Chief Geologist (Resource Estimation / Feasibility / OP / Open-Pit / Copper / Mining) – Southern Africa

Reference: DSS02 - OC

Job Description:

A client of ours is looking for a Chief Geologist to lead the geological function for a copper development project, which is progressing from PEA into the PFS phase and ultimately towards DFS, financing and production. The project has significant resource extension and near-mine exploration potential. The Chief Geologist will provide senior geological leadership across exploration, resource development, feasibility, and production, while overseeing the geological model, resource database, grade control, and production geology to ensure a consistent and well-characterised ore supply throughout the mine’s life.
 

Responsibilities:  

• Manage the geological database and ensure the integrity of drillhole, assay, geological, and QA/QC data.
• Lead geological interpretation, 3D geological modelling, and mineral resource estimation in line with JORC, NI 43-101, or SAMREC standards.
• Plan and manage exploration, infill, extension, geotechnical, and grade control drilling programmes.
• Oversee core logging, sampling, QA/QC, and data quality across all drilling activities.
• Lead grade control and production geology activities, ensuring accurate ore/waste delineation and consistent ore supply to the processing plant.
• Integrate grade control and production data into resource models and conduct regular mine-to-mill reconciliation.
• Provide geological input into short-, medium-, and long-term mine planning, PFS, DFS, and pit optimisation.
• Manage geotechnical and hydrogeological monitoring programmes and provide geological input into pit stability and dewatering strategies.
• Develop and manage near-mine and regional exploration programmes focused on resource replacement and growth.
• Prepare and review technical reports, resource statements, regulatory submissions, and investor documentation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the geology team while promoting strong technical, safety, and environmental standards.
• Ensure all geological and exploration activities comply with applicable reporting, mining, HSE, and environmental requirements.

Requirements: Qualification and Skill

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Geology, Geological Sciences, or a related field.
• At least 10 years’ mining industry experience, including a minimum of 5 years in a senior geological position within base metals, preferably copper.
• Strong expertise in geological modelling and mineral resource estimation using Leapfrog Geo, Vulcan, Datamine, or similar software.
• Hands-on experience with mine fleet management and mine planning systems (e.g., Modular Mining, Wenco, Deswik, MineSight, or equivalent) and integration of geological models into operational mine plans.
• Extensive open-pit geology experience, with a strong background in grade control, production geology, drilling programs, ore block definition, and mine-to-mill reconciliation.
• Proven ability to manage geological teams and drilling programs across greenfield and brownfield mining projects.
• Good knowledge of JORC 2012, NI 43-101, or SAMREC reporting requirements.
• Strong understanding of copper deposit geology, including supergene and hypogene mineralisation and structural controls.
• Experience supporting a mining project through a PEA-to-PFS or PFS-to-DFS transition.
• Working knowledge of geotechnical and slope monitoring technologies, including slope radar, LiDAR, and UAV photogrammetry, with an understanding of geological and hydrogeological influences on pit stability.

Benefits and Contractual information

• Competitive Salary

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

Duncan Spitzer

Executive Talent Consultant

CA Mining 

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.