Senior Scientist - Mineral Economist

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research and Development 

• Conduct independent advanced research in mineral economics (but not limited to) the fields of mineral exploration trends, mineral wealth and budgets, and commodity markets (e.g., supply and demand, production, and value chains) and statistical evaluation thereof.
• In-depth analysis including quality control and quality assurance (QAQC), data processing, modelling, and data interpretation related to mineral economics and mineral exploration. 
• Conduct assessment of mineral wealth and mineral expenditure in Africa and South African context.
• Conduct analysis of future commodity supply and demand, with projected future trends.
• Compile technical reports with scientists and interns focusing on mineral economics studies.
• Support the implementation and tracking of an approved exploration implementation plan.
• Lead and coordinate the implementation of Geoscience Act Regulations.
• Assessing the geoscientific data and information utilised by the prospecting right holders in support of mineral exploration.
• Resolve complex problems in a variety of mineral economics fields, with minimal guidance or supervision.
• Initiate, develop, and give mineral economics input to project proposals and/or tenders for both statutory and commercial work; 
• Implements risk mitigation measures as directed by the Unit manager/project manager.
• Lead tasks or projects and monitors project execution and budget expenditure in line with deliverables and objectives.
• Take measures to ensure that the project team executes mineral economics projects in line with the geoscience technical programme.
• Recommend resources to tasks and/or projects.

Stakeholder Relations and Reporting

• Provide formal scientific or technical presentations of papers or reports, internally to other staff members and externally at conferences or symposia.
• Publishes research findings internally and or externally based on local and global mineral economics studies. Leads the compilation mineral economics data including global exploration share of South Africa amongst others.
• Provide advice to the Executive Management, and/or public and private sector organisations related field of mineral economics studies.
• Make presentations at a national and/or international conferences or related work forums. Editing or co-editing of a books or volume based on conference proceedings.
• Provide scientific advice to public and private sector organisations related to mineral economics studies
• Proficiently present investigation findings, both in written, electronic and verbal forms.

Learning and Development

• Supervise and provide guidance in the execution of task or projects by junior scientists 
  • Provide guidance in the formulation of research proposals, methodologies, data collection and data interpretation related to mineral economics.
  • Mentor, coache and provide supervision and guidance in research of lower-level scientists with regards to mineral economics.
  • Evaluate mineral economics data, results, edit reports of junior scientists for publication.

Quality Assurance

• Development and implementation of quality documentation, and work within the requirements of the prescribed standards (ISO 9001 quality documentation).
• Evaluate and reviews mineral economics studies done by more junior scientific levels.
• Mentor and supervise scientific staff at lower levels.
• Present training courses or workshops to junior staff.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Consulting skills
• Analytical skills 
• Presentation and Facilitation skills
• Communication skills (Oral and Written)
• Negotiation skills
• Customer orientation
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Report writing skills

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12; and
• BSc (Hons) in mineral economics/economic geology/geology with at least 8 years’ experience in mineral economics and economic geology field OR
• MSc/MTech in mineral economics/economic geology/geology with at least 5 years’ experience in mineral economics and economic geology field OR
• PHd/DTech in mineral economics/economic geology/geology with at least 3 years’ experience in mineral economics and economic geology field.
• Registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) an added advantage.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Proven working experience in the interpretation and application of geoscientific mapping methodologies and mineral systems in mineral economics studies.
• Proven working experience in the interpretation and application of mineral economics data and information, using relevant software’s and methodologies.
• Practical experience in mineral economics studies and mineral exploration projects
• In-depth knowledge of, processing, interpretation and representation of mineral economics data and/or information.
• Competent in research using multiple data sets and conduct data analytics in the commodity market environment.
• In-depth understanding and knowledge of complex geoscientific investigations and research independently within economic geology fields.
• Proficient in compilation and high-level editing of geo-scientific reports and maps.
• Ability to evaluate and assess mineral economics reports of interns and junior scientists.
• Able to compile and present mineral economics investigations at national and international level in line with the Council for Geoscience Communication policy
• Ability to develop and present geoscientific project proposals; and
• Ability to mentor and coach other scientists and project team members.
• Knowledge and experience to draft standard operating procedures (SOPs) to implement ISO certification processes within mineral economics field.
• Experience to manage and lead assigned geoscientific projects and respective team members.

The Council for Geoscience is committed to Employment Equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity prescripts, preference will be given but not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups. Females and people from previously disadvantaged groups and sectors are encouraged to apply.

Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not been contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of this advertisement, please consider your application unsuccessful.

All appointments are subject to positive vetting results.

The processing of your personal information by the Council for Geoscience will be done in accordance with the POPI Act 4 of 2013.

For enquiries, please contact us at recruitment@geoscience.org.za. Please note: Applications submitted to this email address and CGS social media platforms will not be considered.

Closing Date: 21 August  2026