Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Underground Mining

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Competitive salary and benefits

Annual bonus and retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer for Mossel Bay, Western Cape, to lead geotechnical analysis and design for underground mining operations. You will assess rock mass conditions, design ground support, and implement monitoring programs.

The ideal candidate brings 8+ years in geotechnical mining, strong rock mechanics and proficient use of Rocscience and Maptek. This role requires safety-focused collaboration with planning and safety teams in a challenging underground

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of geotechnical experience in mining, underground focus.
• Strong rock mechanics knowledge and numerical analysis skills.
• Experience with ground support systems and Rocscience/Maptek.
• Professional registration with ECSA or equivalent is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed geotechnical investigations and analyses for underground mine design and operations.
• Design, implement, and monitor ground support systems tailored to rock mass conditions and mining methods.
• Develop and manage geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring programs.
• Perform stability analyses for excavations, slopes, and mine structures.
• Provide technical recommendations for optimizing mining sequences to mitigate geotechnical risks.
• Conduct pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for new underground mining projects from geotechnical perspective.
• Collaborate with mine planning and operations teams to ensure safe extraction.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, hazard assessments, and design documentation.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Stay updated on geotechnical engineering and mining technology.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering experience

Rock mechanics knowledge

Analytical problem solving

Project leadership

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical/Mining Engineering

Tools

Rocscience (Slide, Phase2)

Maptek

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent mining group, is actively recruiting a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their operations in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This critical role will focus on ensuring the stability and safety of underground mining operations through expert geotechnical analysis and design. You will be responsible for evaluating rock mass conditions, designing ground support systems, and implementing geotechnical monitoring programs. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of rock mechanics, experience with various underground mining methods, and a proven ability to manage geotechnical risks effectively. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the safe and efficient operation of a key mining asset in the picturesque Mossel Bay, Western Cape area. You will work closely with mine planning, production, and safety departments to provide essential geotechnical expertise. We are seeking an individual who is technically proficient, proactive, and committed to maintaining the highest safety standards in a challenging underground environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed geotechnical investigations and analyses for underground mine design and operations.
• Design, implement, and monitor ground support systems tailored to specific rock mass conditions and mining methods.
• Develop and manage geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring programs.
• Perform stability analyses for excavations, slopes, and overall mine structures.
• Provide technical recommendations for optimizing mining sequences to mitigate geotechnical risks.
• Conduct pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for new underground mining projects from a geotechnical perspective.
• Collaborate with mine planning and operations teams to ensure safe and efficient extraction.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, hazard assessments, and design documentation.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Stay updated on the latest developments in geotechnical engineering and mining technology.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering within the mining industry, with a focus on underground operations.
• Strong knowledge of rock mechanics principles, empirical and numerical analysis methods.
• Experience with various ground support systems and their application.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as Rocscience (e.g., Slide, Phase2) and Maptek.
• Familiarity with geological data collection and interpretation for geotechnical purposes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liane effectively with diverse teams.
• Ability to work in challenging underground mining environments.
• Professional registration with ECSA or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, annual bonus based on performance, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and life assurance.
• We invest in our employees' professional development through ongoing training, industry conference participation, and clear pathways for career advancement.
• Relocation assistance is available for candidates relocating to Mossel Bay, Western Cape .
• Enjoy working in a stunning coastal location with a company that prioritizes safety, innovation, and employee well-being.