Senior Rock Engineering Specialist

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

top-tier medical aid

comprehensive life assurance

retirement fund

performance-based bonuses

advanced training and research

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Rock Engineering Specialist for a major mining operation in Klerksdorp, North West. The role focuses on rock mechanics assessments, ground support design, and numerical modeling to ensure underground stability and safety.

You will lead investigations, develop guidelines, and advise on mine design and rehabilitation strategies, collaborating with planning, geology, and production teams to mitigate geotechnical risks.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Rock Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering, or Mining Engineering with specialization in Rock Mechanics.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in rock engineering within mining, preferably underground.
• Experience with field investigations, data collection, and instrument interpretation.
• Ability to provide clear technical recommendations to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rock mechanics investigations for underground mining operations.
• Develop and implement ground support design standards and guidelines.
• Perform numerical modeling to assess stability and predict behavior.
• Provide expert advice on mine design, sequencing, and rehabilitation strategies.
• Oversee instrumentation and monitoring programs for ground behavior.
• Investigate geotechnical incidents and report corrective actions.
• Collaborate with mine planning, production, and geology teams on geotechnical matters.
• Stay updated on advances in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Rock mechanics

Numerical modeling

Data interpretation

Communication skills

Problem solving

Technical recommendations

Education

Master's or PhD in Rock Mechanics or Geotechnical/Mining Eng

Tools

FLAC3D

UDEC

Map3D

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forefront entity in the mining sector , is seeking a highly experienced Senior Rock Engineering Specialist to join their established team in Klerksdorp, North West . This role is critical for ensuring the stability and safety of underground mining excavations. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting detailed rock mechanics assessments, developing design guidelines, and providing expert advice on ground support systems. This position requires a deep understanding of rock mass behavior and its implications for safe and efficient mining operations in the complex geological conditions found near Klerksdorp . You will play a vital role in risk management and the overall integrity of the mine's underground infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive rock mechanics investigations and analyses for underground mining operations.
• Develop and implement ground support design standards and guidelines.
• Perform numerical modeling of underground excavations to assess stability and predict behavior.
• Provide expert advice on mine design, sequencing, and rehabilitation strategies to mitigate geotechnical risks.
• Oversee instrumentation and monitoring programs for ground behavior.
• Investigate and report on geotechnical incidents, recommending corrective actions.
• Collaborate with mine planning, production, and geology teams on geotechnical matters.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Rock Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering, or Mining Engineering with a specialization in Rock Mechanics.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in rock engineering within the mining industry, preferably with underground operations.
• Proven expertise in numerical modeling software (e.g., FLAC3D, UDEC, Map3D).
• Strong understanding of rock mass characterization, failure mechanisms, and support design principles.
• Experience with field investigations, data collection, and instrument interpretation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to provide clear and concise technical recommendations to diverse audiences.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) or equivalent professional certification is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client provides a highly competitive salary package, complemented by performance-based bonuses and extensive benefits. These include top-tier medical aid, comprehensive life assurance, and a generous retirement fund. Excellent opportunities for professional growth, including advanced training and research collaboration, are available. This role is site-based in Klerksdorp , offering a stable and rewarding career within a key mining region of North West.

• top-tier medical aid
• comprehensive life assurance
• a generous retirement fund
• performance-based bonuses
• advanced training and research collaboration