Study Lead: Mining and Mineral Sands Project (Richards Bay)
Lusapho Professional Services · Richards Bay, KwaZulu Natal
Overview
A mining and mineral sands client is looking for a Study Lead to drive a project through Pre-Feasibility and Feasibility studies. You will join the Owner's Project Team in Richards Bay, working with product groups, suppliers and a Chinese EPC contractor to shape a technically sound and economically viable project. This is a senior role for someone with strong leadership, commercial judgement and deep mining project experience.
About the role
Our client in the mining and mineral sands sector needs a Study Lead to take a mining project from early concept through Pre-Feasibility (PFS) and Feasibility (FS) stages. You will be part of the Owner's Project Team, guiding the study towards a point where it can support an investment decision and move into execution.
Your work will involve leading an Integrated Project Delivery Team, coordinating options selection, and making sure the study follows project guidelines and the execution plan. You will partner with product groups and suppliers, manage relationships with a Chinese EPC contractor, and identify key design levers that drive the best business outcomes. Expect to manage scope, risk, schedule and CAPEX rigorously, establish study budgets and schedules, and challenge estimates to improve results. You will also ensure a smooth handover from Feasibility into project execution.
Requirements
- Degree in Engineering, Mining, Metallurgy, or a related technical discipline
- Minimum of 10 years' proven leadership experience
- Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary project studies through concept, PFS, and/or Feasibility
- Significant experience in mining, minerals processing, or major capital projects
- Study experience in an EPC delivery model, including ECI, FEED, and FEEP contexts
- Strong safety mindset, especially in safety in design and risk identification
- Strong understanding of engineering, cost estimating, scheduling, project controls, risk, contracting, and project execution
- Experience managing engineering houses, consultants, and multidisciplinary project teams
- Strong commercial judgement and ability to challenge technical solutions and identify value-improvement opportunities
- Experience in the South African mining/project environment (advantageous)
- Experience working with Chinese engineering firms and/or Chinese EPCs (advantageous)
- Surface mining and/or other heavy industrial experience (asset)
- Geotechnical, Civil, or Tailings experience (asset)
- Previous experience working for an Owner's team or leading EPC projects (asset)
- Experience in operations, maintenance management, commissioning, or construction (asset)
Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate the study across options selection, PFS, and Feasibility stages
- Partner with product groups and suppliers to deliver the best outcome for the project
- Lead an Integrated Project Delivery Team and foster a one-team culture
- Ensure the study is executed according to project guidelines and execution plan
- Manage Chinese EPC contractor relationships
- Identify key levers in the design that will drive the best business outcomes
- Identify the best options and make recommendations to decision-makers
- Identify, evaluate, and mitigate project risks and identify and deliver opportunities
- Rigorous scope, risk, schedule, and CAPEX management through the study cycle
- Establish study scope, execution plans, budgets, and schedules
- Monitor study progress and proactively manage deviations
- Challenge scope, estimates, schedules, and others to drive better outcomes
- Ensure an effective handover from Feasibility into the project execution phase
Job details
- Organisation
- Lusapho Professional Services
- Location
- Richards Bay, KwaZulu Natal
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Lead (10+ years)
- Education
- Bachelor
- Category
- Mining & Resources
- Application Method
- Apply online
Success Guide
This is a senior study role in mining, so your application should highlight the studies you have led from concept through to feasibility, not just your technical skills. Make it clear how you have managed multidisciplinary teams, challenged estimates, and worked with EPC contractors. If you have experience with Chinese EPCs or worked on the Owner's side, mention it early because those are strong advantages here. Also show your safety mindset and commercial judgement with real examples. Expect interview questions around risk management, CAPEX control, and how you drive value in a study. Tailor your CV to show leadership in project studies and be ready to discuss specific projects you have delivered.
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