We have an exciting opportunity for Principal Geohydrology (18 Months FTE). The purpose of this role is to lead hydrogeological strategy, governance and technical assurance to optimise groundwater management,
dewatering and depressurisation outcomes, enabling informed decision-making, value creation and risk mitigation across the mining lifecycle.
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 Rosebank, Gauteng, and a port operation in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape.
As Principal Geohydrology (18 Months FTE) your responsibilities will include but not limited to:
Safety, Health, and Environment:
- Provide leadership and oversight to ensure all hydrogeological activities comply with Group Safety, Health and Environmental standards, statutory requirements and leading practices, safeguarding people, water resources and the environment across the mining lifecycle.
Hydrogeological Technical Leadership:
- Act as the companies subject matter expert for hydrogeology, groundwater resources, seepage and discharge control, mine dewatering, depressurisation and groundwater ingress,
- Lead the development and implementation of hydrogeological strategies, business plans and resourcing requirements for the operations
- Direct and guide the interpretation, conceptualisation and application of hydrogeological information to support project, operational and closure decisions.
- Improve business performance through the application of leading hydrogeological practices, technologies and methodologies across the mining lifecycle.
- Continuously evaluate and implement emerging technologies to enhance hydrogeological data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Hydrogeological Investigations, Modelling and Data Governance:
- Lead and oversee hydrogeological characterisation programmes, including drilling, hydraulic testing, groundwater monitoring, sampling, well construction and data management.
- Ensure hydrogeological monitoring networks and databases are established, maintained and governed to support baseline, operational and compliance requirements.
- Review and maintain conceptual and numerical hydrogeological models to support informed decisionmaking.
- Integrate hydrogeological information with geochemical, geophysical and water balance datasets to improve system understanding, identify value opportunities and mitigate risks.
- Lead groundwater resource assessments, wellfield development and implementation programmes.
Project, Study and Operational Support:
- Lead, scope, manage and provide specialist hydrogeological input into studies, projects and operational initiatives.
- Support operations in developing the scope, schedule, cost, manage and approve hydrogeologicalminvestigations and water-related initiatives, including dewatering, depressurisation, groundwater impact assessments and post-closure water management.
- Recommend and guide fit-for-purpose hydrogeological programmes and studies that identify value enhancing opportunities and mitigate business risks.
- Support the design, implementation and optimisation of groundwater extraction, interception and mine dewatering systems.
Technical Assurance, Governance and Risk Management:
- Conduct technical reviews, audits and assurance activities related to mine dewatering, groundwater ingress, water management and post-closure water liabilities.
- Participate in Investment Assurance reviews and provide specialist hydrogeological expertise for projects and studies.
- Evaluate hydrogeological risks and opportunities to support sustainable business performance and effective risk management.
Capability Building and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Communicate hydrogeological findings, risks and opportunities effectively to Water Managers, MRM Managers, Technical & Sustainability Mining Leads and other stakeholders.
- Develop and disseminate hydrogeological best-practice standards, guidelines and training programmes across the company
- Mentor and develop junior and mid-level hydrogeologists to strengthen organisational capability and technical excellence.
This role is in Technical & Projects (T&S) on a Band 5 (E-Lower) level reporting to the Manager Geosciences.
- Grade 12
- BSc Honours in Geohydrology/Hydrogeology (NQF8)
- Masters (NQF9) / Doctoral degree (NQF10) In Hydrogeology is preferred
- SA Drivers Licence: Code B (Light Vehicle)
Technical Knowledge
- 8-10 years' relevant geohydrological experience, preferably within the mining industry.
- Recognised specialist in the application of hydrogeology across mining, mineral residue facilities, environmental, social and water management disciplines.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing innovative hydrogeological, mine dewatering, depressurisation, environmental hydrogeochemistry and water management solutions that deliver measurable value.
- Strong knowledge of emerging technologies, leading practices, standards and governance related to hydrogeology and water management.
- Demonstrated expertise in groundwater resources, mine dewatering,water ingress management and slope depressurisation strategy, design and implementation.
- Extensive operational water management experience across multiple commodities, with the ability to provide specialist technical leadership and guidance.
- Demonstrates a deep understanding of safety principles, risks and requirements, ensuring their consistent application and promoting a culture of safety excellence across all hydrogeological activities.
- Grade 12
- BSc Honours in Geohydrology/Hydrogeology (NQF8)
- Masters (NQF9) / Doctoral degree (NQF10) In Hydrogeology is preferred
- SA Drivers Licence: Code B (Light Vehicle)
Technical Knowledge
- 8-10 years' relevant geohydrological experience, preferably within the mining industry.
- Recognised specialist in the application of hydrogeology across mining, mineral residue facilities, environmental, social and water management disciplines.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing innovative hydrogeological, mine dewatering, depressurisation, environmental hydrogeochemistry and water management solutions that deliver measurable value.
- Strong knowledge of emerging technologies, leading practices, standards and governance related to hydrogeology and water management.
- Demonstrated expertise in groundwater resources, mine dewatering,water ingress management and slope depressurisation strategy, design and implementation.
- Extensive operational water management experience across multiple commodities, with the ability to provide specialist technical leadership and guidance.
- Demonstrates a deep understanding of safety principles, risks and requirements, ensuring their consistent application and promoting a culture of safety excellence across all hydrogeological activities.