Mine Closure Costing Specialist

The field of mine closure (including rehabilitation) has evolved significantly, establishing itself as a globally recognised practice. This area encompasses integration of multiple dimensions, including landform design, surface remediation, the reinstatement of landscape functions and wetlands, management of mine water balances and ongoing water treatment, recreation of land capability, socio-economic transition requirements and planning for post-closure land use, among others. Accurately determining closure liabilities is an essential component of comprehensive closure planning processes.

WSP Group Africa is looking for a qualified professional to fill a position within the Mine Closure and Costing Team. This role, located in Midrand, will report directly to the Mine Closure Team Lead.

The successful candidate will manage and participate in closure planning and costing projects from start to finish, manage multidisciplinary teams, conduct site visits, liaise with clients relevant to closure liability estimates, prepare planning and basis of estimate reports, and prepare closure liability estimates, including strategic and tactical articulation of risk and uncertainty. The successful candidate will also be expected to gradually build the technical closure costing skills of junior staff. Additionally, the successful candidate will help broaden the team's services in closure (and rehabilitation planning), as well as closure liability estimation and reporting, including advisory in this area such as risk and uncertainty articulation.

Lead and participate in multidisciplinary closure teams of junior staff and specialists.

Collaborate with specialists to develop technical and economically achievable solutions for closure planning, such as criteria for waste facilities, land rehabilitation, and mine water treatment.

Analyse site observations to contribute to the design and cost site-specific closure scenarios.

Measure quantities from aerial images and engineering drawings; record results in closure liability assessments and documents.

Use AutoCAD, QGIS, Google Earth PRO, and similar tools to create reference maps that meet company or regulatory standards.

Provide advisory and analysis services for clients relevant to their closure liability assessments, for example, quantification of risk and uncertainty, identification of the highest cost and uncertainty drivers, and communication of key differences between different liability types.

Prepare closure planning reports, costing spreadsheets, and review outputs from team members and specialists.

Ensure deliverables are high quality, completed on time, and within budget.

Work with clients and auditors to resolve queries and finalise reports.

Maintain strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.

Participate in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives within the Mine Closure and Costing Team.

COMPETENCIES:

The successful candidate must have strong spatial planning and numerical ability, as well as a well-developed project experience base in the mining and industrial sectors in South Africa and Africa. Core competencies must include the following:

Proficient in numeracy and working with multi-level cost worksheets.

Understanding of closure liability estimation, the different types of estimates and their inclusions and exclusions.

Understanding of closure liability risk and uncertainty assessment methods and application to liability estimates.

Strong technical writing and communication skills.

Knowledge and application of relevant legislation, international mine closure guidelines, and industry best practices.

Sound judgment and diligence in risk and financial decision-making.

Effective management of project scope, tasks, and budgets throughout the project lifecycle.

Ability to mentor and develop junior team members.

Capable of integrating technical input into multidisciplinary reports.

Utilises internal specialist relationships (local, regional and global) to develop solutions.

Generates innovative ideas to enhance closure planning and costing services.

Builds strong, loyal relationships internally and externally.

ATTRIBUTES:

Technical precision and attention to detail

Project leadership

Ownership mindset

Positive client relations

Network-building internally and externally

Flexible and able to prioritise

Willing to travel across Southern, Central, and Western Africa

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

• Demonstrate exemplary standards for SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) performance and behaviour in alignment with the company's health, safety, environmental, and quality vision and policies, positively influencing colleagues.
• Participate actively in identifying SHEQ risks and implement processes to support the achievement of Zero Harm objectives.
• Consistently embody and promote the organisation's values while ensuring that a safe working environment is upheld at all times.

A minimum of ten years' relevant experience in consulting or industry within closure liability costing.

A postgraduate qualification (Honours level or higher), or internationally equivalent postgraduate qualification, in Environmental Management, Soil Science, Mining Engineering, Environmental or Civil Engineering, Earth or Geological Sciences, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline applicable to closure liability calculations and mine rehabilitation.

Professional registration in an appropriate specialist field (e.g., SACNASP), or evidence of ongoing registration, is essential.

Demonstrated working knowledge of closure-related legislation at both local and international levels, with a focus on Africa.

Familiarity with risk identification and management processes; knowledge of ISO 31000 is preferred.

Proven understanding of various mining methods, activities, and aspects, including processes, layouts, waste handling, and mining terminology.

Advanced proficiency in MS Excel is required, as the role involves calculating complex closure cost liabilities for integrated closure planning.

Proficient use of AutoCAD, the MS Office suite, Google Earth Pro, and Adobe Acrobat Pro is expected.