What Jobs are available for Geologist in South Africa?

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Capacity to collate, acquire, process, and interpret multisource geospatial data (e.g., mineralogy, geophysics, remote sensing, geochemistry).
• Undertake specialised geoscience investigations focused on South Africa’s mineral resources, particularly those with economic value.
• Undertake specialised integrated geoscience research and development to create higher level products that improve the understanding of ore deposits and mineral exploration (e.g., mineral prospectivity maps).
• Undertake interpretations across multiple scales on the surface and subsurface, incorporating regional scale airborne surveys, soil surveys, satellite data with mineralogy, geochemistry, geochronology, and petrophysics from drill core and field samples.
• Analyse geological and mineral systems at a range of scales with the focus of advancing our ability to detect mineralisation in prospective geological regions
• Conduct geological surveys and mapping, analysing geological data and advising on sustainable resource extraction.
• Determine the size, grade and economic viability of potential deposits.
• Lead geoscience data mining, collection, interpretation, and modelling toward developing the knowledge and strength of South Africa’s developmental imperatives.
• Develop innovative and new methodologies that can be employed in South Africa’s development sectors.
• Compile and oversee the development of reports, maps, and similar publications on the Council for Geoscience’s (CGS) resource development projects and broader geoscience programme.
• Report and present the findings of the CGS’s resource development programme to key stakeholders.
• Make recommendations of the research at a regional, national, and inter-governmental level for both scientific and for the benefit of South Africa’s national development sectors.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and supervision to more junior staff toward their professional development.
• Undertake critical review of CGS products and methodologies, especially in the field of resource development.
• Undertake constant review and evaluation of the CGS’s resource development programme.
• Contribute toward, and uphold, key quality assurance practices and methodologies in the CGS.
• Undertake varied geoscience activities and research and development toward meeting the mandate of the CGS and the developmental agenda of South Africa.
• Remain up to date with macro and micro-economic conditions, legislation, competition, market sentiment, and the industry in general, to anticipate and plan for circumstances that may influence the development of the strategic plan.
• Use specialised software to build geological models and predict the distribution and characteristics of resource-bearing strata.
• Co-develop, attain, and sign-off geological models for multiple commodities according to specifications, and produce and sign-off the SAMREC/equivalent compliant mineral resource statements.
• Compile standardised geological reports for management information purposes (manage all geological data properly).

Research and Development

• Initiate, participate and take a leading role in specialised and cutting-edge geoscientific research, which involves:
• Data mining and data collection.
• Data interpretation.
• Compilation/computation of maps and/or geoscientific models.
• Development of new methodologies.
• Publications. 
• Develop and refine field techniques for mapping, mineral identification, and structural analysis for understanding the geological context of ore deposits.
• Compilation of reports and high-impact peer-reviewed technical papers or scientific publications.
• Stay updated on the latest geological research and mineral exploration techniques.
• Broaden an understanding of how ore deposits form, particularly geological processes, such as fluid flow and structural controls that lead to mineralisation.
• Develop policies and make recommendations of the research at regional, national, inter-governmental level for scientific research or commercial purposes.
• Provide guidance and/or mentoring to junior staff in research, which involves the following:
• Develop and guide the formulation of research proposals, methodologies, data collection and data interpretation.
• Revision and editing of reports, methodologies, models and maps on various projects.
• Lead and monitor progress on projects.
• Evaluate project results, edit reports of junior scientists for publication.
• Participate and lead national or international review bodies tasked with reviewing advanced projects/programmes of national, scientific, or international significance.
• Participate in independent research from data gathering, development of high-quality maps and reports, level editing of maps, reports, 3D models and other publications.
• Develop, interrogate, and implement innovative and specialised conceptual models and techniques to enhance efficiency with regard to geoscientific work or programmes.
• Design new methods and formulate theories, using integration of existing and new data to define mineralising systems for the purposes of mineral exploration.
• Integrate technologies like remote sensing, geochemistry, and geophysics to identify potential ore deposits effectively and efficiently.
• Geoscience data processing, interpretation and packaging toward defining research areas/requirements and the establishment and review of solutions toward mandated research objectives, training and development plans.
• Integrate and package results toward applied policy-defining suggestions.

Project Implementation/Project Management

• Design and lead varied projects simultaneously and guide other scientists in the implementation.
• Monitor risks and implement/make recommendations for corrective measures in line with the risk management plan for the Business Unit Manager.
• Identify and contribute to geoscience aspects during the compilation of tender documents and proposals.
• Participate and/or lead commercial contract negotiations with external clients in line with the mandate from the Executive Management.
• Monitor expenditures in the project expenditure and ensure that the budget is expended in line with the evaluation of progress of tasks and objectives of the projects, and report progress to the line manager.
• Lead the compilation of commercial and statutory project tender documents or contracts, geoscientific and project financial and scheduling aspects.
• Design and provide independent moderation or peer-review of post-graduate degrees or scientific publications.
• Develop and implement operating manuals for work procedures for ISO certification.
• Evaluate project results, review and edit project proposals and technical reports compiled by lower-level scientists.

Stakeholder Relations and Reporting

• Provide specialised advice to Executive Management, and/or public and private sector in the related field of expertise and may advise Executive Management on scientific and technical acceptability of maps, publications and reports.
• Provide independent moderation or peer-review of post-graduate degrees or scientific publications.
• Make presentations at a national and/or international conferences or related work forums.
• Editing or co-editing of a book or volume based on conference proceedings.
• Make science-based contributions to research publications as an author or co-author in national and international journals.
• Produces high-quality publications in national and/or international journals as first author.
• Participate in scientific discussions at national and international conferences involving matters of scientific importance, either in a specific field or variety of fields.
• At times, contribute to the national standard and best practice guidelines at relevant Forums.

Quality Assurance

• Identify, develop, and implement operating manuals for work procedures for ISO certification.
• Evaluate project results, review and edit project proposals and technical reports compiled by lower-level scientists.

Learning and Development

• Mentor, coach and provide supervision and guidance in specialised research of lower-level scientists regarding their geoscientific work and their progress.
• Initiate national or international training workshops/courses for junior staff to strengthen skills transfer in line with the business unit development plan.
• Assist in identifying and designing training needs and recommend to the manager.
• Evaluate the results, edit reports for publication by junior scientists, and prepare own work for publication by the CGS.
• Supervise and guide the execution of projects by junior staff.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12; and
• MSc in Geology/Economic Geology with a specialisation in resource identification, evaluation and development/mineral resource management and 15 years’ experience in fundamental Geology and/or Economic/Exploration Geology, or;
• PhD Degree in Geology/Economic Geology with a specialisation in resource identification, evaluation and development/mineral resource management and 10 years’ experience in fundamental Geology and/or Economic/Exploration Geology;
• Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) registration with SACNASP.
• NRF rating will be an added advantage.
• Valid driver’s licence.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience in integrated geosciences, geodynamic modelling, mineral resource estimation, and knowledge of various mineral resource reporting standards;
• Experience and ability to develop a 3D geological, tectonic, and mineral predictive model; and
• Relevant publication record.

• Science jobs

Objective of the role 

• The incumbent will be responsible for assisting with the strategic and technical management of the Mineral Resource Estimation discipline across AngloGold Ashanti.

General Knowledge & Experience

Safety 

• A strong understanding of all aspects of a sites safety system and ability to manage the system components to ensure ongoing compliance.

Data Analytics 

• Designing and maintaining data systems and databases; this includes fixing coding errors and other data-related problems.
• Mining data from primary and secondary sources, then reorganizing said data in a format that can be easily read by either human or machine.
• Using statistical tools to interpret data sets, paying particular attention to trends and patterns that could be valuable for diagnostic and predictive analytics efforts.
• Using combined knowledge of computer science and applications, modelling, statistics, analytics and maths to solve problems.

Applied Geological Methods 

• Drilling: Has extensive drilling experience. Can engage with drill companies on drilling methods and their efficiencies.
• Sampling: Has extensive sampling experience and is able to design a sample flow route from experimental determinations.
• Logging and Mapping: Can identify geological units, structures, fabrics, alteration, mineralisation styles, and the transition between them.
• Can relate these to the geological model as well as processes on the mine or on future projects. 
• Coreyard: Identifies new processes to improve data collection and improve efficiencies.
• Assaying: Has a thorough understanding of the laboratory processes and is able to identify when an assay technique is not suitable.
• Has a good knowledge of alternate assay techniques.
• Can analyse QAQC results, identify substandard results and be able to engage with the laboratory manager on corrective measures. 
• Database Management: Can add/subtract users and codes to the database, design and write reports.
• Can understand relationships and architecture as well as oversee/ manage implementation of new systems. 

Geological Theory 

• Knows the location within the lease of all significant geological features and how they relate to the current model.
• Has the ability to guide and interact with Project and site teams to further advance the understanding of an area.
• Has a general understanding of the regional geology and where opportunities lie. 
• Understanding the process of constructing 3D models and can provide a geological interpretation.

Mine Geology Methods

• Plan: Has demonstrated the ability to apply knowledge and skills in repeatedly executing complex and challenging plans to their intended outcomes.
• Mining and Plant: Understands material flow process in the plant, what the critical features are at each point.
• Understands metal accounting, sampling and mass measurement system relevant to the reconciliation process. Has a thorough knowledge of mining processes relative to the operation. 
• Ore Loss and Dilution: Can design detailed reconciliation tests and reconciliation flow routes to the level required for the ore accounting chain.
• Can investigate reconciliation issues over a range of sources and disciplines. 
• Grade Control: Can interrogate grade control systems and determine parameters for use.
• Can contrast and specify grade control systems.
• Understands the impact of a variety of grade estimation techniques as well as the selectivity processes used within them. 
• Ore Accounting: Can interrogate and scope ore accounting systems across domains and integrate them across regions.
• Geotechnical and Geohydrological: Has an understanding of geotechnical and hydrogeoloical parameters, how they are generated, applied in long term planning and what impact they have on safety and production to deliver the annual plan.

Exploration Methods

• Understands exploration techniques in detail (including field mapping/sampling, geophysical, geochemical and remote sensing) and is able to determine best fit practices for operations, and/or geological regions.
• Can audit exploration plans and methods and advise on corrective actions. 
• Can conceptualise and generate exploration targets for Brownfields Exploration at a district and site scale and provide critical review and feedback to site teams to improve strategies/plans and integrate with overall AGA strategy.
• Can prepare and review Brownfields Exploration budgets to test targets in line with regional/site and AGA strategy and provide critical review and feedback to site teams to improve/optimise budgets and forecasts.
• Can design and review effective drilling, geophysical, geochemical and field mapping programs.
• Has demonstrated ability to monitor and review ongoing exploration programs to ensure objectives are met and programs are proceeding on time/budget.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements, tenure, country and operational risk as it applies to Brownfields and Regional Exploration.

Estimation Methods

• A detailed understanding of all estimation techniques and the ability to determine which method should be used for each orebody.
• The ability to reconcile any orebody model to grade control practices and can supply specialist reconciliation support.

Operational Management

• Can integrate plans across operations and trade off options between these.
• Can set direction within a field/discipline within a broader regional/corporate strategy.
• Integrates geology into other discipline requirements.
• Determines guidelines and required practice.

Businesss Planning

• Is able to translate overarching company strategy into the geological strategy for assets within the International Operations.

Operational Excellence

• Is able to demonstrate the value of each opportunity and develop the necessary business cases for option trade-offs.

Project Management

• Understands project management principles and applies them to budgeting, scheduling and execution in own areas of work.

Role Accountabilities

• Modelling behaviour that is consistent with the AGA Safety Vision and Values, assisting in driving a culture where Safety is our first value, and providing support for incident/accident investigations where required.

To support the governance, policy and leadership of Geological Modelling, Mineral Resource Estimation and Geostatistics discipline areas for Geoscience.

This includes:

• Assisting in developing, maintaining and supporting appropriate Policy and Standards with subsequent monitoring and reporting of compliance to those standards.
• Assist with the development, improvement and maintenance of best practice Mineral Resource estimation related business systems (geological interpretation and modelling, resource estimation, geostatistics and reporting).
• Assist with the management of Geological modelling, resource estimation and geostatistical fields within AGA, and provide expert advice and input to the Business Units and other functions.
• Assist with the management of the Mineral Resource Community of Practice within AGA.
• Actively take part in technology improvement projects between AGA groups and sites globally associated with wider mineral resource group.
• Actively monitor Geological modelling, resource estimation and geostatistical tools and techniques to identify opportunities to improve methodologies, identify potential training requirements and facilitate/provide skills transfer and mentoring of Projects and BU personnel.
• Collaborating with programmers, engineers, and organizational leaders to identify opportunities for process improvements, recommend system modifications, and develop guidelines for data governance.
• Deliver direct technical input, support and expertise to M&A due diligence activities and project stage gate reviews.
• High level support to the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserves process, including review and analysis of site/project Mineral Resource Technical Reports.
• Active involvement with all Projects and Operations to review and provide guidance of mine site and project Geological modelling, mineral resource and geostatistical projects, methods and processes to ensure alignment/compliance to AGA standards and policy.
• Contributing productively as a member of the Technical Services team.

People accountabilities

• Support the Geology Discipline Lead maintaining the Discipline Framework.
• Coach and support the development of existing geology personnel as part of Discipline Health.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with geology teams at operations/projects as well as within the CTO Geology department.

• Administrative / Management jobs

• SAQA seeks to appoint a Senior Specialist: Data Management & Analysis to implement the data strategy and business processes required to create, maintain, and enhance data.
• Reporting to the Senior Manager: Data Management & Analysis, this position will be responsible for the daily management of critical data assets, providing overall guidance and governance oversight for an allocated dataset, and actively managing the data.

Requirements are:
Minimum Qualifications

• An appropriate, recognised qualification at NQF Level 7 or equivalent.
• A relevant NQF level 8 qualification will be an advantage.

Minimum Experience

• Eight years of relevant work experience, including two years of working with large relational databases.
• Experience and exposure in the post-school education system will be an advantage.

Knowledge, skills and competencies

• Good knowledge of the legislative and regulatory environment governing the education sector.
• Advanced data and information management principles.
• Good understanding of data management practices and compliance standards.
• High-level data analysis and interpretation.
• Complex report preparation for executive and board-level audiences.
• Advanced proficiency in SQL, R, Python, Power BI, Excel and similar tools.
• Project leadership and management of technical initiatives.
• Attention to detail and quality assurance.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement at all levels.
• Training and capacity building for internal teams and external stakeholders.
• People Management: Coaching and mentoring of team members.

Key performance areas:

• Manage critical data assets, ensuring governance, accuracy and compliance with data standards.
• Provide oversight for datasets, ensuring high-quality data management.
• Develop, refine and enhance Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to data management and analysis.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on data quality, validation and compliance-related issues.
• Lead, plan and ensure the successful completion of complex technical projects and initiatives.
• Prepare and present technical reports for SAQA’s governance structures, including executive and board-level committees.
• Conduct, oversee or guide high-level, data-driven research to generate insights and recommendations that inform SAQA’s operational strategy and decision-making.
• Represent SAQA in high-level forums, contributing to discussions on data management and analytics.
• Facilitate training for external data suppliers on the use of SAQA’s load specifications and data validation tools.
• Design and deliver training programs to strengthen SAQA staff proficiency in data literacy and analytical skills.
• Coach, mentor and train team members to build analytical capacity and expertise.

Deadline:13th November,2025

• Research / Data Analysis jobs