Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Mining Infrastructure

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development opportunities

Travel allowances

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Geotechnical Engineer for Polokwane, Limpopo, to deliver expert geotechnical services for mining projects across the region. You will lead investigations, design foundations, tailings facilities and assess seismic and groundwater risks in open-pit and underground operations.

Requirements include a Master's in Geotechnical Engineering, PrEng registration, 10+ years in mining geotech, and proficiency with GeoStudio, Plaxis and FLAC. Extensive travel to sites is expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• Proven expertise in slope stability analysis and tailings dam engineering.
• PrEng registration with ECSA is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and interpret geotechnical investigations for mining projects.
• Perform slope stability analyses for open-pit mines and dumps.
• Design foundations for mining infrastructure and tailings facilities.
• Mentor junior engineers and lead site investigations.
• Prepare geotechnical reports and risk assessments.

Skills

Slope stability analysis

Foundation design

Tailings dam engineering

Geotechnical modeling

GeoStudio

Plaxis

FLAC

Site investigations

Technical leadership

Risk assessment

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

GeoStudio

Plaxis

FLAC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading mining engineering consultancy, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their operations in Polokwane. This role is crucial for providing expert geotechnical services for mining infrastructure projects throughout the Limpopo province and beyond. The successful candidate will be responsible for site investigations, slope stability analysis, foundation design for mine structures, tailings dam design and management, and providing technical support for open-pit and underground mining operations. This position requires extensive knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and hydrogeology in a mining context. You will play a vital role in ensuring the safety, stability, and efficiency of critical mining infrastructure. This is a site-intensive role requiring regular travel to mine sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct and interpret geotechnical investigations for mining projects, including boreholes, CPTs, and geophysical surveys.
• Perform detailed analyses of slope stability for open-pit mines and waste rock dumps.
• Design foundations for mining infrastructure such as processing plants, conveyors, and headgears.
• Undertake the design and management of tailings storage facilities, including seepage analysis and liner design.
• Assess and mitigate risks associated with seismic activity and groundwater interaction in mining environments.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice and support to mine planning and operations teams.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports, design documents, and risk assessments.
• Supervise geotechnical site investigations and construction activities.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and contribute to the technical development of the team.
• Stay current with advancements in geotechnical engineering relevant to the mining industry and South African regulations.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong focus on the mining sector.
• Professional Engineer (PrEng) registration with ECSA.
• Proven expertise in slope stability analysis, foundation design for heavy structures, and tailings dam engineering.
• Proficiency in geotechnical modeling software (e.g., GeoStudio, Plaxis, FLAC).
• Strong understanding of rock mechanics and hydrogeology as applied to mining.
• Experience with South African mining regulations and environmental requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and lead technical teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively to remote mine sites.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including a performance bonus, comprehensive medical aid, and a provident fund.
• This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth and exposure to major mining projects in Limpopo.
• You will work with a highly respected team of mining specialists.
• Support for continuous professional development and conference attendance is provided.
• This position requires regular travel, with associated allowances.
• Our client values expertise and provides a challenging yet rewarding work environment.