The Thaba Joint Venture (JV), a partnership between Sylvania Metals and Limberg Mining Company, is inviting applications for the position of Safety Officer at the Thaba Operation. This opportunity is suitable for an experienced safety professional with a strong background in mining safety, risk management, compliance, and occupational health standards. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining a safe working environment while supporting operational excellence and legal compliance within the mining sector.
The mining industry remains one of the most safety-sensitive sectors in South Africa. Safety Officers are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHS Act), implementing workplace safety systems, conducting risk assessments, and promoting a strong culture of health and safety across all operational levels. This position presents an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about workplace safety, leadership, and continuous improvement in mining operations.
Position Overview
The Safety Officer will support day-to-day operations by promoting compliance with health and safety legislation, company procedures, and ISO standards. The role involves monitoring safety performance, conducting investigations, managing documentation, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring that all safety systems remain effective and up to date.
This role requires an individual with excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, leadership ability, and practical experience in mine safety management. The successful candidate will work closely with operational teams, contractors, SHE representatives, and management to ensure safe operational practices are consistently maintained.
Main Responsibilities
The Safety Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties aimed at promoting and maintaining workplace safety standards. Key responsibilities include:
Promoting Compliance with the MHS Act
A major responsibility of the role involves ensuring full compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act. The Safety Officer will monitor workplace practices, identify potential risks, and ensure that employees and contractors follow legal safety requirements at all times. Continuous awareness and enforcement of safety procedures will form a critical part of daily activities.
Maintaining a Safe Working Environment
The position requires active involvement in creating and sustaining a safe work environment throughout the operation. This includes identifying hazards, implementing preventative measures, and supporting management with safety improvement initiatives.
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Strong working relationships with the host mine and internal operational teams are essential. The Safety Officer will engage with stakeholders to ensure alignment on safety standards, procedures, and operational compliance requirements.
Managing SHERQ Systems
The successful candidate will maintain the Safety, Health, Environment, Risk, and Quality (SHERQ) management systems for the business unit. Responsibilities include reviewing procedures, updating documentation, and ensuring operational activities remain aligned with company standards and ISO requirements.
Incident Investigations and Reporting
All workplace incidents, near misses, and safety-related concerns must be investigated thoroughly and professionally. The Safety Officer will conduct investigations, prepare detailed reports, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions to prevent future incidents.
Audits and Inspections
Regular safety audits and inspections form an important part of the role. The Safety Officer will inspect work areas, equipment, and procedures to ensure compliance with safety standards. Findings from audits will be documented, and corrective actions will be implemented and monitored.
Risk Assessments
The role includes conducting formal risk assessments to identify potential workplace hazards and determine appropriate control measures. Risk management plays a critical role in preventing accidents and improving operational safety performance.
Contractor Compliance Monitoring
Sub-contractors operating on-site must comply with all safety regulations and operational standards. The Safety Officer will audit contractor activities, assess compliance levels, and ensure corrective actions are implemented where required.
Advising Management on SHES Matters
The successful candidate will provide guidance and recommendations to the Plant Manager regarding Safety, Health, Environmental, and Security (SHES) matters. Professional advice and practical solutions will support informed decision-making and continuous safety improvement.
Safety Training and Change Management
Training employees on safety procedures and promoting awareness campaigns are important aspects of the role. The Safety Officer will support safety training initiatives and assist with change management processes to strengthen workplace safety culture.
Managing Safety Documentation
Accurate and organised documentation is essential in mining operations. Responsibilities include managing safety records such as HIRA books, incident reports, inspection records, corrective actions, and near miss documentation.
Supervising SHE Representatives
The role also involves guiding and supporting SHE Representatives to ensure effective communication and implementation of workplace safety initiatives.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants interested in the Safety Officer position must meet the following educational and professional requirements:
- Grade 12 or equivalent qualification
- COMSOC 1 and COMSOC 2 or SAMTRAC qualification is essential
- Computer literacy
- Knowledge of SHE systems and safety processes
- Understanding of the Mine Health and Safety Act
- Valid driver’s license
- Own reliable transport
A Diploma or Degree in Risk Management will serve as an added advantage for applicants seeking to strengthen their application.
Experience Required
Candidates should have a minimum of three years’ relevant experience within a mining or industrial environment. Previous exposure to investigations, inspections, safety reporting, and workplace risk management is essential.
Experience in safety training, administration, and compliance management will be highly beneficial. Strong organisational skills, problem-solving ability, and the capability to work independently under pressure are also important for this role.
Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following qualities and competencies:
- Strong knowledge of mining safety regulations
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work with multiple stakeholders
- Leadership and people management skills
- Attention to detail and analytical thinking
- Good report-writing ability
- Strong administrative skills
- Ability to conduct investigations and audits effectively
- Problem-solving and decision-making capability
- Commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement
Importance of Safety Officers in Mining
Safety Officers play a vital role in ensuring that mining operations remain productive, compliant, and safe for all employees. Mining environments involve various operational risks, making workplace safety one of the highest priorities within the industry.
Through regular inspections, risk assessments, training, and compliance monitoring, Safety Officers help reduce accidents and improve operational standards. Effective safety management not only protects employees but also supports operational continuity and business sustainability.
Professionals working in this field contribute significantly to maintaining legal compliance and strengthening workplace safety culture across mining operations in South Africa.
How to Apply
Application Process
Candidates who meet the above requirements are encouraged to submit their applications to the Human Resources Department. Applications should include:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copies of relevant qualifications
- Supporting documentation where applicable
Applications must be submitted via email to:
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 26 May 2026.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within 21 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
POPIA Notice
By applying for this vacancy, applicants consent to the processing of personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the company’s recruitment procedures. Personal information submitted during the recruitment process will only be used for purposes related to this vacancy.
Conclusion
The Safety Officer vacancy at the Thaba Joint Venture offers a valuable career opportunity for experienced safety professionals within the mining industry. Candidates with strong compliance knowledge, investigation experience, and safety management skills are encouraged to apply before the closing date.
This position provides the opportunity to contribute to a safe and compliant mining environment while supporting operational excellence and continuous improvement within one of South Africa’s important mining operations.