SUMMARY:

Industrial Engineer – Coal Mining

POSITION INFO:

Job TitleIndustrial Engineer – Coal Mining

Department

Reporting To

Job Purpose

Key Responsibilities

Operational Optimisation

• Analyse current mining processes, workflows, and operational systems to identify inefficiencies.
• Conduct time and motion studies on mining activities such as drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, and processing.
• Develop and implement productivity improvement initiatives.
• Optimise equipment utilisation and reduce operational downtime.

Performance Analysis & Reporting

• Monitor key production KPIs including output, cycle times, equipment availability, and utilisation.
• Develop performance dashboards and reports for management decision-making.
• Identify bottlenecks and recommend corrective actions.
• Conduct root cause analysis on production inefficiencies.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other industrial engineering methodologies.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and support cost reduction initiatives.
• Standardise operational procedures and best practices.
• Support digital transformation and operational improvement projects.

Planning & Resource Optimisation

• Assist with production planning and scheduling.
• Optimise labour, equipment, and material utilisation.
• Support short-term and long-term mine planning initiatives.
• Evaluate equipment requirements and capacity planning.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all optimisation initiatives comply with mine health and safety regulations.
• Promote a culture of safety and operational excellence.
• Participate in safety audits and risk assessments.

Project Support

• Support engineering and operational projects.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses.
• Assist with implementation of new systems, technologies, and processes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering (BEng / BSc Industrial Engineering)
• Registered or eligible for registration with ECSA (preferred)

Experience Required

• 2–5 years’ experience in mining, heavy industry, or manufacturing
• Experience in coal mining operations (open cast or underground preferred)
• Experience with production analysis, optimisation, and continuous improvement
• Exposure to mining equipment and operational systems

Technical Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Time and motion study experience
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles
• Proficiency in MS Excel (Advanced), Power BI, or similar tools
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred)
• Data analysis and reporting skills
• Understanding of mining operations and production processes

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving ability
• Communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work in high-pressure operational environments
• Team collaboration
• Results-driven mindset

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Production efficiency improvements
• Equipment utilisation improvements
• Cost reduction achieved
• Reduction in operational downtime
• Process improvement implementation success rate
• Operational performance reporting accuracy

Working Conditions

• Based at coal mine site (open cast or underground operations)
• Exposure to mining environment (dust, noise, heavy machinery)
• May require travel between sites
• May require occasional overtime

Preferred Experience

• Coal mining industry experience
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
• Experience with simulation tools
• Experience with mining fleet optimisation