About the position
Introduction
Mintek has an exciting opportunity for a Head: Mineral Economics to lead the strategic expansion of the Mineral Economics function. The incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic mineral market intelligence, techno-economic feasibility assessments, and policy-relevant advisory services to support both internal research divisions and external clients across the mining value chain. The role requires driving the transformation of the section into a self sustaining, profitable unit by developing paid consulting services, donor-funded projects, strategic research partnerships, training programmes, and market intelligence products.
Duties & Responsibilities
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:
Leadership
- Lead the Mineral Economics function, including the development of a long-term strategy aligned with Mintek's institutional goals and national mineral development priorities.
- Build and mentor a multi-disciplinary team (mineral economicss, policy analysts, GIS/data analysts) to deliver high-quality economic analysis and advisory services.
Strategy
- Drive the section's research, development and innovation (RDI) strategy, ensuring alignment with South Africa's beneficiation strategy, Critical Minerals Strategy, Just Energy Transition (JET), and the African Mining Vision.
- Develop and implement a commercialisation framework that includes tiered pricing models, service catalogues, and client acquisition strategies.
- Drive the Divisional RDI strategy and operations and develop plans for the implementation of the strategy.
- Visibility and credibility - ensuring that publication outputs, including journal and conference papers, are met.
Financial Sustainability
- Secure the section's budget and grow external revenue from R3 million to R8-10 million per annum by 2030.
- Diversify revenue streams through paid consulting (feasibility studies, market analysis), donor-funded projects (World Bank, AfDB, GIZ, UNECA), strategic research partnerships, training and capacity building, and paid publications/subscriptions.
- Prepare large funding proposals and manage project expenditure against milestones.
People and Planning
- Ensure that the core Section's plans are aligned with Mintek's strategy and the needs of the Division market.
- Ensure that adequate Sectional planning is done to ensure effective delivery of the plans.
- Ensure that there is an adequate pipeline of commercial and business leads to ensure that the Discipline can deliver on its targets.
- Ensure that the Section is adequately resourced, with a particular focus on SET staff and resources. Also ensuring succession planning.
- Drive the transformation agenda in the Section.
- Contribute to the refinement and development of the MME Divisional strategy and plans.
Performance Management
- Deliver on the Section's KPIs, including revenue targets, project completion rates, and client satisfaction.
- Undertake performance management of the team.
- Monitor SHEQ trends and recommend improvement initiatives.
Governance and Risk Management
- Engage with key stakeholders: government departments (DMPR, DTIC, DSTI, National Treasury), state-owned enterprises (IDC, Transnet), industry bodies (Minerals Council), development finance institutions, universities, and think tanks.
- Establish a stakeholder advisory group and sign MOUs with research partners.
- Report on all RDI and commercial activities of the section.
- Responsible for technical signoff of the work of the Section (reports, publications) and ensuring high technical standards are maintained.
- Adhere to all Mintek's policies and ethics.
Relationship Management and Reporting
- Engage with key stakeholders: government departments (DMPR, DTIC, DSTI, National Treasury), state-owned enterprises (IDC, Transnet), industry bodies (Minerals Council), development finance institutions, universities, and think tanks.
- Establish a stakeholder advisory group and sign MOUs with research partners.
- Report on all RDI and commercial activities of the section.
Desired Experience & Qualification
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION:
- Master's degree in Mineral Economics, Economics, Resource Economics, or a related field.
- A PhD in the relevant field will be advantageous.
- 8-10 years' experience in mineral economics, mining sector analysis, policy advisory, or related roles.
- Proven track record in conducting techno-economic feasibility studies, cost-benefit analysis, and market intelligence for the mining or energy sectors.
- Experience in business development, including securing donor funding, consulting contracts, or research partnerships.
- Experience in managing teams and leading multi-stakeholder projects.
Nature of Experience:
- Project management and project finance.
- Economic modelling and data analysis (e.g., Excel, GIS, or similar platforms).
- Report writing and publication of flagship products (e.g., "State of Mining in South Africa").
- Stakeholder engagement at senior government and industry levels.
- Development of pricing models and commercial service frameworks.
JOB KNOWLEDGE AND REQUIREMENTS:
- The ability to think strategically and proactively.
- Must be comfortable operating at middle management level and interacting with other middle managementrepresentatives (internal or external), corporate partners and other stakeholders.
- Expertise in all aspects of operational management, including planning, project management and problem solving.
- Deep understanding of the South African and global mining industry, including commodity markets, value chains, and policy environment.
- Knowledge of public sector procurement and fund management as they relate to donor or government contracts.
- Ability to think strategically and proactively, translating national priorities (e.g., Just Energy Transition (JET), beneficiation) into actionable research and revenue opportunities.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
- Accuracy and attention to detail in economic analysis and reporting.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
