Senior Mine Geotechnical Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mine Geotechnical Engineer for our client in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on ensuring stability and safety of underground and open-pit operations, with emphasis on rock mechanics, slope stability, and ground support design.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s in Geotechnical Engineering and 8+ years in mining geotechnical work, proficient in Rocscience/Plaxis, and strong analytical and reporting skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Rock Mechanics, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of geotechnical experience with mining focus.
• Proficiency in Rocscience (Slide, Phase2, Dips) or Plaxis.
• Strong understanding of rock mass characterization, failure mechanisms, and ground support.
• Field investigations including drilling, geophysics, instrumentation installation.
• Knowledge of tailings dam design and monitoring is desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication for reports.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites.
• PE or equivalent registration is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical assessments and site investigations for open-pit slopes, underground excavations, and tailings facilities.
• Perform stability analyses using Rocscience and Plaxis.
• Design ground support systems for underground excavations.
• Develop monitoring programs for slope and underground stability.
• Analyze monitoring data and provide engineering assessments and recommendations.
• Collaborate with geologists, mining engineers and other disciplines for integration into mine planning.
• Review and approve geotechnical aspects of mine designs and plans.
• Develop geotechnical investigation programs, including drilling and sampling.
• Prepare detailed geotechnical reports and presentations for teams and management.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical standards and regulations.
• Assist in geotechnical incident investigations and preventative measures.
• Provide guidance to junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.

Skills

Rock mechanics

Slope stability

Ground support

Geotechnical data interpretation

Analytical thinking

Report writing

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Rocscience Suite

Plaxis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant force in the mining sector, is seeking a highly qualified Senior Mine Geotechnical Engineer to contribute to their operations in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA . This role is fundamental to ensuring the stability and safety of underground and open-pit mine workings, slopes, and associated infrastructure. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in rock mechanics, slope stability analysis, ground support design, and the interpretation of geotechnical data. You will be responsible for conducting thorough geotechnical investigations, developing mitigation strategies for potential hazards, and providing critical engineering recommendations to support safe and efficient mining practices. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to apply advanced geotechnical principles within a major mining operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical assessments and site investigations for open-pit slopes, underground excavations, and tailings storage facilities.
• Perform detailed stability analyses using specialized geotechnical software (e.g., Rocscience suite, Plaxis).
• Design and specify appropriate ground support systems (e.g., rock bolts, mesh, shotcrete) for underground excavations.
• Develop and implement monitoring programs for slope and underground excavation stability.
• Analyze monitoring data and provide timely engineering assessments and recommendations.
• Collaborate with geologists, mining engineers, and other disciplines to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine planning and design.
• Review and approve geotechnical aspects of mine designs and operational plans.
• Develop and manage geotechnical investigation programs, including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Prepare detailed geotechnical reports, memos, and presentations for project teams and management.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical standards, regulations, and best practices.
• Assist in the investigation of geotechnical incidents and contribute to the development of preventative measures.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Rock Mechanics, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant focus on mining applications.
• Proficiency in geotechnical analysis software such as Rocscience (Slide, Phase2, Dips), Plaxis, or similar.
• Strong understanding of rock mass characterization, failure mechanisms, and ground support principles.
• Experience with field investigations, including drilling, geophysics, and instrumentation installation.
• Knowledge of tailings dam design and performance monitoring is desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and concise technical reports.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites as required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent registration is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive health coverage, and retirement planning. We provide excellent opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and career advancement within a leading mining organization. The role is based in Port Elizabeth , offering access to coastal amenities and a pleasant working environment. Employees receive generous annual leave and paid time off. Our client invests in advanced geotechnical tools and technologies, ensuring a stimulating and technically challenging work environment. Relocation assistance may be provided for eligible candidates. Join a dedicated team committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and operational integrity in the mining industry.