SUMMARY:
Seeking an Industrial Engineer – Coal Mining.
POSITION INFO:
Job Title: Industrial Engineer – Coal Mining
Department: Operations / Technical Services / Continuous Improvement
Reporting To: Engineering Manager / Mine Manager / Technical Services Manager
Job Purpose:
To optimise mining operations through the application of industrial engineering principles, improving productivity, efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness across coal mining processes. The role focuses on analysing operational performance, identifying improvement opportunities, and implementing sustainable efficiency initiatives.
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 that 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 the 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 a coal mine site (open cast or underground operations)
- Exposure to the mining environment (dust, noise, and 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
