Mine Geologist at Tharisa

Purpose of Role

To carry out pit mining geology related activities with special focus on grade control model improvement by quality data collection and pit geology management support to maximise resource utilisation and minimise operational risks. To conduct continuous verification of geological information closing the gap between the estimation and in-pit actuals.

Role Context

• Conduct geological plan task observation (PTO), to enable the identification and correction of substandard conditions, escalating findings to the Rock Engineering Department where necessary.
• Capture relevant geological data (RC, testholes, RC and reef contact survey) into the Grade Control Database to support accurate grade control quality and quantity reconciliation per mining block.
• Provide input into the construction of the Grade Control Dig Plan pre- and post-blast, as well as the Ore Movement Policy (OMP) blast modelling for optimisation of ore recovery.
• Conduct weekly preliminary block evaluations for drill scheduling, and blast block evaluations for loading scheduling, to support mine planning.
• Understand the variance changes between the Grade Control Model, Condition Grades, and actual Run of Mine (ROM) delivered grade/s to enable the identification and rectification of operational issues.
• Develop Dyke modelling in Datamine and upload in Deswik to enable pit bench face geological mapping.
• Plan Sirovision flights, and map and interpret Sirovision images to enable ore type pit contact marking.
• Collect, record, interpret and communicate pit geological data to the mining team to support technical mining decisions and enabling 100% execution as per the strategy.
• Understand the geometry of the orebody to develop geological maps.
• Review procedures for geology sampling and processing and make recommendations to improve the efficiency of mining operations.
• Prepare pit geological sampling SOP to control and ensure quality control of geological pit sampling.
• Keep statutory and internal reporting as required, ensuring all required weekly reconciliation and month-end grade reporting is completed and distributed on time.
• Provide geological input for Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling planning, to support the achievement of drilling plans.
• Liaise with the short-medium term mine planning team to confirm RC drilling block prioritisation. 
• Provide geoscience information to Drill Supervisors to improve drilling operation efficiency and safety.
• Create geo-log sheets based on identified changes and submit to superior for approval, providing a view of various changes, including those affecting rock type, major structural features, degree of weathering, identifiable minerals and percentage of major minerals.
• Communicate with all relevant Departments on issues of the area of speciality. Liaise across the relevant Departments by engaging with the appropriate stakeholders to ensure all stakeholders remain abreast of Departmental objectives, any potential derailers are appropriately managed and duplication of work is avoided.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Grade 12 (NQF4)
• Bachelor of Science/B-Tech  Degree (NQF7)
• Member of professional body (GSSA)

Job specific experience:

• A minimum of between two to four (2-4) years of relevant experience, of which at least two (2) years post internship experience
• Experience using geological software (Sable,  Datamine Strat3D, Studio EM/RM, Sirovision and Deswik) is strongly recommended
• Experience in bushveld geology and evaluation is advantageous
• Driving Licence