Senior Rock Engineer - Underground Stability

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement fund

Professional growth opportunities

Industry conferences

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Rock Engineer for a Kimberley-based role in the Northern Cape's mining sector. The role focuses on rock mechanics analysis, ground support design, and ensuring underground stability to safeguard personnel and assets.

The ideal candidate holds an MSc or PhD in Rock Mechanics or Geotechnical Engineering with 8+ years of underground mining experience, and proficiency in FLAC3D or RS2. The position offers challenging projects and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Rock Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years specialized underground rock engineering experience in mining.
• Proven expertise in analyzing complex underground excavation stability issues.
• Proficiency in rock mechanics modeling software such as FLAC3D, RS2, or similar tools.
• Strong understanding of geomechanics, seismology and mining-induced stresses.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed rock mechanics assessments and stability analyses for underground excavations.
• Design and specify ground support systems (e.g., rock bolts, mesh, shotcrete) for various mining conditions.
• Interpret data from geotechnical monitoring instrumentation (extensometers, piezometers).
• Perform seismic hazard assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Provide technical recommendations for mine design and sequencing to optimize stability.
• Collaborate with mine planning and operations to ensure effective ground support implementation.
• Develop and review geotechnical risk assessments and emergency response plans.
• Stay current with advancements in rock mechanics and ground support technologies.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, presentations, and design documents.
• Mentor junior rock engineers and contribute to technical development.

Skills

Rock mechanics analysis

Geotechnical engineering

Rock mechanics modeling

FLAC3D

RS2

Geomechanics

Data interpretation

Technical reporting

Communication

Education

MSc in Rock Mechanics

PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

FLAC3D

RS2

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent name in the Mining sector, is actively seeking a Senior Rock Engineer to bolster their team in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This critical role focuses on ensuring the structural integrity and safety of underground mine workings through expert rock mechanics analysis and the design of ground support systems. The Senior Rock Engineer will provide specialist technical guidance, oversee geotechnical investigations, and collaborate closely with mine planning and operations teams. This is an excellent opportunity to apply advanced rock mechanics principles to solve complex engineering challenges in a challenging underground mining environment. The ideal candidate will possess a strong analytical mindset, extensive experience in underground rock mechanics, and a proven ability to develop practical and effective solutions. You will be pivotal in safeguarding personnel and assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed rock mechanics assessments and stability analyses for underground excavations.
• Design and specify appropriate ground support systems (e.g., rock bolts, mesh, shotcrete) for various mining conditions.
• Manage and interpret data from geotechnical monitoring instrumentation (e.g., extensometers, piezometers).
• Perform seismic hazard assessments and develop mitigation strategies for seismically active mines.
• Provide technical recommendations for mine design and sequencing to optimize stability.
• Collaborate with mine planning and operations personnel to ensure effective implementation of ground support.
• Develop and review geotechnical risk assessments and emergency response plans related to ground stability.
• Stay current with advancements in rock mechanics and ground support technologies.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, presentations, and design documents.
• Mentor junior rock engineers and contribute to the development of technical expertise within the team.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Rock Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of specialized experience in underground rock engineering within the Mining industry.
• Proven expertise in analyzing complex underground excavation stability issues.
• Proficiency in rock mechanics modeling software such as FLAC3D, RS2, or similar analytical tools.
• Strong understanding of geomechanics, seismology, and mining-induced stresses.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Effective communication and report-writing skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Experience with mine surveying and geological data integration is beneficial.
• Adaptability to working in challenging and sometimes remote Northern Cape mining environments.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous professional development.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical benefits, and a retirement fund. Opportunities for professional growth, further training, and attending industry conferences are provided. This role is based in Kimberley, Northern Cape , offering a chance to work within a significant mining region. Our client is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and productive work environment where employees are encouraged to reach their full potential.