South Deep Gold Mine Learner Miner Learnership 2026

The programme provides learners with exposure to a professional mining environment while they undergo prescribed technical training. Successful applicants will be expected to participate actively in training, follow mine health and safety requirements and demonstrate consistent performance throughout the programme.

Position Details

• Position: Learner Miner
• Job Grading: NG
• Department: Human Resource Development
• Site: South Deep Gold Mine
• Location: Westonaria, South Africa
• Company: Gold Fields Group Services (Pty) Ltd
• Closing Date: 26 August 2026

Who Can Apply for the South Deep Learner Miner Learnership?

The opportunity is specifically aimed at aspiring employees and prospective applicants from the mine’s Host Communities.

To qualify as an applicant from a Host Community, candidates must meet one of the following conditions:

• Be a resident of one of South Deep’s designated Host Communities; or
• Have successfully completed Grade 12 or matric at a school located within one of the designated Host Communities.

South Deep Host Communities

The designated communities listed for this opportunity are:

• Bekkersdaal
• Zuurberkom
• Thusanang
• Hillshaven
• Westonaria
• Poortjie
• Simunye
• Kalbasfontein
• Jachtfontein

Applicants should carefully check this requirement before applying. Meeting the educational requirements alone does not necessarily mean that an applicant qualifies under the Host Community criteria.

South Deep Learner Miner Minimum Requirements

Candidates interested in the South Deep Gold Mine Learner Miner Learnership 2026 must meet the stated minimum requirements.

Education

Applicants must have:

• Grade 12 / Matric (NQF Level 4); or
• An equivalent qualification being an N3 with two languages passed.

Mining Experience

Applicants must have:

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a mining operation.

Medical and Physical Requirements

Candidates must also:

• Be declared medically fit for the position and working environment.
• Complete a risk-based medical examination at the Gold Fields Occupational Health Centre.
• Pass the required Heat Tolerance Screening test.
• Complete any other medical examinations, assessments or tests required to determine suitability for employment.

Meeting all the minimum requirements does not guarantee that an applicant will be shortlisted or appointed.

What Does the South Deep Learner Miner Learnership Offer?

The programme provides practical work-based training designed to help learners adapt effectively to the workplace.

Mining is a highly regulated industry, and employees require both technical knowledge and a strong understanding of workplace health and safety.

During the programme, learners will be expected to:

• Participate in prescribed technical training.
• Develop practical workplace skills.
• Follow mine health and safety standards.
• Maintain consistent performance during technical evaluations.
• Work under the appropriate supervision.
• Develop their technical and professional competencies.
• Take responsibility for their career development.
• Gain practical exposure to mining-related workplace activities.

Technical training will be undertaken according to requirements prescribed by the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) and Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) during the training programme.

Key Competencies Required

Successful Learner Miner candidates are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, learning, teamwork and personal development.

Key competencies include:

• Following all health and safety rules and regulations applicable to the mine.
• Completing technical training prescribed during the programme.
• Maintaining consistent performance during scheduled technical evaluation cycles.
• Taking personal accountability for career development.
• Initiating developmental discussions when required.
• Actively engaging with the Human Resource Development team.
• Working effectively with the technical oversight team.
• Receiving and acting on feedback.
• Complying with the company’s conditions of employment.
• Following company policies and the code of conduct.
• Promoting teamwork.
• Contributing effectively as a team member.
• Demonstrating the values of South Deep Gold Mine.
• Communicating effectively in spoken English.
• Communicating effectively in written English.

South Deep identifies its key values as:

• Safety
• Respect
• Collaboration
• Responsibility

Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate these values throughout their training and workplace activities.

Learner Miner Duties and Responsibilities

Successful candidates will be expected to perform various duties while participating in the learnership and working under appropriate supervision.

The main duties and responsibilities include:

• Applying safe work practices consistently.
• Following prescribed standards and procedures.
• Complying with site-specific requirements.
• Identifying safety hazards and risks.
• Reporting safety, health and environmental concerns.
• Escalating incidents and accidents to the immediate supervisor.
• Participating in risk assessments with artisans.
• Assisting artisans with daily maintenance work.
• Handling tools safely.
• Cleaning tools after use.
• Storing tools correctly and safely.
• Maintaining good housekeeping in workshops.
• Keeping maintenance areas clean and orderly.
• Maintaining general work areas around the plant.
• Reporting hazards that could affect employees.
• Reporting risks that could expose employees to health and safety dangers.
• Performing standby duties when required.

These responsibilities mean that candidates should be comfortable working in a structured environment where safety, discipline and teamwork are important.

Health and Safety Requirements

Health and safety are fundamental requirements for anyone working at a mining operation.

Learner Miners must follow all applicable safety procedures and comply with the standards and instructions established at the mine.

As part of the recruitment process, applicants must:

• Undergo the required risk-based medical examination.
• Be declared medically fit for the position.
• Be medically suitable for the mining environment.
• Pass the Heat Tolerance Screening test.
• Complete any additional assessments required by the employer.
• Follow all mine health and safety regulations.
• Report hazards, incidents and unsafe conditions.
• Participate in workplace risk assessments.

Candidates should understand that the medical and physical requirements are an important part of determining their suitability for working in the mining environment.

Documents Required for the Application

South Deep has specifically stated that all required documentation must be uploaded to the online application.

Applicants should therefore prepare their supporting documents before submitting their applications.

Make sure that:

• All required documents are available.
• Documents are clear and readable.
• The information on the application matches the supporting documents.
• Required qualifications are correctly captured.
• Relevant mining experience is accurately provided.
• All required attachments are uploaded successfully before submission.

Applications without the required documentation may not be considered for shortlisting.

How to Apply for the South Deep Learner Miner Learnership 2026

Candidates who meet the requirements should apply through the appropriate Gold Fields recruitment process before the closing date.

Before submitting an application, applicants should confirm that they meet the key eligibility requirements, including:

• Host Community eligibility.
• Grade 12 or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum two years’ mining experience.
• Medical fitness requirements.
• Heat Tolerance Screening requirements.
• Any additional assessment requirements.

Applicants should also make sure that all required documents have been uploaded to their online application.

It is advisable to submit the application before the final day rather than waiting until the closing date.

Applicants should use the official recruitment process and should be cautious of anyone requesting payment in exchange for a job or learnership opportunity.

South Deep Learner Miner Learnership Closing Date

The closing date for the South Deep Gold Mine Learner Miner Learnership 2026 is:

26 August 2026

Applicants who meet the requirements should ensure that their applications are submitted before the deadline.

Late applications may not be considered.

Why Apply for the South Deep Learner Miner Learnership?

The South Deep Learner Miner Learnership provides qualifying candidates with the opportunity to gain practical experience and technical development within a professional mining environment.

The programme can help learners develop important workplace competencies, including:

• Technical skills.
• Workplace discipline.
• Mine safety awareness.
• Teamwork.
• Communication.
• Problem-solving.
• Personal accountability.
• Career development.
• Practical maintenance experience.
• Understanding of mining workplace procedures.

The programme also gives learners exposure to the expectations of a large mining operation and the importance of complying with safety and operational standards.

Applicants should understand, however, that mining is a demanding working environment. Candidates must be willing to follow instructions, comply with safety requirements, participate in training and work effectively with colleagues and supervisors.

Important Information for Applicants

Before applying for the South Deep Gold Mine Learner Miner Learnership 2026, candidates should carefully review all eligibility conditions.

In particular, applicants should confirm:

• They meet the Host Community requirement.
• They have Grade 12 or an equivalent N3 qualification.
• They have at least two years’ experience in a mining operation.
• They can meet the required medical fitness standards.
• They can pass the Heat Tolerance Screening test.
• They are prepared to undergo any additional required assessments.
• They have all required supporting documentation.
• They can work safely in a mining environment.
• They are prepared to participate in technical training.
• They can work effectively as part of a team.

Candidates should also ensure that the information provided in their application is accurate and complete.

South Deep Gold Mine Learner Miner Learnership 2026 Summary

The South Deep Gold Mine Learner Miner Learnership 2026 is an opportunity for qualifying applicants interested in developing a career in the mining industry.

Job Summary

• Job Title: Learner Miner
• Company: Gold Fields Group Services (Pty) Ltd
• Mine: South Deep Gold Mine
• Department: Human Resource Development
• Location: Westonaria, South Africa
• Job Grade: NG
• Qualification: Grade 12 / NQF Level 4 or equivalent N3
• Experience: Minimum 2 years in a mining operation
• Medical Fitness: Required
• Heat Tolerance Screening: Required
• Host Community Requirement: Yes
• Closing Date: 26 August 2026

The programme offers practical, work-based training and technical development for qualifying applicants. Learners will be expected to follow strict health and safety requirements, participate in technical training, assist artisans, maintain good housekeeping, report hazards and risks, and contribute effectively as members of the mining team.

Applicants who meet the requirements should submit their applications through the official recruitment process and ensure that all required documentation is uploaded before 26 August 2026.

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