About the Porgera Mine

The Porgera Gold Mine is a globally recognized gold mine located in the rugged highlands of Papua New Guinea. With both open-pit and underground operations, Porgera presents complex hydrogeological and geotechnical challenges in a high-rainfall, seismically active, and geologically diverse region. New Porgera Limited is committed to fostering safety, innovation, and environmental sustainability, while promoting the professional growth of its workforce.

About the Role 

New Porgera Limited is seeking a highly skilled Hydrogeologist with Geotechnical Expertise to join our team. This role is critical to the safe and efficient operation of the mine by integrating groundwater and geotechnical management strategies. You will oversee mine dewatering systems, groundwater flow analysis, and pit slope stability assessments, working to mitigate risks and ensure operational continuity.

 

In this role, your Key Responsibilities are but not limited to; 

Mine Dewatering and Water Management: Design, implement, and optimize mine dewatering systems for both open-pit and underground operations. Conduct aquifer testing, water inflow modeling, and groundwater-surface water interaction studies. Geotechnical Integration: Collaborate with the geotechnical team to assess the impact of groundwater on pit slope stability and underground excavation support. Provide hydrogeological input into slope failure mitigation, including pit wall depressurization and drainage system design. Support the geotechnical team in evaluating the hydrogeological influence on rock mass stability and developing integrated solutions. Groundwater and Slope Stability Monitoring: Install, maintain, and interpret data from monitoring systems such as piezometers, inclinometers, and flow meters. Analyze real-time data to monitor groundwater pressure and its effect on ground stability, ensuring proactive risk management. Hydrogeological and Geotechnical Modeling: Develop and calibrate groundwater flow models using tools like MODFLOW, MineDW and FEFLOW to predict inflows and their geotechnical impacts. Perform slope stability modeling (e.g., Slide 2D/3D, RS2/3) to support pit and dump designs. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance: Conduct hydrogeochemical assessments to manage risks such as acid mine drainage (AMD). Ensure compliance with local and international environmental regulations through regular reporting and stakeholder engagement. Collaboration and Reporting: Work closely with geotechnical, mine planning, and environmental teams to align water management and geotechnical strategies with operational goals. Prepare detailed reports and recommendations on dewatering efficiency, slope stability, and hydrogeological risks for senior management.  

Qualifications and Experience

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, or Geotechnical Engineering (PhD preferred but not required). Experience: Minimum of 5–10 years of experience in hydrogeology and geotechnical roles, preferably in mining operations. Proven experience with groundwater and slope stability modeling tools (e.g., MODFLOW, FEFLOW, Slide 2D/3D, RS2/3, FLAC3D, MineDW). Hands-on experience in high-rainfall, geologically complex mining environments. Skills: Strong technical expertise in mine dewatering systems, groundwater management, and pit slope stability assessments. Proficiency with hydrogeological and geotechnical instrumentation and data analysis. Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work across multidisciplinary teams.

Why Join Porgera?

Tackle some of the most challenging hydrogeological and geotechnical problems in the global mining industry. Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development. Enjoy a competitive compensation package, access to world-class resources, and the chance to make a significant impact on the operation.