Senior Ventilation Engineer - Underground Mine Safety

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Ventilation Engineer for an underground mining operation near Klerksdorp, North West. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining ventilation systems to ensure safety and regulatory compliance in a hard-rock underground mine.

The ideal candidate will bring 6+ years of ventilation experience, strong modeling skills (Ventsim, MineCAD), and leadership abilities to guide a multidisciplinary team in achieving optimal air quality, dust control, and

Qualifications

• Requires a BEng or BSc in Mechanical or Mining Engineering with ventilation specialization.
• Minimum 6 years of mine ventilation experience, preferably underground hard-rock.
• Proficient in mine ventilation modeling software (Ventsim, MineCAD).
• Strong thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer knowledge.
• Experience with dust suppression and control techniques.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with South African mining regulations.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize mine ventilation systems.
• Conduct regular ventilation surveys (air quantity, quality, temperature, and pressure).
• Monitor and control environmental parameters such as dust, heat, and gases.
• Develop and manage the mine ventilation budget and procurement of related equipment.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental legislation pertaining to mine ventilation.
• Collaborate with production and planning teams to integrate ventilation requirements into mine designs and schedules.
• Oversee the maintenance and performance testing of ventilation fans, ducting, and other equipment.
• Investigate ventilation-related incidents and propose corrective actions.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on ventilation matters to mine personnel.
• Stay updated on advancements in mine ventilation technology and best practices.

Skills

Ventilation design

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Ventilation software

Regulatory knowledge

Education

BEng / BSc (Mechanical or Mining Eng)

Tools

Ventsim

MineCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major operator in the mining industry, is seeking a highly competent and experienced Senior Ventilation Engineer to join their esteemed team at a key underground mine near Klerksdorp, North West . This role is paramount in ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for all personnel by designing, implementing, and maintaining effective mine ventilation systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing air quality, controlling dust and heat, and managing airflow to meet stringent regulatory standards and operational requirements. You will work closely with mine management, safety officers, and other engineering disciplines to develop and execute comprehensive ventilation strategies. This is a vital position within a company committed to operational excellence and the well‑being of its workforce in the North West region. We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented professional with a deep understanding of mine ventilation principles and practical application in complex underground environments. Your expertise will directly contribute to maintaining the highest safety benchmarks and operational efficiency in this critical mining hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize mine ventilation systems to ensure safe and healthy working conditions.
• Conduct regular ventilation surveys, including air quantity, quality, temperature, and pressure measurements.
• Monitor and control environmental parameters such as dust, heat, and gases.
• Develop and manage the mine ventilation budget and procurement of related equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental legislation pertaining to mine ventilation.
• Collaborate with production and planning teams to integrate ventilation requirements into mine designs and schedules.
• Oversee the maintenance and performance testing of ventilation fans, ducting, and other equipment.
• Investigate ventilation-related incidents and propose corrective actions.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on ventilation matters to mine personnel.
• Stay updated on advancements in mine ventilation technology and best practices.

Requirements

• BEng or BSc in Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in ventilation.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in mine ventilation, preferably in underground hard-rock mining.
• Proficiency in mine ventilation modeling software (e.g., Ventsim, MineCAD).
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer principles.
• Knowledge of dust suppression and control techniques.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with South African mining regulations.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits, and opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Relocation assistance will be provided. Join a leading mining company in Klerksdorp, North West , and play a critical role in ensuring operational safety and efficiency.