Techno-Mineral Economist at Mintek

About the position

Introduction
Mintek has an exciting career opportunity for a Techno-Mineral Economist to assist in conducting research projects by providing base-level research within a particular, specialized scientific or engineering area of expertise; Conduct research and development, experimental and service work, as well as expand on ideas in technology or research which could benefit the industry and the country in the long term. The Techno-Mineral Economics applies quantitative and qualitative research methods to identify key variables and sensitivities that would drive opportunities for innovation. Work with internal and external partners to collect primary data and thus populate and inform techno-economic models.
Duties & Responsibilities
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

• Understand and use mineral statistics and economic data using advanced digital tools.
• Compile and use statistics and understand causes and effects of economic trends in order understand
  minerals markets and economic conditions using emerging technologies
• Use spreadsheet models for analysing cash flow for various operations.
• Understand mineral-related economic policy and regulatory issues.
• Understand various techniques of analysis of economic trends in the domestic and international economy and
  regional and international mining sector.
• Interact with in-house experts in the minerals industry.
• Take notes at project meetings and provide accurate minutes

Data Management

• Be aware of mining sector databases and their uses within projects.
• Understand key economic indicators and where they are sourced from.
• Understand data manipulation and assist in procuring and sourcing data.
• Use database to ensure it contains the most recent data available.
• Understand techniques to analyse data and research statistical methods.
• Provide material for effective presentations

Mineral & Economic Policy

• Monitor daily press regarding macroeconomic and mining related articles.
• Identify important issues regarding economic developments in the sector through presentations, workshops,
  meetings and visits.
• Attend quarterly briefings on certain commodities.
• Attend mine and other site visits.
• Understand policies and strategies where relevant and provide comment when requested

Analysis

• Understand key economic developments in the domestic/regional/ international economy that will impact on
  the global mining and minerals sector.
• Be aware of local and regional developments in the mining and mineral sector related to your area of study.
• Understand analytical techniques in order to explain trends within the mineral and mining sectors.
• Provide comment where relevant on economic trends.

Research Projects

• Assist with economic research, on topics related to the economy, mining and mineral sector and related
  industries, formalized as inputs to research reports.
• Participate in MME projects by providing research and input on the economic aspects of the project outline.
• Assist with economic and other research for MME support to other Mintek divisions.
• Be aware of research conducted by other Government departments to find common academic ground.
• Assist in sourcing projects and other potential studies wherever possible.

SHEQ management

• Ensure that effective SHEQ procedures are in place.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation.
• Undertake risk assessments for own projects.
• Preparation of SOPs and review thereof.

Desired Experience & Qualification
JOB KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• BEng/BSc(Hons) in basic geology, mining or economics or relevant.
• Ideal: Relevant Masters degree.
• 3 to 5 years experience as a professional, covering technology, operations, and/or projects