Head of Exploration (Copper / Gold / Exploration) – Zambia

Our client is seeking a Head of Exploration to lead, optimise, and accelerate all exploration activities for their open-pit gold and copper operation in Zambia. This critical technical leadership role is responsible for defining and executing the exploration strategy, fast-tracking projects up the Resource Triangle, converting targets into mineable resources, and ensuring continuous, high-confidence ore supply to support current and future mining operations.
The successful incumbent will bring strong technical judgement, field leadership, and operational urgency to ensure disciplined, high-quality exploration that directly supports production, expansion, and long-term value creation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute all exploration programmes, drilling campaigns, and target-generation initiatives across multiple licences.
• Oversee geological mapping, sampling, geophysics, and structural interpretation to drive disciplined resource development.
• Approve drill plans, collar positions, sections, and logging standards to ensure high-quality geological data.
• Drive rapid movement of prospects up the Resource Triangle and ensure timely conversion to mineable resources.
• Integrate closely with open-pit mining teams to align grade control, ore boundary interpretation, and pit advancement.
• Provide geological guidance for pit expansions, satellite pit development, and medium‑ to long‑term mine planning.
• Lead weekly reviews of drilling progress, resource updates, ore supply forecasts, and operational risks.
• Maintain centralised geological databases, ensure QAQC compliance, and enforce exploration governance processes.
• Manage, mentor, and develop exploration teams, contractors, and drilling crews, ensuring high performance and accountability.

Requirements: Qualification and Skill

• BSc / MSc in Geology, Exploration Geology, Economic Geology, or related field
• 20-25 years’ experience in hard‑rock exploration (gold and/or copper essential).
• Strong background in resource development, drilling programmes, structural geology, and geochemical/geophysical interpretation.
• Experience working with, or supporting, open‑pit mining operations with strong understanding of grade control.
• Proven track record advancing deposits from early-stage exploration to resource definition and feasibility stages.
• Leadership experience managing teams of 20–60+ staff, preferably in Africa or similar frontier jurisdictions.
• Comfortable operating in field camps, artisanal mining zones, remote sites, and rapidly evolving operational environments.

Please visit www.mining-recruitment-jobs.com for more exciting opportunities.

Daniel Scholtemeyer
Executive Consultant
CA Mining

CA Mining will respond to short-listed candidates only. If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful however your CV will be kept on our database for any other suitable positions.

CA Global Headhunters is an international staffing company with a specific focus on recruitment in Africa. Our extensive, diverse candidate network built up over 10 years comprises the most skilled and experienced candidates. We recruit talent of the highest standards across African sectors, including Mining, Oil & Gas, Engineering, Banking, Finance, Legal, Insurance, Commodities, and Agriculture. As African markets continue to grow and develop, so too does our skill and expertise, ensuring that we deliver the best service to both clients and candidates.

Thanks to our access to global networks and resources, we understand our clients’ cultures, operations, business strategies, and industries. We are always on par with the latest technologies and trends which assist us in sourcing the best talent for clients. Whatever stage of the project lifecycle, we can put forward the right candidates with the right skills.