Senior Mine Ventilation Engineer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mine Ventilation Engineer for a key underground operation near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will design, implement, and manage ventilation systems, model airflow and dust control, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The role requires a Bachelors in Mining Engineering with ventilation specialization and at least 7 years in mine ventilation, with proficiency in VentSIM or GEMS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering with a specialization in ventilation or related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in mine ventilation engineering, preferably underground hard rock mining.
• Proficiency with mine ventilation modeling software (VENTSIM, GEMS).
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and dust mechanics.
• Knowledge of SA mining legislation related to ventilation and environmental control.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for diverse teams.
• Experience in Mpumalanga region is beneficial.
• ECSA professional registration highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, install, and maintain mine ventilation systems including fans and ducting.
• Conduct ventilation surveys and airflow measurements to assess performance.
• Model and predict airflow, dust, and thermal conditions using specialized software.
• Develop strategies for dust suppression, heat management, and gas dilution.
• Ensure compliance with South African Mine Health and Safety Act ventilation regulations.
• Collaborate with planning, geology, and safety teams to integrate ventilation needs.
• Investigate ventilation-related incidents and propose corrective actions.
• Prepare reports on surveys, performance, and compliance.
• Mentor junior ventilation engineers and technicians.

Skills

Ventilation modeling

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelors in Mining Engineering (Ventilation)

Tools

VENTSIM

GEMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly competent Senior Mine Ventilation Engineer to join their operations in the Nelspruit, Mpumalanga region. This role is critical for ensuring a safe and productive underground working environment by designing, implementing, and managing effective mine ventilation systems. The Senior Ventilation Engineer will be responsible for maintaining air quality, controlling dust and heat, and ensuring compliance with all statutory ventilation requirements. This position requires a deep understanding of mine ventilation principles, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. You will play a key role in ensuring the health and safety of personnel working underground.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, install, and maintain mine ventilation systems, including fans, ducting, and auxiliary ventilation.
• Conduct regular ventilation surveys and airflow measurements to assess system performance.
• Model and predict airflow patterns, dust dispersion, and thermal conditions using specialized software.
• Develop strategies for dust suppression and control, heat management, and gas dilution.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant South African Mine Health and Safety Act regulations concerning ventilation.
• Collaborate with mine planning, geology, and safety departments to integrate ventilation requirements into mine design and operations.
• Investigate ventilation-related incidents and recommend corrective actions.
• Prepare detailed reports on ventilation surveys, system performance, and compliance status.
• Mentor junior ventilation engineers and technicians.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering with a specialization in ventilation or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mine ventilation engineering, preferably in underground hard rock mining.
• Proficiency in mine ventilation modeling software (e.g., VENTSIM, GEMS).
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and dust mechanics.
• Knowledge of South African mining legislation related to ventilation and environmental control.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Experience in the geological and operational context of the Mpumalanga mining region is beneficial.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance incentives, comprehensive medical insurance, and retirement benefits. Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a reputable mining organization are provided. This role offers the chance to make a significant contribution to safety and operational efficiency at a key mine site near Nelspruit .