Principal Mineral Economist

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.

Apply by: 19 August 2026