Superintendent Rock Engineer - Wessels

South32; Hotazel; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual short-term incentive bonus

Employer contribution to retirement/OR

Support for part-time studies

Job summary

South32 in the Northern Cape is seeking a Superintendent Rock Engineer to lead a multidisciplinary team of Rock Engineering, Strata Control and Rock Mechanics to support safe, productive mining operations.

The role focuses on HSER, cost and volume delivery, development of rock engineering standards, and ensuring compliance with mine parameters. A degree and Rock Mechanic certificate, plus underground/open cast mining experience, are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years' Rock Engineering experience, with at least 5 years in senior management.
• Experience in underground and open cast mining.
• Proficient in MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Identify hazards in ground conditions and follow safe working practices.
• Address workplace fall of ground related hazards and risks.
• Develop, review and update rock engineering standards & procedures.
• Define and monitor compliance to Mining parameters (widths, heights, Max high-wall heights, slopes, etc.).
• Design support strategies and systems to ensure optimal productivity from mining operations while providing safe working conditions.
• Participate in all investigations relating to rock engineering, ensuring the identification of root causes and implementation of proper controls to reduce risk levels.
• Provide sound rock engineering inputs timeously for planning of new mining sections or rehabilitations.
• Monitor and report on substandard support conditions and changes in mine ground conditions.
• Optimise mine designs (Board and Pillar parameters).
• Conduct elementary in-situ tests of support installation quality.

Skills

Rock Engineering

Senior Management

Mining

MS Office

Education

Degree / BTech Mining Engineering/Natural Sciences

Chamber of Mines Rock Mechanic Certificate

Job description

At South32, we’re meeting the challenge of enabling a sustainable future through our focuson responsibly producing commodities critical for a low-carbon world.

As a collaborative, caring and inclusive company, there’s no better place to make a genuinedifference. Together we’re making a positive, global impact that has the potential to change lives.

Whatever career path you choose, we’ll support you every step of the way to learn, grow and succeed. So, join us, step towards a brighter future and leave your legacy.

ABOUT WESSELS

The South Africa Manganese operation can be found in the manganese rich Kalahari Basin, in the country’s Northern Cape, which is home to 80 per cent of the world's manganese. This position is based at our Wessels Mine which represents one of the largest manganese reserves in South Africa.

WHAT SOUTH32 OFFERS:

• Annual short-term incentive bonus that recognizes both your individual performance and the overall success of the business.
• Eligible employees will receive an employer contribution towards the company-elected retirement fund.
• South 32 will support assistance for part-time studies aligned to role requirements and business needs at accredited institutions to eligible employees.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

This role is a permanent full-time position.

As a Superintendent Rock Engineer, you will be responsible for leading a diverse team of Rock Engineering, Strata Control and Rock Mechanics for provision of aggregated. Specialised Rock Engineering core skills and knowledge, facilitating and executing rock engineering support functions to enable operations to focus on HSER, Cost and Volume to meet customer requirements.

Other key responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to:

• Identify hazards in terms of ground conditions and failures to follow safe working practices
• Address workplace fall of ground related hazards and risks
• Develop, review and update rock engineering standards & procedures
• Define and monitor compliance to Mining parameters (widths, heights, Max high-wall heights, slopes, etc.)
• Design support strategies and systems to ensure optimal productivity from mining operations while providing safe working conditions
• Participate in all investigations relating to rock engineering, ensuring the identification of root causes and implementation of proper controls to reduce risk levels
• Provide sound rock engineering inputs timeously for planning of new mining sections or rehabilitations
• Monitor and report on substandard support conditions and changes in mine ground conditions
• Optimise mine designs (Board and Pillar parameters)
• Conduct elementary in-situ tests of support installation quality
• Inspect compliance to a set standards with regards to ground and support conditions
• Monitor the installation quality and quantity of various support units
• Research and investigate new or alternatively support strategies and mediums

ABOUT YOU:

You will have experience and demonstrate capability in the following:

• Must have a minimum of 8 years’ Rock Engineering experience of which 5 years at least must be in a Senior Management level
• Experience in underground and open cast mining
• Computer literate in MS Suite

Qualifications for this role are:

• Degree / BTech Mining Engineering/Natural Sciences
• Chamber of Mines Rock Mechanic Certificate

South32 is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. We provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

This advertisement will close on 22 October 2026