Senior Mining Engineer - Geotechnical

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid plan

Retirement fund contribution

Career progression opportunities

Challenging projects in Kimberley

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Mining Engineer with a Geotechnical focus for a major mining group in Kimberley, Northern Cape. You will lead geotechnical investigations, assess ground conditions, and design support systems to ensure safety and efficiency across underground and open-pit operations.

The role requires a Master’s degree in Mining or Geotechnical Engineering, Pr Eng with ECSA, and 8+ years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mining Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA.
• Minimum 8 years of geotechnical experience in mining.
• Experience with underground and open-pit mine design and stability analyses.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as Rocscience and Geo-slope.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical assessments for open-pit and underground operations.
• Design ground support systems (rock bolting, mesh, shotcrete).
• Perform slope stability analyses and develop pit wall strategies.
• Analyze seismic activity and mitigation for seismic hazards in mines.
• Plan and supervise geotechnical investigations (drilling, logging, lab testing).
• Develop mine dewatering strategies and integrate geotechnical considerations into mine design.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Rock mechanics

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Mining or Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Rocscience suite

Geo-slope

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading mining group with diverse operations, is seeking an experienced Senior Mining Engineer with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering to join their team in Kimberley. This role is critical for ensuring the safety, stability, and operational efficiency of underground and surface mining activities by providing expert geotechnical advice and analysis. You will be responsible for assessing ground conditions, identifying potential hazards, designing support systems, and implementing best practices for slope stability and tunnel design. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of rock mechanics, mining methods, and geotechnical investigation techniques. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the safe and sustainable extraction of resources in the Northern Cape region. We are looking for a proactive professional who can lead geotechnical investigations, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with stringent safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical assessments for open-pit and underground mining operations.
• Design and implement appropriate ground support systems, including rock bolting, mesh, and shotcrete.
• Perform slope stability analyses and develop strategies for managing pit wall stability.
• Analyze seismic activity and advise on mitigation measures for seismic hazards in mines.
• Plan and supervise geotechnical investigations, including drilling, logging, and laboratory testing.
• Develop and implement mine dewatering strategies where applicable.
• Ensure all geotechnical designs and practices comply with relevant mining regulations and safety standards.
• Provide expert advice on tunneling, shaft sinking, and other underground excavation challenges.
• Collaborate with mine planners, geologists, and operations personnel to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine design and planning.
• Develop and deliver training on geotechnical hazards and mitigation measures to site personnel.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mining Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is required.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in geotechnical engineering applied to the mining industry.
• Proven experience in underground and open-pit mine design and stability analysis.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software for slope stability, tunnel design, and rock mechanics analysis (e.g., Rocscience suite, Geo-slope).
• Strong knowledge of South African mining regulations and best practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report writing skills.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence operational teams.
• Ability to work effectively in a challenging and remote mining environment.
• Willingness to travel to various mine sites within the Northern Cape and other regions.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including performance bonuses, a comprehensive medical aid plan, and a substantial retirement fund contribution.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development within a major mining group are available.
• This role provides the chance to work on impactful mining projects in Kimberley and the surrounding areas, contributing to the responsible development of the region's resources.
• A strong commitment to safety, innovation, and employee well-being defines the work environment.