Chief Rock Engineer

Valterra Platinum is the world’s leading primary producer of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs), operating across the full value chain, from resource to market. We mine the materials that make modern life possible, in ways that are safer, smarter and more responsible.

Our business is at the heart of the broader Southern African economic and social landscape and we are committed to working towards a safe, sustainable, competitive and profitable business that benefits our country, our communities, our people, and our shareholders.

If you're driven by purpose, performance and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, we invite you to join us. At Valterra, you'll be part of a team creating value that lasts—powered by curiosity, courage, and care. Apply today and be part of something bigger.

Number of positions: 1

Location: Mogalakwena Mine, Mokopane

Job responsibilities include (but are not limited to): 

• Providing the Mine with high level and specialist Rock Engineering services and expertise.
• Implement Fall of Ground Management Strategies.
• Develop/contribute to tactics and plans for mining at increasing depth and complexity.
• Develop and Implement Rock Engineering systems, policies, procedures, protocols and standards to satisfy Regulatory, Valterra Group Geotechnical Standard and mandatory Fall of Ground Critical Control requirements.
• Participate in industry technical forums and liaison with external parties (e.g. local government, other mining companies).
• Benchmarking the state of rock engineering practice in relation to established best practice (technology).
• Review and sign off mandatory codes of practice and rock engineering related systems.
• Investigate opportunities to optimize efficiency and cost, driven by rock engineering input.
• Conduct and sign-off geotechnical modelling for mine design and sequence purposes.
• Conduct/contribute to feasibility studies for new on-mine projects.
• Liaison with Manager Geotechnical to facilitate Governance.
• Responsible for the rock engineering service at the Mine including Human Resources optimization and talent management.
• Business and technical risk analysis and review.
• Cross discipline (Mining, Planning, Safety, Survey, Engineering, Geology, Hydrogeology and UG Geotechnical) input in mine planning
• Support the overall operational management of the Mine.
• Manage QA/QC of support and rockfall systems in conjunction with Manager Rock Engineering.

This is at a band 6 Level and reporting to the Manager Technical Mining.

• Legal requirement: Chamber of Mines Rock Mechanics Certificate
• Massive Mining Rock Engineering Certificate will be advantageous
• Mining or Geology Degree (4 years) or equivalent
• Member of South African National Institute of Rock Engineering

Experience, knowledge and skills

• Experience in managing a team of qualified rock engineering/strata control staff.
• Established expertise rock engineering (8 years)
• Experience in Massive Mining operations will be advantageous
• Sound knowledge to integrate with mining, Safety & Health. Legislation, ventilation, geology and planning disciplines
• Sound knowledge pertaining to people management.
• The understanding of and experience in asset management principles around mining, equipment and associated operational / maintenance standards /philosophies will be required.
• Working knowledge of specialist rock engineering computer programs and models.

• Driving License Code 8

Who We Are

We are a Southern African PGM producer, marketing metals globally, with a presence across 8 regions and 17 sites. Our operations include 4 operating mines, 3 smelters, and 2 refineries, giving us full control across the Platinum Group Metals (PGM) value chain—from resource to market.

We explore, we mine, we concentrate, we smelt, we refine and we market. As a result, we have an in-depth knowledge of PGM production and markets. Using this knowledge, we invest in developing sustainable markets for PGMs, partnering directly with research institutions as well as customers in the industrial, jewellery and investment sectors.

With 3 global marketing hubs and a team of over 29,000 employees, we serve a diverse international customer base while remaining deeply rooted in Southern Africa.

What We Offer

At Valterra Platinum, you will join a team committed to excellence and impact.

We offer:

• Meaningful work in a high-performance, values-led environment.
• Market-aligned reward and recognition.
• Opportunities for learning, development and progression.
• A culture that respects diversity and encourages innovation.
• A clear commitment to safe Operations.

Inclusion and Diversity

Valterra Platinum 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 fulfill their potential.

Valterra Platinum has a zero tolerance to dignity harms, these include all acts of gender-based violence, bullying, harassment and victimisation. Ensuring the safety of our employees extends beyond physical safety and includes the eradication of harmful behaviours from our workplace. This responsibility extends to everyone at Valterra Platinum both during work hours and outside of work. We are unconditional in creating a respectful, inclusive, and safe working environment to ensure that no colleague will be violated or harassed under our watch.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please complete our online application form via this job advert.

Closing Date: 11 July 2025

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