Position Purpose
The Principal Geotechnical Engineer – Block Cave is a senior technical leader responsible for guiding geotechnical strategy, design, and risk management in support of block cave operations. With demonstrated experience at both consulting and operating mine levels, the incumbent provides advanced geomechanical expertise across study phases and production environments, ensuring optimal safety, cave performance, and value creation. The role demands a high level of technical proficiency in English and clear communication across multidisciplinary teams.
Key Responsibilities
1. Geotechnical Leadership in Block Cave Mining
- Lead and review geotechnical designs for cave footprint, undercut strategy, extraction level layout, and pillar design.
- Contribute to mine sequencing decisions with a clear understanding of cave mechanics, propagation, and flow dynamics.
- Drive the integration of geotechnical criteria into life-of-mine planning and daily operational execution.
2. Advanced Analysis and Risk Management
- Develop and interpret geotechnical models (numerical, empirical, analytical) using software such as FLAC3D, RS2, 3DEC, or UDEC.
- Oversee ground control programs, seismic hazard assessment, stress management strategies, and pre-conditioning methods.
- Design, implement, and interpret ground monitoring systems including microseismic, convergence, and stress instrumentation.
3. Consulting & Operational Experience Integration
- Apply lessons learned from international consulting roles and operating mine environments to solve complex caving challenges.
- Provide third-party technical reviews, audits, or due diligence support where required.
- Translate high-level strategy into operational guidance and training for site-based teams.
4. Technical Governance and Continuous Improvement
- Contribute to the development of company-wide geotechnical standards and procedures for caving operations.
- Conduct peer reviews of study deliverables (Scoping, PFS, FS) and operational documentation.
- Identify innovation opportunities and champion continuous improvement in caving methods and geotechnical practices.
5. Mentorship and Communication
- Mentor junior geotechnical engineers, fostering a culture of excellence and professional development.
- Deliver clear, technically robust reports and presentations in English to senior leadership, clients, and stakeholders.
- Act as a technical ambassador within internal working groups and external expert panels.
Key Requirements
Education & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Engineering Geology, or related field.
- Master’s degree or post-graduate specialization in Rock Mechanics or Geomechanics (preferred).
- Professional accreditation (e.g., CPEng, RPEQ, PE, or equivalent) desirable.
Experience
- Minimum 15 years of geotechnical engineering experience in underground hard rock mining.
- At least 5-8 years of specific experience in block caving, including both consulting and site-based roles.
- Experience supporting large-scale operating caving mines and leading or contributing to cave feasibility studies.
- Proven experience in high-stakes environments where geotechnical performance directly impacts safety and production.
Technical & Software Skills
- Expert in geotechnical modeling and simulation software (e.g., FLAC3D, RS2, 3DEC, Itasca Suite).
- Familiarity with Deswik, Vulcan, or similar for mine plan integration.
- Advanced understanding of cave flow mechanics, cave monitoring, and ground control design.
- Proficient in English (spoken and written) with strong technical reporting and stakeholder communication skills.
Personal Attributes
- Confident, respected technical leader with sound judgment and a proactive mindset.
- Strong communicator with the ability to simplify complex technical issues for decision-makers.
- Collaborative approach, comfortable interfacing with planners, operators, and executive-level stakeholders.
- Willingness to travel to international project sites or relocate if required.
Performance Measures (KPIs)
- Delivery of high-quality, technically sound geotechnical designs on time and within scope.
- Reduction in unplanned geotechnical events or incidents through proactive risk management.
- Development and implementation of effective monitoring and response strategies.
- Demonstrated leadership in mentoring and capability building across the geotechnical function.
