Senior Mine Ventilation Engineer

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-related bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Conferences attendance

Specialized training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mine Ventilation Engineer for the Soweto, Gauteng region. You will design, implement and manage ventilation networks to ensure air quality, control dust and gas hazards, and optimize thermal conditions in underground operations.

The role requires 7+ years of experience, proficiency with Ventsim/Whisper, and strong knowledge of SA mine health and safety legislation. Hybrid work in Soweto may be available.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mining or Mechanical Engineering with ventilation specialization.
• 7+ years of underground mine ventilation experience.
• Knowledge of ventilation principles, fluid dynamics and heat transfer.
• Experience with dust and gas monitoring techniques.
• Registration with SA professional body desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and optimize mine ventilation networks for air quality and thermal comfort.
• Monitor performance, survey sites and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Develop dust suppression and control strategies and monitoring.
• Model systems with Ventsim/Whisper to predict airflow and contaminants.
• Collaborate with planning, geotechnical and operations teams.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and staff.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Decision making

Report writing

Ventilation software

Team collaboration

Education

Mining or Mechanical Engineering degree (with ventilation specialization)

Tools

Ventsim

Whisper

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent mining group with extensive operations across South Africa, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mine Ventilation Engineer to join their team serving the Soweto, Gauteng region. This critical role focuses on ensuring the health, safety, and productivity of personnel by designing, implementing, and managing effective mine ventilation systems. You will be responsible for planning ventilation networks, controlling air quality, managing thermal conditions, and mitigating dust and gas hazards in underground mining environments. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of mine ventilation principles, legislation, and advanced modeling techniques. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to contribute to a safe working environment and optimize operational efficiency in a vital sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize mine ventilation networks to ensure adequate airflow, air quality, and thermal comfort for all working areas.
• Conduct regular site inspections and surveys to monitor ventilation performance, identify potential hazards, and assess compliance with standards.
• Develop and manage dust suppression and control strategies, including monitoring exposure levels and implementing mitigation measures.
• Assess and manage thermal stress in underground environments, recommending cooling strategies and monitoring conditions.
• Model ventilation systems using specialized software (e.g., Ventsim, Whisper) to predict airflow, pressure drops, and contaminant dispersion.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant mine ventilation legislation, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with mine planning, geotechnical, and production teams to integrate ventilation requirements into mine design and operations.
• Investigate and report on ventilation-related incidents, recommending corrective actions.
• Train and mentor junior ventilation engineers and mine personnel on ventilation principles and safe work practices.
• Manage the procurement and maintenance of ventilation equipment, including fans, ducting, and monitoring instrumentation.

Requirements

• Degree in Mining Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in ventilation.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mine ventilation engineering, specifically within underground mining operations.
• In-depth knowledge of mine ventilation principles, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and air quality management.
• Proficiency in using mine ventilation modeling software (e.g., Ventsim, Whisper).
• Strong understanding of South African mine health and safety legislation related to ventilation.
• Experience with dust and gas monitoring techniques and equipment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong report writing and presentation abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Professional registration with ECSA or equivalent is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical aid
• Provident fund
• Performance-related bonuses
• Professional development opportunities
• Specialized training
• Attendance at industry conferences

The position is based in the Soweto, Gauteng area, with potential for some hybrid working arrangements.

Join a leading organization committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for its workforce.