Section Manager Production Geology

We have an exciting opportunity for Section Manager Production Geology. The purpose of this role is to Lead and manage the Production Geology function to ensure accurate material classification, optimal ore extraction, and alignment with operational and strategic mining objectives.  

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 Gauteng, and a port operation in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape.

As our Section Manager Production Geology, your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Safety, Health and Environment

• Manage a safe and healthy work environment for employees and contractors, ensuring all activities are conducted within a controlled risk framework.
• Ensure environmental impacts remain within statutory requirements to maintain full compliance.
• Actively participate in Visible Felt Leadership (VFL), conduct and review risk assessments, and ensure timely close-out of safety actions.

Performance and Delivery

Sample Preparation Plant Management

• Coordinated and managed primary preparation of drilling samples for chemical analysis, including drying, crushing, and splitting processes.
• Ensured timely transfer of prepared samples to the laboratory for secondary preparation and chemical analysis to meet operational deadlines.
• Maintained full QA/QC compliance with ISO standards across all preparation activities to uphold data integrity and audit readiness.
• Oversee preventative maintenance and reliability of plant equipment to maximise availability and minimise processing delays.

Drilling Coordination

• Coordinate grade control infill drilling to ensure adequate geological coverage for monthly and annual mine plans.
• Develop and communicate drilling plans on time to relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure sufficient budget and resources are allocated for drilling activities and monitor compliance with plans and standards.

Geology Medium Term Block Model Delivery

• Oversee the accurate and timely quarterly delivery of Geological Medium Term Block Models to support mine planning and scheduling.
• Ensured wireframes were updated with the latest drilling and geological data to maintain model integrity and reflect current orebody characteristics 
• Performed comprehensive data validation and comparative analysis, proactively identifying material changes in block models and communicating updates to all relevant stakeholders.

Material Classification & Block Prediction

• Manage the delivery of predicted material classifications in accordance with KIO standards and within designated timeframes.
• Add value to block predictions by providing geological insights and recommendations for selective mining.
• Ensure that graphical representations of predicted blocks are clear, legible, and meet established standards.
• Conduct risk assessments on predicted blocks to ensure safe and effective mining practices.
• Define practical loading dimensions and orientations for predicted material demarcations on final blast blocks.

Final Block Classification

• Oversee the accurate and timely classification of final blast blocks based on grade and tonnage.
• Ensure final block classifications comply with KIO standards and are delivered within required timeframes.
• Ensure graphical representations of final blocks are legible and meet quality standards.

Geological Value Optimisation

• Implement value-based geological parameters during block demarcation to support optimal loading strategies.
• Provide geological input to Grade Control on ore destination decisions based on value assessments.
• Adjust block demarcations to account for blast movement and ensure optimal mining outcomes.

Geological Reconciliation

• Reconcile resource models with grade control data to ensure alignment and accuracy.
• Investigate and explain discrepancies between resource and grade control nodes during reconciliation processes.

Project Management

• Plan, coordinate, and execute geological projects to improve mining practices and geological accuracy.
• Monitor project progress, manage deviations, and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Evaluate the feasibility of proposed geological projects before formal registration.

People Management 

• Optimise human resources in a way that the section delivers maximum output.
• Ensure work ethics are of such a nature that workers continuously strive towards improving their performance.                                                                                 

This role is in the Geology (GEO) department on a band 6.12 (D4/D5) reporting to the Manager Geology.

• BSc Honours in Geology
• Registered member (full) of SACNASP / ECSA
• SA Drivers Licence

Technical Knowledge

• 6-8 years of relevant experience in production geology.
• Geoscientific understanding to guide mining/production activities for productivity and quality targets across multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge in managing finances, labour, and projects, analysing critical performance data, and implementing improvements. 
• Proactive risk identification, reporting, management, and testing/implementation of safety and health solutions to ensure a safe and secure mining environment.
• Understand the implications of safety and health risks on Group objectives and risk levels, engineering solutions, embedding standards, and promoting local ownership of risk management to mitigate such risks.
• Knowledge of safe operational practices and their importance in the mining industry.

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.