Freelance consultant SME (Underground Geotechnical and Ground Control Specialist) Metals & Mining

At dss you dont just deliver projects - you help save lives improve performance and build a more sustainable future.

We are a purpose-led global consultancy partnering with organisations in high-risk and asset-intensive industries to solve complex operational challenges across safety operational excellence and sustainability.

With a heritage rooted in DuPonts industrial operations we combine deep expertise practical problem-solving and digital innovation to deliver measurable and lasting impact for our clients.

As a freelance Subject Matter Expert (SME) you will bring deep expertise in underground geotechnical engineering and Ground Control to support a major mining expansion project.

Working alongside dss and client stakeholders you will review operational procedures identify operational and safety risks challenge existing practices where appropriate and provide practical recommendations aligned with industry leading practices.

This is a project-based advisory role focused on technical review risk identification and procedure improvement rather than full-time consulting delivery.

As underground mining operations become more complex and technically demanding effective Ground Control is critical to protecting people infrastructure and operational continuity.

dss supports mining organizations in strengthening operational risk management by ensuring that technical requirements Critical Controls and engineering standards are translated into practical procedures that can be applied consistently in the field.

You will provide specialist expertise for the critical review development and improvement of operational procedures associated with underground geotechnical risk management Ground Control Fall of Ground prevention and excavation stability.

You will help ensure that geotechnical requirements and Critical Controls are translated into practical instructions that can be understood and applied by supervisors operators contractors and operational leadership teams.

• Review and evaluate Ground Control procedures standards and management plans.

• Assess operational procedures relating to geotechnical inspections and underground excavation management.

• Review approaches for excavation classification clearance and re-entry criteria.

• Evaluate ground support design installation verification and maintenance requirements.

• Assess procedures covering rock bolts cable bolts mesh installation and shotcrete application.

• Review scaling loose-rock management and unsupported ground controls.

• Evaluate Ground Control monitoring and geotechnical hazard reporting processes.

• Support the development and validation of Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs).

• Identify gaps between engineering requirements and field execution.

• Define practical inspection authorization verification and stop-work requirements.

• Facilitate workshops involving geotechnical operational safety and contractor teams.

• Provide recommendations to strengthen operational and safety risk controls.

• Contribute technical expertise to procedure reviews and operational risk assessments.

Deliver on our Purpose
Be part of a values-led organization where your expertise helps improve safety performance strengthen risk management and support critical operational decisions.

Apply your Trusted Expertise
Work alongside experienced technical and operational leaders bringing your knowledge to a high-profile underground mining expansion project.

Collaborate with Industry Experts
Contribute to a multidisciplinary team of specialists supporting one of the mining industrys most important operational improvement initiatives.

Create Lasting Impact
Help develop practical procedures and controls that will influence operational performance and safety outcomes long after the project is complete.

You are an experienced underground geotechnical professional with deep technical credibility and a practical understanding of how Ground Control systems are implemented and managed in operating mines.

You are comfortable reviewing technical requirements identifying operational risks challenging assumptions and translating engineering principles into practical field applications.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in geotechnical engineering Ground Control or closely related disciplines.

• Preferably 7 years of experience within underground mining operations.

• Strong practical experience supporting Ground Control systems in underground mines.

• Experience supporting underground mine development expansion construction operational readiness or ramp-up activities.

• Previous involvement in the development review or implementation of Ground Control standards procedures and management systems.

• Experience conducting technical reviews audits operational assessments or risk reviews.

• Experience working within contractor-intensive mining environments is advantageous.

• Ability to review geotechnical designs and translate technical requirements into practical operational procedures.

• Ability to identify gaps between engineering specifications and field execution.

• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.

• Ability to establish measurable inspection verification and operational hold-point requirements.

• Experience facilitating technical workshops with multidisciplinary stakeholders.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

• Ability to write clear and practical technical documentation in English.

• Ability to challenge existing practices constructively and recommend improvements.

• Bachelors degree in Mining Engineering Geology Civil Engineering Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.

• Postgraduate qualification in Mining Geotechnics Rock Mechanics or Ground Control is desirable.

• Professional registration or equivalent certification where applicable.

• Fluency in English required.

• Portuguese and/or Spanish highly advantageous.

We are implementers and change-makers. Our teams work from the boardroom to the shop floor helping organizations build resilience improve performance and sustain results over time.

Our expertise spans industries including metals and mining energy chemicals manufacturing and private equity combining deep operational knowledge with transformation and capability-building expertise.

dss is committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive culture where everyone is respected valued and able to contribute fully.

We believe diversity strengthens our organization and drives better outcomes for our people our clients and the communities we serve.

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