Mine Manager (UG)

Purpose of Role

To plan, direct and manage mining production operations within Tharisa Minerals (TM) by managing and coordinating all underground mining functions to drive consistent delivery of mining products and sustainable mining practices.

Role Context

Operational Management

• Provide input to strategic plans of the section by compiling comprehensive operational plans, converting the Department into an enabler of the overall business strategy of the organisation.
• Keep abreast of changes in relevant guidelines and other legislation, to make recommendations where policies, processes and/or procedures require amendment.
• Develop, enhance and implement policies, processes and Operational procedures that are within the respective Department aimed at the enhancement of service delivery and overall productivity within the Department.
• Drive safety management across the mining operations by establishing and implementing mining safety protocols to minimise risks and subsequent incidents on the operations.

Mine and Production Management

• Develop comprehensive mining plans and strategies by analysing the mines current operating functionality and identify ways to optimise production, maximise resource recovery, and minimise costs.
• Manage the Contractor by implementing and driving the achievement of planned production tonnage targets whilst minimising safety and production incidents.
• Design, analyse, and monitor the key Mining and Engineering performance indicators, in order to give feedback to the team to improve performance
• Scour the market for new technologies by engaging in various mining forums in order to find and implement more efficient and effective mining methods and processes to improve productivity and safety.
• Continuously assess and manage risks associated with mining operations by identifying and implementing appropriate mitigation measures, ultimately to reduce unnecessary risk to the people and the mining operations of TM.
• Coordinate with the various mining specialists (rock engineers, geologists etc) to assess the valuation of the exploration drill holes and structural integrity of the mine ensuring the mine remains stable and operable for the employee’s safety and continuous reef operations.

Strategic Contribution

• Co-develop and oversee the implementation of the organisational strategy by creating alignment between the organisational strategy and using the respective Departmental strategies as enablers of the vision within the Department, providing critical insights and exposure to the current state of the organisation to enhance the commercial position of Tharisa Minerals (TM).
• Approve operational plans for the Production Mining Department by analysing and scrutinising the proposed plans and direction driving positive action towards achieving Departmental goals.
• Develop a plan to strategically manage the procurement, delivery, commissioning, maintenance and repairs of all necessary minor and ancillary mining equipment/machinery to ensure cost efficiency and optimise production.
• Contribute to the development of TM policies by coordinating with the relevant internal stakeholders i.e, Engineering Manager and Technical Manager to deliberate on matters concerning the production function and communicate and agree on relevant policies.
• Proactively identify interconnected problems, develop and model alternative solutions for the Department in order to put in place strategies as well as contingency plans to resolve value chain conflicts.

Data Analytics and Reporting

• Drive the documentation and reporting efforts for the Department to ensure that maintenance, repairs and accident reports are accurately and efficiently recorded, resulting in quality data preservation and presentation.
• Provide periodic reports on performance against set plans and progress on long-term initiatives and use insights and feedback from the reports to realign operating plans and objectives appropriately.
• Use technology and best practice software to collate data, analyse trends and generate management reports to position procurement plans and supplier sourcing and selection.

People Management

• Create and maintain a conducive work environment by appropriately applying Human Resources policies and procedures to ensure optimum performance is realised for the benefit of the Department and, by extension, the organisation.
• Lead the team according to Tharisa Minerals’ leadership principles and values throughout the entire employee life cycle (performance management, reward etc) to ensure, inter alia, a high-performance culture.
• Establish and monitor the achievement of recognised key performance indicators (KPI’s) for the production mining environment by setting targets for the function as a whole and the individuals within the function.
• Implement a performance management plan by driving recognition and fairness across the Production department ensuring accountability and performance is optimised within the Production department.
• Manage, motivate and lead direct reports and undertake monthly performance reviews of all key Departmental staff to ensure a consistent performance tracking and put development plans in place.

Financial Management

• Analyse all production mining data and report on mining and production trends and operating requirements so as to determine funding requirements for the financial year.
• Monitor short-term Departmental budgets by scrutinising and aligning spend within the Department, to support and drive effective and efficient functioning within budgetary constraints.
• Monitor production expenditure against budget allocations, requesting appropriate reallocation as required, to manage the prevention of unnecessary spend.
• Comply with all financial, Supply Chain Management (SCM) and other Tharisa Minerals regulations and policies by facilitating the right actions, to reduce financial risk in the Department.

Stakeholder Relations

• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure information, advice or opinions on relevant matters is made available and/or communicated with all relevant stakeholders, to manage expectations and timelines.
• Utilise opportunities presented to enhance the relationship between management, unions, and employees, and implement processes to maximise a collaborative working relationship.
• Represent TM in negotiations, discussions, and forums by engaging with all respective stakeholders to foster relationships, mutually beneficial outcomes, and overall compliance with established regulations.

Risk, Safety and Compliance

• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and drive the alignment of governance, risk and compliance frameworks in order to ensure adherence to regulations and policies throughout the production mining phase of the process.
• Build and manage the risk portfolio for the mining production department by analysing and collecting data on all assets pertinent to the operation of the production mining department, to ensure adequate provisions are made to ensure continued operations.
• Implement a work ethos across the department that is committed to safeguarding employee safety, health and wellbeing and take remedial actions where necessary to minimise incidents.
• Drive the behavioural and functional alignment of the mining production department to all company security and HSE processes and procedures across all departments and the overall site community to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.
• Oversee the utilisation of heavy earth moving equipment and provide expertise in putting together plans to alleviate risk and ensure optimum safety in the operation.