Principal Mineral Economist
Listing reference: minte_000422
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 12 June 2026
Position summary
Industry: Scientific, Research & Development
Job category: Other: Mining
Location: Randburg
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
Introduction
Mintek has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Mineral Economist to be part of the strategic expansion of the Mineral Economics function. The incumbent will be responsible for providing a high-level mineral policy analysis, strategic advisory services, and evidence-based recommendations to support decision-making within Mintek, private industry, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), think tanks, and other government departments. The role focuses on translating complex mineral sector dynamics into actionable policy insights, regulatory advice, and development strategies, with a specific emphasis on integrating Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASSM) considerations into mineral economics analysis. The incumbent will work closely with the Head: Mineral Economics and the ASSM unit to position Mintek as a trusted advisor on mineral policy, beneficiation, sustainable resource governance, and the formalisation and development of the ASM sector.
Job description
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:
Policy Analysis and Advisory
- Conduct in depth analysis of domestic and international mineral policies, regulatory frameworks, and legislative developments affecting the mining sector.
- Provide expert advisory support to the DMPR, the dtic, National Treasury, and provincial governments on mineral policy formulation, investment facilitation, and local beneficiation.
- Prepare policy briefs, position papers, and discussion documents on topics such as critical minerals strategy, just energy transition, mining fiscal regimes, and community development.
- Assess the socio-economic and industrial implications of proposed mineral policies and regulations.
ASM Integration and Support
- Analyse policy, regulatory, and economic barriers to the formalisation and sustainable development of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining sector in South Africa and the region.
- Provide economic and policy advice to the ASSM unit to strengthen its training programmes, Centre of Excellence proposals, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
- Contribute to the development of ASM-specific market intelligence, value chain studies, and socio-economic impact assessments.
- Support the ASSM unit in identifying funding opportunities, donor partnerships, and revenue streams aligned with the ASSM Sustainability Strategy.
Stakeholder Engagement and Representation
- Engage with senior officials in government, state-owned enterprises, industry associations (e.g., Minerals Council), civil society, and multilateral agencies (e.g., World Bank, AU, SADC) on mineral policy matters.
- Represent Mintek at policy dialogues, parliamentary briefings, inter-departmental task teams, and international forums.
- Build and maintain a network of policy makers, regulators, and thought leaders in the mineral economics space.
Research and Knowledge Production
- Lead research projects on mineral policy effectiveness, value chain localisation, regional integration, sustainable development, and the economic contribution of ASM .
- Produce flagship reports, policy notes, and journal articles that enhance Mintek’s visibility as a centre of excellence in mineral policy and ASM economics.
- Synthesise complex economic and legal information into clear, actionable recommendations for non-specialist audiences, including ASM communities.
Support to Internal and External Clients
- Provide policy and regulatory guidance to Mintek’s technical divisions to align their R&D with national priorities and market realities, including ASM-appropriate technologies.
- Advise private sector clients (mining companies, industry bodies, ASM cooperatives) on policy risks, compliance, and strategic positioning, and formalization pathways.
- Contribute to donor-funded projects and technical assistance programmes by delivering policy-relevant components and ASM-focused components.
Strategic Contribution
- Assist the Head: Mineral Economics and the ASSM unit in developing the section’s long-term strategy, particularly the policy advisory revenue stream and ASM formalization initiatives.
- Identify emerging policy issues (e.g., carbon border adjustments, ESG standards, artisanal mining regulation, child labour, mercury use) and develop Mintek’s response.
- Contribute to the design of training programmes and capacity-building workshops for government officials, industry stakeholders, and ASM operators.
Governance and Risk Management
- Adhere to all Mintek’s policies and ethics.
- Ensure technical sign-off of policy reports, economic models, and ASM-related publications.
Relationship Management and Reporting
- Engage with key stakeholders: government departments (DMPR, DTIC, DSTI, National Treasury), state-owned enterprises (IDC, Transnet), industry bodies (Minerals Council), development finance institutions, universities, and think tanks, and ASM associations.
- Report on all research, advisory, and ASM-related activities of the Division.
Minimum requirements
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION:
- Minimum: PhD in Mineral Policy, Mineral Economics, Economics, Environmental Policy, Law and Development, Public Policy, or a closely related field.
- Experience: 5–10 years of relevant experience in mineral policy analysis, regulatory advisory, or economic development, with a proven track record of engaging government and industry at senior levels.
- Demonstrated ability to produce policy briefs, discussion papers, or peer-reviewed publications on mineral related topics.
- Experience working with or advising government departments (e.g., DMPR, dtic, National Treasury) or international development agencies is highly desirable.
- A strong understanding of South Africa’s mineral policy landscape, including the Mining Charter, Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), beneficiation strategy, and Just Energy Transition framework.
Nature of Experience:
- Policy research and analysis.
- Stakeholder engagement and facilitation.
- Project management and multi-stakeholder coordination.
- Familiarity with fiscal and legal aspects of mining (e.g., royalties, licensing, environmental regulations) is an advantage.
- Report writing and publication of flagship products (e.g., “State of Mining in South Africa”).
- Stakeholder engagement at senior government and industry levels.