SUMMARY:
Role Purpose
The Head of Mining Operations is responsible for the strategic, operational, and legal leadership of multiple open-cast mining operations. Acting as the appointed 4.1 responsible person in terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA), the role oversees Mine Managers, ensures legal compliance, drives operational performance, and manages the safe and cost-effective production of mining activities across multiple sites.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Compliance and Safety Management
Act as the legally appointed 4.1 appointee in accordance with the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA)
Ensure full compliance with all statutory, regulatory, environmental, and safety requirements
Oversee the implementation and monitoring of mine safety systems, audits, and risk management frameworks
Ensure subordinate 3.1 appointees execute their legal responsibilities effectively and remain compliant
Drive a strong safety culture and ensure continuous improvement in safety performance across all operations
Operational Leadership
Provide strategic direction and operational oversight across multiple open-cast mining sites
Lead and manage Mine Managers (3.1 appointees) and operational leadership teams
Drive production performance in line with operational and business targets, including tonnage, grade, and recovery objectives
Oversee and optimise mining activities, including drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, and production interfaces
Ensure operational activities are aligned with mine plans and business strategies
Financial and Performance Management
Develop and manage operational budgets, including OPEX and CAPEX expenditure
Monitor operational costs, productivity, and efficiencies across all sites
Identify and implement opportunities for cost reduction, operational optimisation, and continuous improvement
Ensure effective resource allocation and operational planning to achieve financial objectives
Technical Oversight and Mine Planning
Ensure compliance with short, medium, and long-term mine planning requirements
Oversee geological reconciliation and production reporting processes
Support the implementation of modern mining technologies, systems, and best practices
Provide technical leadership on operational and production-related matters
People Management and Stakeholder Engagement
Lead and manage large, multidisciplinary operational teams across multiple mining operations
Mentor and develop Mine Managers and senior operational personnel
Engage with contractors, regulatory bodies, and internal stakeholders to ensure operational alignment
Promote high-performance standards, accountability, and leadership development within operations
POSITION INFO:
Role Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering (Essential)
Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency (MMC) – Metalliferous Mines (Essential)
Eligibility for 4.1 legal appointment in terms of the MHSA (Essential)
Minimum 10 – 15 years’ experience within mining operations
Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership role such as Mine Manager or Operations Manager
Proven experience within open-cast mining operations
Exposure to copper and/or manganese mining operations will be highly advantageous
Experience managing multiple mining operations or sites simultaneously
Strong knowledge of MHSA legislation and mining regulatory frameworks
Extensive experience in operational optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives
Strong leadership and people management capabilities across multi-site operations
Excellent financial management and cost control abilities
Strong risk management and safety leadership skills
Strategic planning and execution capabilities
Experience managing contractor-driven mining operations and production fleets
Advantageous Qualifications and Certifications
Blasting Certificate (Open Cast)
Advanced Mine Planning certifications such as Deswik or Datamine
Project Management certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2
MBA or Management Development Programme qualification
Ideal Candidate Profile
Currently operating as a Mine Manager (3.1 appointee) ready to transition into a 4.1 role
OR
Currently functioning as a 4.1 appointee managing multiple operations or a large-scale mining operation
Strong exposure to:
Open-cast truck and shovel mining operations
Contractor management within mining environments
Multi-commodity mining operations, particularly copper and manganese
Demonstrated ability to:
Scale mining operations effectively
Improve safety performance and compliance standards
Deliver consistent operational and production targets
Should you not receive a response within 10 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.
