Exploration Director Mining and Mineral Exploration
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Key skills for this role
About the Role
Lead exploration strategy and technical operations in mining, ensuring compliance with regulations while managing teams and delivering geological studies.
Key Skills for This Role
Full Job Posting
Exploration Director
Mining & Mineral Exploration | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Full‑time | On‑site
A leading mining client in Saudi Arabia is seeking an experienced
Exploration Director
to lead gold and precious‑metal exploration programs across the Kingdom.
This senior role drives the full exploration lifecycle — from greenfield prospecting to resource definition — ensuring compliance with
MIM
and
SGS
standards while supporting long‑term feedstock strategy for downstream refining operations.
Role Purpose
The Exploration Director will oversee exploration strategy, technical operations, regulatory compliance, and team leadership.
The role transforms geological data into bankable studies that support major investment decisions and future mining development.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead multi‑year exploration strategy and annual budgets.
- Oversee drill programs, sampling protocols, and assay coordination.
- Deliver technical reports aligned with
Jorc / Ni 43‑101
- standards.
- Manage land access negotiations, JV discussions, and license agreements.
- Ensure full compliance with environmental and mining regulations.
- Coordinate with refining teams to validate metallurgical characteristics.
- Build and mentor a multidisciplinary exploration team.
- Maintain strong relationships with
MIM
,
SGS
- , and key stakeholders.
- Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in
Geology
,
Earth Sciences
- , or related field.
- 15+ years in mineral exploration, including 5+ years in senior leadership.
- Proven success in discovering and defining economic gold resources.
- Strong understanding of Saudi geological frameworks and mining regulations.
- Expertise in drill program management and contractor coordination.
- Proficiency in geological modeling and GIS tools.
- Experience preparing reports compliant with
Jorc / Ni 43‑101
- .
- Fluency in English; Arabic is an advantage.
- ✨ Preferred Qualifications
- PhD in Economic Geology or related specialization.
- Experience in JV or farm‑in agreements.
- Involvement in feasibility studies leading to mine development.
- Strong network within the Saudi mining ecosystem.
- �️ Technical Skills
- Geological modeling (Leapfrog, Micromine, Datamine).
- GIS (ArcGIS, QGIS).
- Geochemical and geophysical survey interpretation.
- Budgeting and financial modeling for exploration projects.
- Knowledge of RC, diamond core, and reverse‑circulation drilling.
- � Leadership Competencies
- Strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
- Strong negotiation and stakeholder‑management skills.
- High commitment to safety and environmental compliance.
- Ability to lead diverse teams in remote field environments.
- Excellent communication with technical and non‑technical audiences.
- � Success Indicators – First 12 Months
- Delivery of a complete exploration strategy approved by leadership.
- Acquisition of new high‑potential exploration licenses.
- Execution of drill programs with zero lost‑time injuries.
- Delivery of a maiden resource estimate (JORC‑compliant).
- Strong regulatory relationships established.
- Development of a training and succession plan for the geology team.
Success Indicators – First 12 Months
- Delivery of a complete exploration strategy approved by leadership.
- Acquisition of new high‑potential exploration licenses.
- Execution of drill programs with zero lost‑time injuries.
- Delivery of a maiden resource estimate (JORC‑compliant).
- Strong regulatory relationships established.
- Development of a training and succession plan for the geology team.
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