Job Details

Job Description

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

Overall Job Purpose

• Responsible and accountable for providing strata control services and support to the Mining Operations Department to ensure safety and optimal ore extraction.
• They implement and apply strata control measures within the assigned area of the business.

Specific Job Responsibility

• Organise departmental recurrent activities under direction by the sr. geotechnical engineer.
• Comply with all FQML Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
• Ensures compliance with slope designs.
• Daily inspections and monitoring of areas with potential of instability such as dumps, crushers pockets, berms/crests.
• Data collection through regular pit mapping, sampling for lab testing and geotechnical core logging.
• Analyse collected data to develop and update geotechnical domain plan for each of the pits as mining advances.
• Understand Geotechnical designs and guide the operations team for its implementation.
• Assess relationship between ground conditions and blasting activities to minimise damage to the walls and other permanent structures.
• Collection and processing of slope monitoring data (e.g., prisms, extensometers, and radar).
• Assist the hydrologist in managing and monitoring groundwater and surface water issues, in order to preserve the pit walls in optimal condition.
• Development and implementation of a GCMP for the mine.
• Assist with annual budget preparation of the geotechnical dept.
• Work with pit supervisors and mining engineers to provide design and practical knowledge regarding rock and ground conditions, failure modes, cost effective support systems, and other geotechnical practices.
• Prepare technical reports that describes results and processes of technical assessment and its progress.
• Communicate geotechnical risks of mining activities to relevant parties including managers, engineers, supervisors, and workers.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Job Specific Competencies

• Intermediate computer skills (Microsoft Office & Pronto)
• Application of Automated systems and Technologies (Numerical Modelling Packages, RADAR software, applications and troubleshooting, Sirovision)
• Knowledge of Mine Design software (Surpac, Vulcan, DataMine, Point Studio, Leap Frog)
• Data extraction and capturing
• Data gathering and integration
• Data interpretation
• Data representation and presentation
• Factual reasoning
• Able to visualise and conceptualise 3D drawings and pit layouts
• Decision making

• Report writing skills
• Planning and organising
• Time management
• Prioritising
• Multi-tasking
• Analytical thinking
• Conceptual thinking
• Cross-discipline integration
• Problem solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Speed, accuracy and precision

Key Job Attributes

• Emotional intelligence
• Good interpersonal ability
• Good communication (verbal and written)
• Coaching ability
• Stakeholder orientation
• Able to engage with stakeholders at all levels
• Self-starter
• Procedural
• Pragmatic
• Good judgment
• Professionalism
• Enthusiastic
• Assertive and confident
• Motivated and passionate
• Reliable
• Goal oriented
• Disciplined

Experience required to perform in this job

• At least 5 years’ experience in a hard rock open pit mining environment.
• Practical knowledge within the mining industry

Qualifications

• Grade 12 certificate
• South Africa Chamber of Mines Strata Control Certificate
• Blasting License may be advantageous
• SADC Driver’s License
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering or Civil Engineering