Structural Engineer

SUMMARY:
Duties and Responsibilities
A Structural Engineer in the mining sector is responsible for the design, analysis, inspection, and management of mining-related infrastructure and heavy industrial structures. The role involves ensuring structural integrity, safety compliance, and operational efficiency within mining and mineral processing environments.
Core Duties

• Design and analyse mining infrastructure including:
• Conveyor structures
• Crushers and processing plants
• Steel platforms and walkways
• Headgear structures
• Pipe racks
• Pump stations
• Workshops and warehouses
• Ore handling facilities
• Tailings and water-retaining structures
• Prepare structural calculations, technical specifications, and engineering reports
• Design reinforced concrete and structural steel systems for mining operations
• Conduct structural inspections, integrity assessments, and condition audits on existing mining facilities
• Perform load assessments for heavy industrial and mining equipment
• Develop foundation designs for vibrating and heavy mechanical equipment
• Ensure compliance with:
• SANS codes
• Mine Health and Safety Act
• Occupational Health and Safety regulations
• Client engineering standards
• Review fabrication and construction drawings
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including:
• Mechanical Engineers
• Electrical Engineers
• Mining Engineers
• Project Managers
• Contractors
• Conduct site visits to mines for inspections, measurements, and construction monitoring
• Provide technical support during shutdowns, maintenance projects, and plant expansions
• Assist with feasibility studies, CAPEX projects, and tender documentation
• Evaluate structural risks and recommend remedial actions
• Prepare rehabilitation and strengthening solutions for aging mining infrastructure
• Participate in project planning, scheduling, and budgeting
• Manage engineering deliverables within project deadlines
• Ensure quality assurance and adherence to engineering best practices
• Mentor junior engineers, draughtsmen, and technicians where applicable
• Liaise with clients and attend technical progress meetings
• Support procurement by reviewing vendor drawings and technical submissions

POSITION INFO:
Technical Responsibilities

• Structural modelling and analysis using software such as:
• Prokon
• STAAD.Pro
• Tekla
• AutoCAD
• Revit
• ROBOT Structural Analysis
• Design of:
• Structural steel connections
• Heavy-duty concrete slabs
• Equipment support structures
• Retaining walls
• Elevated structures
• Dynamic load-bearing structures
• Conduct finite element analysis where required
• Assess vibration and fatigue impacts on structures
• Review geotechnical information for foundation design

• Promote a strong safety culture on mining sites
• Ensure designs prioritise operational and personnel safety
• Identify structural hazards and implement mitigation measures
• Adhere to mine site safety procedures and permit systems
• Participate in HAZOP and risk assessment processes

• Strong industrial and mining structural design knowledge
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in harsh mining environments
• Strong communication and technical reporting abilities
• Project management and coordination skills
• Attention to detail and quality control focus
• Ability to manage multiple mining projects simultaneously

• Mineral processing plants
• Smelters and refineries
• Underground and surface mining infrastructure
• Conveyor and bulk material handling systems
• Tailings storage facilities
• Water treatment plants
• Heavy industrial expansion projects
• Mine rehabilitation projects