Senior Rock Engineer - Klerksdorp Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual bonus

Relocation assistance

Career development

On-site facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Rock Engineer for our client in Klerksdorp, North West. The role focuses on applying rock mechanics to mine design, planning, and operations to ensure stability and safety in underground mining.

You will lead geotechnical assessments, develop ground support systems, and monitor conditions to mitigate rock mass risks. Collaboration with planning, operations, and safety teams is essential in this critical function.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive rock engineering experience in mining.
• MSc or PhD in Rock Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with geomechanics modeling software: FLAC, UDEC, RS2.
• PrEng registration is an advantage.
• Strong safety and risk-management focus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations and data analysis to characterize rock mass properties.
• Design and optimize underground support systems (mesh, bolts, shotcrete).
• Develop seismic monitoring and management plans.
• Provide geotechnical input into mine design, planning, and production.
• Monitor ground conditions and assess risk of rockbursts and instability events.
• Collaborate with planning engineers and geologists to integrate geotechnical considerations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Decision-making

Problem-solving

Education

MSc/PhD in Rock Mechanics or Geotechnical/Mining Eng

PrEng registration (advantage)

Tools

FLAC

UDEC

RS2

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a significant mining operator with operations in **Klerksdorp**, North West, focusing on gold and platinum group metals.

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Rock Engineer to ensure the stability and safety of our underground mining operations. This critical role involves the application of rock mechanics principles to mine design, planning, and operational support.

The Senior Rock Engineer will be responsible for conducting geotechnical assessments, developing support systems, and monitoring ground conditions to mitigate risks associated with rock mass behavior.

The **Klerksdorp** area is characterized by complex geological structures and seismicity, demanding sophisticated geotechnical solutions.

You will work collaboratively with mine planning, operations, and safety teams to implement effective rock engineering strategies. This is a vital position that directly contributes to the safe and efficient extraction of resources, safeguarding both personnel and assets.

Your expertise will be instrumental in addressing the geotechnical challenges inherent in deep-level mining.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations and data analysis to characterize rock mass properties.
• Design and optimize underground support systems, including mesh, bolts, and shotcrete.
• Develop and implement seismic monitoring and management plans.
• Provide geotechnical input into mine design, planning, and production activities.
• Monitor ground conditions and assess the risk of rockbursts and other instability events.
• Investigate ground failure incidents and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with mine planning engineers and geologists to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine layouts.
• Manage geotechnical data acquisition and database maintenance.
• Develop and deliver training on rock engineering principles and best practices to site personnel.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations pertaining to rock mechanics.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Rock Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in rock engineering within the mining industry, with a focus on **hard rock or deep-level mining**.
• Extensive experience with numerical modeling software for geomechanics (e.g., FLAC, UDEC, RS2).
• Proven ability to design and implement ground support systems in challenging conditions.
• Strong understanding of seismology and seismic hazard assessment in mining.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting technical findings to diverse audiences.
• Experience working in the **North West** province's mining sector is highly desirable.
• Professional registration (e.g., PrEng) is an advantage.
• Commitment to safety and risk management.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package reflecting seniority and expertise.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Annual bonus based on performance.
• Relocation assistance for candidates relocating to **Klerksdorp**.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• On-site role with excellent facilities and resources.