Senior Exploration Manager - Base Metals

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Exploration Manager to lead discovery efforts in the Northern Cape, based in Upington. You will develop strategies, manage teams of geologists and technicians, and oversee drilling campaigns to advance base metal deposits.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in Geology or related geoscience, 12+ years in mineral exploration, and strong project management and data interpretation skills. Expect extensive field work and travel within a key mining province.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geology, Economic Geology, or a related geoscience discipline.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mineral exploration with a focus on base metals (copper, nickel, zinc, lead).
• Proven track record of discovering and advancing economic mineral deposits.
• Extensive experience in project management: budgeting, team leadership, and strategic planning.
• Proficiency in exploration data interpretation, geological modeling, and Leapfrog/ArcGIS/Maxwell.
• Strong understanding of structural geology, metallogeny, and base metal deposit modeling.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work in a challenging field environment and travel extensively.
• Experience in the Northern Cape geological setting is highly desirable.
• Must be willing to work full-time on-site in Upington area.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement exploration strategies and programs for base metals in the designated region.
• Manage all aspects of exploration projects including planning, budgeting, execution and reporting.
• Lead and mentor a team of geologists, geochemists, geophysicists and technicians.
• Oversee geological mapping, sampling, geophysical surveys, and drilling campaigns.
• Interpret geological, geochemical and geophysical data to identify targets.
• Manage relationships with joint venture partners, government agencies and communities.
• Ensure exploration activities meet health, safety and environmental standards.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations and resource estimates for senior management and investors.
• Manage exploration budgets effectively and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Stay updated on latest exploration technologies and industry trends.

Skills

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Geology interpretation

Education

Master's degree in Geology / Economic Geology

PhD in Geology / Economic Geology (optional)

Tools

Leapfrog

ArcGIS

Maxwell

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading exploration company with a strong focus on base metals, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Exploration Manager to lead their discovery efforts in the Northern Cape region, based in Upington .

This strategic role requires a proven leader with a deep understanding of geology, exploration methodologies, and project management, specifically within the base metals sector. You will be responsible for developing and executing exploration strategies, managing exploration teams, and identifying and advancing promising new mineral projects from greenfield stages through to resource definition. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record of successful discoveries and a passion for uncovering the next generation of world-class base metal deposits. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to shape the future of resource exploration in a key mining province.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive exploration strategies and programs for base metals in the designated region.
• Manage all aspects of exploration projects, including planning, budgeting, execution, and reporting.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of geologists, geochemists, geophysicists, and technicians.
• Oversee geological mapping, sampling, geophysical surveys, and drilling campaigns.
• Interpret geological, geochemical, and geophysical data to identify and evaluate exploration targets.
• Manage relationships with joint venture partners, government agencies, and local communities.
• Ensure all exploration activities are conducted in accordance with best practices for health, safety, and environmental management.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and resource estimates for senior management and investors.
• Manage exploration budgets effectively and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Stay abreast of the latest exploration technologies, techniques, and industry trends.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Geology, Economic Geology, or a related geoscience discipline.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in mineral exploration, with a significant focus on base metals (e.g., copper, nickel, zinc, lead).
• A proven track record of discovering and advancing economic mineral deposits.
• Extensive experience in project management, including budgeting, team leadership, and strategic planning.
• Proficiency in exploration data interpretation, geological modeling, and relevant software (e.g., Leapfrog, ArcGIS, Maxwell).
• Strong understanding of structural geology, metallogeny, and deposit modeling for base metals.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a challenging field environment and travel extensively.
• Experience within the Northern Cape geological setting is highly desirable.
• Must be willing to work full-time on-site or in close proximity to operations in the Upington area.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including substantial performance bonuses and long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund benefits are provided.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attending international conferences and specialized training, are readily available.
• This role offers the chance to lead critical exploration initiatives in a strategically important region for base metals, based in Upington, Northern Cape .
• The company is committed to fostering a culture of discovery, innovation, and safety.