager - Base Metals

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 50,000,000 - 70,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Performance bonuses

Long-term incentives

Medical aid

Retirement fund benefits

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Exploration Manager for a globally recognized mining group based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. You will lead base metals exploration strategy, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and oversee large budgets to deliver world-class deposits.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in geology, 15+ years in mineral exploration including 7+ in senior leadership, and strong knowledge of JORC/NI 43-101. Travel, stakeholder engagement, and relocation support are offered.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Geology, Economic Geology, or related earth science field.
• 15+ years' progressive mineral exploration experience, with 7+ years in senior management/leadership in base metals.
• Proven success in discovering significant base metal deposits (copper, zinc, nickel, lead).
• Expertise in exploration methodologies: geophysics, geochemistry, remote sensing, and advanced geological modeling.
• Experience managing exploration budgets > R50 million per annum.
• Strong knowledge of international reporting codes (JORC, NI 43-101).
• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively; experience in Western Cape is a plus.
• Membership in a professional body (e.g., GSSA).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic exploration plan for base metals across target regions.
• Identify, assess, and secure new exploration opportunities; conduct due diligence and feasibility studies.
• Lead multidisciplinary exploration teams including geologists, geophysicists, geochemists, and technicians.
• Oversee design and execution of exploration programs: reconnaissance, mapping, drilling, resource estimation.
• Manage exploration budgets and ensure financial targets are met.
• Interpret geological, geophysical, and geochemical data to define targets and priorities.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, regulations, and company standards.
• Build relationships with government authorities, JV partners, and local communities.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior management and board.
• Foster innovation, safety, and technical excellence within the team.
• Conduct site visits and fieldwork; travel within Western Cape and beyond.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Geology

Team management

Communication

Negotiation

Travel readiness

Education

Master's or PhD in Geology

Tools

Geophysical methods

Geochemical analysis

Remote sensing

Geological modeling

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized mining group with significant interests in Southern Africa, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Exploration Manager to lead their base metals exploration division based out of Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This critical leadership role involves setting the strategic direction for exploration activities, identifying and evaluating new project opportunities, and managing exploration teams and budgets to ensure the discovery and delineation of world-class base metal deposits. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of geological environments conducive to base metal mineralization, advanced exploration techniques, and a proven ability to manage large-scale exploration programs and multi-disciplinary teams. This is a significant opportunity to shape the future exploration pipeline for a major player in the mining sector, operating from the scenic region of Mossel Bay, Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the company's strategic exploration plan for base metals across target regions.
• Identify, assess, and secure new exploration opportunities, conducting due diligence and feasibility studies.
• Lead and manage multidisciplinary exploration teams, including geologists, geophysicists, geochemists, and technicians.
• Oversee the design and execution of exploration programs, including regional reconnaissance, detailed mapping, drilling campaigns, and resource estimation.
• Manage exploration budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial targets.
• Interpret complex geological, geophysical, and geochemical data to define exploration targets and prioritize project advancements.
• Ensure all exploration activities comply with relevant legislation, environmental regulations, and company standards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government authorities, joint venture partners, and local communities.
• Present exploration findings and strategic recommendations to senior management and the board of directors.
• Foster a culture of innovation, safety, and technical excellence within the exploration department.
• Conduct site visits and fieldwork as required, potentially involving travel within the Western Cape and other prospective areas.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Geology, Economic Geology, or a related earth science field.
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in mineral exploration, with at least 7 years in a senior management or leadership role focused on base metals.
• Demonstrated success in discovering significant base metal deposits (e.g., copper, zinc, nickel, lead).
• Expertise in various exploration methodologies, including geophysics, geochemistry, remote sensing, and advanced geological modeling.
• Proven experience in managing exploration budgets exceeding R50 million per annum.
• Strong understanding of international reporting codes (e.g., JORC, NI 43-101).
• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making capabilities.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to travel extensively and work effectively in challenging field environments.
• Membership in a relevant professional body (e.g., GSSA).
• Previous experience in the geological settings of the Western Cape is a significant advantage.

Benefits

This is a senior position offering a highly competitive executive salary package, including substantial performance bonuses, long-term incentives, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits.

• Our client provides extensive opportunities for professional development, international collaboration, and significant influence on the company's strategic growth.
• Relocation assistance to the attractive Mossel Bay, Western Cape region is available for the successful candidate.

Join a leading organization renowned for its commitment to exploration success and responsible resource development.