Senior Geologist - Mineral Exploration

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Travel allowance and field per diems

Relocation assistance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Geologist for our Upington, Northern Cape exploration team. The role focuses on identifying and advancing mineral targets, planning programs, and leading field teams in a scientifically rigorous environment.

Ideal candidates bring substantial regional geology experience, proficiency with Leapfrog/ArcGIS, and a proactive, hands-on leadership approach to drive successful exploration initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geology or Earth Sciences.
• Minimum 7 years' mineral exploration experience.
• Proficiency with geological software: Leapfrog, ArcGIS, MinePlan.
• PR.SciNat registration is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design and execute geological exploration programs for various commodities.
• Conduct field mapping, structural analysis and drill core logging.
• Interpret geological, geochemical and geophysical data to target exploration sites.
• Lead field geology teams, ensuring safe and productive operations.
• Develop exploration budgets and manage project timelines.
• Collaborate with geophysicists, geochemists, and resource geologists.
• Prepare exploration reports and contribute to resource modeling.
• Ensure compliance with mining and environmental regulations.

Skills

Geology expertise

Leadership

Data interpretation

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Geology

Tools

Leapfrog

ArcGIS

MinePlan

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a reputable mining and resource exploration company actively seeking new opportunities within South Africa's rich geological landscape. We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Senior Geologist to join our exploration team based in Upington, Northern Cape . This role is crucial for identifying, evaluating, and advancing promising mineral exploration targets. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of regional geology, structural analysis, and various exploration techniques, including geophysical and geochemical methods. You will be responsible for planning and executing exploration programs, managing field teams, interpreting geological data, and contributing to resource estimation. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a scientifically challenging environment, contribute to the discovery of valuable mineral deposits, and advance your career within a respected company. The position requires a hands‑on approach, strong leadership abilities, and a commitment to best practices in exploration geology. Your expertise will be vital in driving the success of our exploration ventures in the unique geological setting of the Northern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute geological exploration programs for various commodities.
• Conduct detailed field mapping, structural analysis, and lithological logging of drill core.
• Interpret geological, geochemical, and geophysical data to identify and prioritize exploration targets.
• Manage and mentor field geology teams, ensuring efficient and safe operations.
• Develop and manage exploration budgets and project timelines.
• Collaborate with geophysicists, geochemists, and resource geologists to integrate data and interpretations.
• Prepare detailed geological reports, including exploration summaries and target recommendations.
• Contribute to resource modeling and estimation processes.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant mining and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geology or Earth Sciences from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in mineral exploration, with a strong understanding of regional geology.
• Proven experience in field exploration techniques, including mapping and sampling.
• Proficiency in geological software for data analysis, modeling, and visualization (e.g., Leapfrog, ArcGIS, MinePlan).
• Experience in exploration for commodities relevant to the South African context (e.g., base metals, precious metals, industrial minerals).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and interpretative skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and team management abilities.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively to remote project sites.
• Professional Geoscientist (Pr.Sci.Nat) registration is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous travel allowance and field per diems.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within the company.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging geological environments in the Northern Cape .
• A collaborative team culture focused on scientific rigor and discovery.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.