Ivanplats (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of Ivanhoe Mines, has announced an exciting opportunity for an experienced mining professional to join its team as an Engineering Foreman – Mechanical X1 (Ref: IVP-ENG-2616). The position is based at the Platreef Project in Limpopo Province, near Mokopane, and is suited to a suitably qualified candidate with extensive underground mechanical engineering and supervisory experience.
The vacancy forms part of the ongoing development of the Platreef Project, a world-class palladium-rhodium-nickel-copper-gold project that is being developed using large-scale, mechanised underground mining methods and advanced technology.
Applications close on 25 August 2026 at 23:59.
Ivanplats Mechanical Engineering Foreman Vacancy
The Engineering Foreman Mechanical will be responsible for supervising underground mechanical maintenance activities and ensuring that mining equipment and infrastructure operate safely, reliably and efficiently.
The successful candidate will work in a highly mechanised underground mining environment and will be expected to demonstrate strong technical knowledge, effective leadership and sound decision-making abilities. Experience in conveyor belt systems, planned maintenance, breakdown management and contractor supervision will be particularly important for this position.
Position Details
- Company: IVANPLATS (Pty) Ltd
- Parent Company: Ivanhoe Mines
- Position: Engineering Foreman – Mechanical X1
- Reference Number: IVP-ENG-2616
- Location: Limpopo Province, near Mokopane
- Industry: Mining and Engineering
- Opening Date: 12 August 2026
- Closing Date: 25 August 2026 at 23:59
About the Platreef Project
Ivanplats is developing the Platreef Project in Limpopo Province, a significant mineral development focused on palladium, rhodium, nickel, copper and gold.
The project is being developed with a focus on modern, mechanised underground mining methods and advanced technology. This approach requires highly skilled engineering and maintenance professionals who can support the safe and reliable operation of sophisticated mining equipment.
The Engineering Foreman – Mechanical will therefore play an important role in ensuring that underground mechanical systems are maintained to the required operational, safety and reliability standards.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements
Candidates applying for the Ivanplats Mechanical Engineering Foreman position must meet the required qualifications and possess relevant industry experience.
The minimum requirements include:
- Grade 12 or Matric.
- A recognised Trade Test Certificate.
- A valid driver’s licence.
- Computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office.
- Experience using CMMS and/or SAP systems.
The following qualifications will be considered advantageous:
- Foreman Certificate.
- Supervisory Development Programme.
Applicants should ensure that their CVs clearly demonstrate the qualifications, technical competencies and experience relevant to the position.
Required Experience
The successful candidate must have substantial experience in underground mechanical engineering and mining maintenance.
Ivanplats requires candidates with:
- 5 to 8 years of underground mechanical engineering experience.
- At least 2 years of supervisory experience in a mining environment.
- Extensive experience with underground conveyor belt systems.
- Experience working with mechanised mining equipment.
- Experience with planned maintenance systems.
- Proven breakdown management experience.
- Contractor management experience.
This role is particularly suited to experienced mechanical engineering professionals who have demonstrated the ability to supervise maintenance teams and manage mechanical equipment in demanding underground mining environments.
Key Responsibilities
The Engineering Foreman – Mechanical will be responsible for overseeing a broad range of underground mechanical maintenance activities.
Key responsibilities will include supervising mechanical maintenance teams and planning and executing preventative, planned and breakdown maintenance activities.
The successful candidate will be required to:
- Supervise underground mechanical maintenance activities.
- Plan and execute preventative, planned and breakdown maintenance.
- Maximise equipment availability and reliability.
- Ensure maintenance activities comply with OEM specifications.
- Monitor equipment performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Ensure statutory inspections are completed in accordance with legislative requirements.
- Supervise the maintenance of underground conveyor belt systems.
- Manage and monitor contractor activities.
- Support safe and efficient underground production operations.
Conveyor Belt Maintenance Responsibilities
A significant component of this position involves the maintenance and management of underground conveyor belt systems.
The Engineering Foreman will be responsible for ensuring that critical conveyor components are maintained correctly and remain safe and operational.
This includes conveyor:
- Drives.
- Gearboxes.
- Pulleys.
- Idlers.
- Take-up units.
- Belt structures.
- Scrapers, ploughs and cleaners.
- Emergency pull-key systems.
- Belt slip protection systems.
- Sequence controls.
- Fire detection and fire suppression systems.
The successful candidate will also inspect conveyor installations for mechanical defects, monitor belt alignment and tracking, and ensure that belts are correctly tensioned.
Additional responsibilities will include coordinating belt splicing and repairs, investigating conveyor failures and analysing recurring belt-related problems. Where recurring failures are identified, the Engineering Foreman will be expected to implement appropriate corrective and preventative measures.
Safety, Compliance and Maintenance Standards
Safety and regulatory compliance will be fundamental to the role.
The successful candidate must ensure that underground maintenance activities are carried out in accordance with applicable safety procedures, statutory requirements, Codes of Practice and mandatory standards.
Particular attention must be given to the safe isolation of conveyor systems before maintenance activities are undertaken. The Engineering Foreman will be responsible for ensuring that appropriate lock-out and isolation procedures are followed.
The candidate will also verify that conveyor installations comply with applicable requirements and that safety-critical systems remain fully operational.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be an experienced mechanical engineering professional with a strong background in underground mining.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate:
- Strong mechanical engineering expertise.
- Proven underground mining experience.
- Previous supervisory experience.
- Practical knowledge of conveyor systems.
- Experience with mechanised mining equipment.
- Strong preventative and planned maintenance capabilities.
- Effective breakdown investigation and management skills.
- Contractor management experience.
- Good computer literacy and familiarity with CMMS or SAP.
- A strong commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
Leadership, communication, problem-solving and organisational skills will also be important, as the successful candidate will be required to coordinate maintenance activities and ensure that engineering work supports operational requirements.
Employment Equity Considerations
Ivanplats has indicated that preference will be given to Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA) from local communities surrounding the Ivanplats Platreef mine and women.
Candidates who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to apply, particularly those who meet the stated preference criteria.
How to Apply for the Ivanplats Engineering Foreman Vacancy
Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications online through the designated Ivanplats recruitment platform.
Online applications must be submitted via www.ivanhoecommunities.com on or before 25 August 2026 at 23:59.
Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date. Ivanplats has stated that applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Applicants should ensure that their CVs accurately reflect their qualifications, trade certification, underground mining experience, supervisory responsibilities and technical expertise.
Important Information for Applicants
Candidates who do not receive communication from the company within 14 days after the closing date should assume that their application has been unsuccessful.
Applicants should carefully review all requirements before submitting their applications and ensure that they meet the minimum qualifications and experience criteria.
Qualified candidates should submit their applications before the 25 August 2026 deadline.
