We have an exciting opportunity for Geotechnician – Exploration and Geometallurgy (5 months FTE). The purpose of this role is to conduct reliable, safe and timely acquisition, management and quality control of mine-site geological, grade control and geometallurgical data to support operational decision-making, ore control, reconciliation and processing performance.

We’re the best in the industry.

You’ll make us better.

Guided by our purpose and our values, we enable both high performance and purposeful action as we aim to “re-imagine mining to improve people’s lives", delivering the metals and minerals that make modern life possible – from mobile phones to medicines.

Kumba Iron Ore               

We produce high-grade iron ore, the key component in steel widely used in construction and manufacturing across the world. Our activities include all aspects – exploration; mining; processing and blending; shipping; marketing and selling. In South Africa, we have mining operations in the Northern Cape province, as well as a head office in Rosebank, Gauteng, and a port operation in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape.

As Geotechnician – Exploration and Geometallurgy (5 months FTE) your responsibilities will include but not limited to:

Safety, Health, and Environment:

• Consistently apply Safety and health principles in all team interactions and take personal responsibility for the safety of self and others to ensure zero harm and elimination of fatalities.

Mine Geology & Grade Control Designs:

• Plan and Execute (Mine-site): Effectively plan and execute grade control and/or operational drilling support (e.g., RC/blast hole campaigns where applicable), in-pit mapping and face sampling activities to delineate ore/waste boundaries and improve short-term ore control.
• Sampling Protocols (Grade Control & Geometallurgy): Execute operational sampling to approved SOPs (blast hole/RC where applicable, face/bench, chip/channel, ROM/stockpile and metallurgical samples), including correct intervals, contamination control, compositing rules, sample mass requirements and field documentation.
• Sample Preparation, Dispatch & Chain of Custody: Prepare, label, seal and dispatch samples; maintain chain-of-custody and dispatch registers; manage sample storage, retention and reconciliation; and follow up on lab turnaround times and non-conformances.
• Geometallurgical Testwork Support: Assist Geometallurgists with sample selection (domains/variability), compositing plans and testwork submissions; coordinate with internal/external laboratories for comminution, beneficiation and metallurgical characterisation programmes; and capture testwork metadata and results in the designated systems.
• Data Management: Ensure timely capture and import of geological, sampling, geochemical and geometallurgical datasets (including metadata such as sample types, weights, composites and dispatch information) into the designated systems (e.g., Acquire) after logging, sampling, pit mapping and testwork activities.
• Data Validation: Conduct thorough validation of all geological information about specified areas, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

Technical Expertise and Support:

• Database & Sample Inventory Management: Update and maintain mine geology/grade control and geometallurgy databases with processed drilling, mapping, sampling, dispatch and testwork data; maintain secure sample inventories (core/bagged samples/pulps/rejects) and ensure information availability and traceability at all times.
• Quality Assurance (Field & Laboratory): Apply and monitor QA/QC protocols (standards, blanks, duplicates, umpire checks where applicable); verify sample integrity and chain-of-custody; review laboratory certificates; log and drive resolution of QA/QC failures and non-conformances to meet audit and governance requirements.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) – Drilling, Sampling & Testwork:

• Spatial Validation: Conduct spatial validation for all drilled borehole collars and depth information to ensure data integrity.
• Interval, Recovery & Sample Integrity Checks: Verify drilling and sampling parameters (interval compliance, recovery, core orientation where applicable, contamination/oversize management, moisture controls) and ensure samples are representative and suitable for geometallurgical testwork.
• Geometallurgical Measurements (as required): Assist with field and/or sample-based measurements such as bulk density/SG determinations, moisture, particle size distribution (PSD) and sample mass checks in support of geometallurgical domains and process design inputs.
• QAQC Reporting Assistance: Assist the site QAQC champion in generating comprehensive reports regarding Production Geology QAQC and support ad-hoc project initiatives.
• Operations Support: Collaborate with Production Geologists, Grade Control and Processing/Metallurgy to support ad-hoc operational improvement initiatives and incorporate fit-for-purpose technologies where appropriate.

This role is in Geology (GEO) department on a Band 7 (C-Upper) level reporting to the Exploration Geologist.

• Grade 12/N3 Technical
• Higher National Vocational qualification on NQF5
• Diploma in Geology on NQF6 is preferred
• Registered (candidate) with SACNASP is preferred
• SA Drivers Licence Code B

Technical Knowledge

• 3-5 years of relevant operational experience in a Geology environment.
• A thorough understanding of geological concepts, including rock types, sedimentology, mineralogy, geochemistry, and structural geology.
• Familiarity with geospatial data collection, analysis, and management, including using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and database management systems.
• Understanding various geological sampling methods and laboratory analytical techniques, including sample preparation, compositing, and chemical analysis procedures.
• Understanding of sampling theory, representativity, compositing strategies and laboratory analytical techniques, including sample preparation, dispatch, chain-of-custody and management of standards/blanks/duplicates.
• An understanding of how to implement safety protocols and environmental management systems.
• Familiarity with methods for data interpretation, including the ability to analyse and synthesise geological data into coherent reports.
• Working knowledge of geometallurgical testwork concepts and datasets (e.g., comminution and beneficiation characterisation), including the importance of bulk density/SG, moisture, PSD and domain-based variability for mine-to-mill decision making.

Who we are?

Anglo American is a global diversified mining business. Our portfolio of world-class mining operations provides the metals and minerals that make modern life possible. We use innovative practices and the latest technologies to discover new resources and mine.

We work together with our key partners and stakeholders to unlock the sustainable value that those resources represent for our shareholders, the communities and countries in which we operate and for society at large. Anglo American is re-imagining mining to improve people’s lives.

How we are committed to your safety

Nothing is more important to us than ensuring you return home safely after a day’s work. To make that happen, we have the most rigorous safety standards in the industry. Not only that, we’re also continually investing in new technologies – from drones to data analytics – that are helping to make mining safer.

Inclusion and Diversity

Anglo American is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfil their potential.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. You will have the opportunity to upload your CV and other relevant documentation as part of this process.