Ventilation Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Ventilation Engineer for a major underground mining operation in Benoni, Gauteng. The role designs, implements, and maintains ventilation systems to ensure safe air quality, temperature, and pressure control for staff.

You will work with mine management, safety officers, and operations teams to identify risks, perform CFD modeling, monitor data from air quality equipment, and oversee ventilation hardware installation and maintenance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 6+ years' underground mine ventilation experience.
• Strong knowledge of ventilation theory and psychrometrics.
• Experience with ventilation modeling software (Ventsim, Whittle).
• Experience with air quality monitoring and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and manage the mine's ventilation network for airflow and air quality.
• Conduct surveys of airflow, gas concentrations, temperature, and humidity.
• Develop strategies for dust suppression, fume control, and heat management.
• Perform CFD modeling to simulate airflow and performance.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and ventilation standards.

Skills

Ventilation theory

Thermodynamics

Psychrometrics

CFD modeling

Air quality analysis

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Mining Engineering with Ventilation specialization

Tools

Ventsim

Whittle

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Ventilation Engineer to join their significant underground mining operations based in Benoni . This vital role is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining ventilation systems that ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all personnel. The Ventilation Engineer will manage air quality, temperature, and pressure control within the mine, using advanced modeling and monitoring techniques. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of mine ventilation principles, thermodynamics, and airflow dynamics, coupled with practical experience in underground mining environments. You will work closely with mine management, safety officers, and operations teams to identify risks and develop effective solutions. This is a permanent, on-site position essential for maintaining regulatory compliance and operational efficiency in the challenging subterranean conditions of the Gauteng goldfields. Your expertise is critical for the well-being of the workforce.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and manage the mine's ventilation network to ensure adequate airflow and air quality.
• Conduct regular surveys and measurements of airflow, gas concentrations, temperature, and humidity.
• Develop and implement strategies for dust suppression, fume control, and heat management.
• Perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to simulate airflow patterns and predict ventilation performance.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and ventilation regulations and standards.
• Collaborate with mine planning and production teams to integrate ventilation requirements into mine design and operations.
• Specify and oversee the installation, maintenance, and operation of ventilation fans, ducting, and related equipment.
• Investigate and report on ventilation-related incidents or deviations from standards.
• Provide training and guidance to personnel on ventilation principles and safety procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering (with a specialization in Ventilation), or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in mine ventilation engineering, specifically within underground mining operations.
• Strong knowledge of mine ventilation theory, thermodynamics, and psychrometrics.
• Proficiency in mine ventilation modeling software (e.g., Ventsim, Whittle).
• Experience with air quality monitoring equipment and data analysis.
• Understanding of South African mining regulations related to ventilation and occupational hygiene.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and diagnostic skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with various teams.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a demanding operational environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, a retirement fund, and potential for performance bonuses. This on-site role provides stability and the opportunity to make a direct impact on mine safety and operations. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, including specialized training courses and conferences. The company culture emphasizes safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in mine ventilation engineering with a leading mining company in the Benoni area, ensuring a safe environment for hundreds of employees.