Chief Rock Engineer

About the role

Valterra Platinum, formerly Anglo American Platinum, is a primary producer of platinum group metals with integrated mining, smelting and refining operations in South Africa and Zimbabwe. As an independent, publicly listed company, it is looking for a Chief Rock Engineer in Thabazimbi to provide advanced rock engineering expertise, implement ground management strategies and develop plans for complex mining operations.

Key responsibilities

• Create a safety culture and oversee the consistent application of safety and health principles, aiming for zero harm
• Provide specialist rock engineering services, develop fall-of-ground management strategies and contribute to plans for mining at greater depth and complexity
• Develop and implement rock engineering systems, policies, protocols and standards that meet regulatory requirements, the Valterra Group geotechnical standard and critical control requirements
• Take part in industry technical forums, benchmark rock engineering practice against best practice and review and sign off mandatory codes of practice
• Conduct and sign off geotechnical modelling for mine design and sequence, and contribute to feasibility studies for new on-mine projects
• Liaise with the Manager Geotechnical on governance, manage the rock engineering service including HR optimisation and talent management, and carry out business and technical risk analysis
• Support cross-disciplinary input in mine planning, operational management and the QA/QC of support and rockfall systems
• Collect, analyse and manage geotechnical rock mass data
• Build a high-performing team, coach staff, run visible felt engagement and train in numerical modelling and best-practice geotechnical design
• Ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory, legislative and permitting requirements

Required profile

• Grade 12 (Mathematics and Physical Sciences) or a Technical Trade N2
• Chamber of Mines Rock Mechanics certificate (legal requirement)
• Advanced Rock Engineering certificate or MSc desirable; registration with a professional body such as SANIRE, SAIMM or ECSA desirable
• At least 8 years' experience in rock engineering or strata control
• Experience managing a team of qualified rock engineering or strata control staff
• Ability to conduct geotechnical risk assessments, including rock bursts and groundwater risks

Required skills

• Working knowledge of specialist rock engineering computer programs and models
• Geotechnical modelling and risk assessment
• Asset management principles for mining equipment and operations
• People management, project evaluation and business object reporting

What we offer

• Meaningful work in a high-performance, values-led environment
• Market-aligned reward and recognition
• Learning, development and progression opportunities
• A culture that respects diversity and encourages innovation
• A clear commitment to safe operations

To apply, use the online application form linked in the advert; the closing date is 16 November 2026.