Chief Mine Geologist (Expat) – Sierra Leone

Copper Quail Global is supporting a major mining operation in Sierra Leone in the search for an experienced
Chief Mine Geologist
to lead all geological, grade control, modelling, and resource management functions on site. This role is ideal for a senior geology professional with strong leadership capability, extensive mine geology experience, and the ability to operate in a developing market with a strong emphasis on training and localisation.

Position Summary

The Chief Mine Geologist will provide strategic and operational geological oversight, ensuring accurate grade control, efficient ore delivery, geological modelling integrity, and compliance with international reporting standards. The role also plays a critical part in mentoring local teams and driving best practice across the geology department.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

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  Lead, train, and mentor a team of geologists, technicians, and support staff.

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  Ensure daily geological operations align with mine planning and production requirements.

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  Build a strong culture of safety, accountability, accuracy, and continuous development.

Grade Control & Ore Quality

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  Oversee grade control systems, sampling protocols, and logging standards.

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  Ensure accurate ore–waste delineation for efficient mining operations.

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  Monitor ore quality and ensure delivery meets processing plant specifications.

Resource & Reserve Management

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  Supervise geological data collection, validation, and management.

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  Support resource and reserve modelling and reporting in compliance with JORC or NI 43-101.

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  Ensure block models, reconciliations, and geological interpretations are precise and up to date.

Geological Modelling & Reporting

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  Develop and maintain geological models using industry software (Surpac, Leapfrog, Vulcan, Datamine).

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  Provide regular geological performance reports, reconciliations, and predictive insights.

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  Integrate geological findings into mine planning, production, and long-term strategy.

Exploration & Drilling

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  Manage near-mine exploration, infill drilling, and sampling campaigns.

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  Coordinate with drilling contractors and technical services to ensure programme effectiveness.

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  Integrate new exploration data into geological models and mine planning.

Compliance, Governance & Safety

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  Ensure all geological activities meet safety, environmental, and regulatory obligations.

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  Maintain strict QA/QC protocols for sampling, analysis, data capture, and reporting.

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  Promote a proactive safety culture within the geology team and across operations.

Training & Localisation

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  Implement structured coaching, capacity-building, and knowledge-transfer programmes.

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  Support the development of junior geologists and local staff to meet succession objectives.

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  Lead ongoing technical training initiatives aligned with organisational goals.

What We Are Looking For

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  Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Earth Sciences, or related discipline.

• 
  Master’s degree or MBA advantageous.

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  10+ years’ experience
  in mining geology, ideally in iron ore, gold, or bulk commodities.

• 
  Minimum
  3–5 years in a senior or supervisory geological role
  .

• 
  Strong proficiency in geological modelling and mine planning software (Surpac, Leapfrog, Vulcan, Datamine).

• 
  Experience in grade control, resource modelling, QA/QC, and reconciliation.

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  Strong analytical, reporting, and data management abilities.

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  Proven leadership experience in remote site environments.

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  Cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to work with diverse teams.

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  Valid driver’s licence; comfortable navigating rough terrain.

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  English fluency (written and spoken).

Why This Role?

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  Strong, stable mining operation with long-term potential.

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  Opportunity to lead a high-impact geology function in a growing West African jurisdiction.

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  Attractive USD expat package including accommodation, travel, medical cover and rotations.

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  Direct influence on training, localisation, and technical excellence on site.

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria and are open to an exciting expat assignment in Sierra Leone, please send:

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  Your CV

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  Availability / Notice period

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  Current & expected salary

• 
  Relevant certifications