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 \u2013 the \u201cFirst Quantum Way\u201d.
\nWorking 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.
\nOur culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That\u2019s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.
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\nJob description:
\nJob market analysis
\nGeneral Role Purpose (brief description of this job):
\nThe Chief Rock Engineer is responsible for leading all aspects of ground control and rock engineering practices at the mine. This includes developing, implementing, and monitoring geotechnical strategies to ensure operational safety, compliance with regulations, and optimal mine design and extraction. The role provides critical input into mine planning, risk management, and the long-term geotechnical stability of Trident mining operations.<\/p>\n
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\nQualifications (required for this job):<\/p>\n
BSc \/ BEng \/ BTech in Mining Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering (or related field)
\nMSc\/MEng in Geotechnical Engineering, Rock Engineering, Geological Engineering advantageous
\nChamber of Mines Rock Engineering Certificate (mandatory)
\nRegistered with a recognized professional body (e.g., ECSA for South Africa)
\nBlasting License is advantageous
\nMinimum 8\u201310 years\u2019 experience in rock engineering, with at least 3 years in a senior or lead role<\/p>\n
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\nCore Specific Responsibilities \u2013 related to this Job:
\n1. Strategic Leadership:<\/p>\n
Lead the Rock Engineering Department and mentor a team of rock engineers and technicians.
\nDevelop and implement long-term ground control strategies aligned with the mine\u2019s production and safety goals.
\nMaintaining effective stakeholder relationships (Mining Operations, Consultants and Contractors).<\/p>\n
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\n2. Geotechnical Risk Management:<\/p>\n
Identify, assess, and manage geotechnical hazards and design appropriate control measures.
\nOversee implementation and monitoring of ground support systems.
\nConduct regular risk assessments and audits of geotechnical practices.<\/p>\n
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\n3. Technical Oversight:<\/p>\n
Provide expert advice on stope layouts, excavation stability, and seismicity.
\nEnsure all geotechnical designs are robust, safe, and compliant with legal standards.
\nInterpret and validate geotechnical data to inform mine planning and scheduling.<\/p>\n
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\n4. Monitoring and Reporting:<\/p>\n
Oversee the installation and analysis of geotechnical instrumentation (e.g., stress meters, extensometers, microseismic monitoring).
\nPrepare technical reports, stability analyses, and ground control plans.
\nPresent findings and recommendations to mine leadership and stakeholders.
\nProviding input into the development of safety standards, processes, policies and procedures
\nManage geotechnical data collection and reduction processes.<\/p>\n
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\n5. Regulatory Compliance & Standards:<\/p>\n
Ensure compliance with local mining and occupational health & safety legislation (e.g., MHSA in South Africa).
\nInterface with regulatory bodies and participate in inspections or audits.
\nEnsuring adherence to international best practice and legislative requirements\u200b<\/p>\n
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\n6. Innovation and Continuous Improvement:<\/p>\n
Implement new technologies and practices to enhance geotechnical performance.
\nPromote a culture of safety, learning, and continuous improvement in ground control practices.<\/p>\n
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\nExpected Deliverables\u00a0 from this job<\/p>\n
Strong technical and analytical capabilities in rock mechanics and geotechnical modelling
\nEnsure adherence to organisational best practice and legislative requirements
\nMaintain effective stakeholder relationships
\nProficiency with geotechnical software (e.g., Rocscience Suite, FLAC, Phase2, RS3)
\nExcellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
\nStrong report writing and presentation abilities
\nAbility to work under pressure and manage geotechnical crises
\nCommitment to safety and ethical engineering practice<\/p>\n
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\nBehavioural Traits<\/p>\n
Emotional intelligence
\nGood interpersonal ability
\nGood communication (verbal and written)
\nLeadership ability
\nCoaching ability
\nThe ability to supervise, optimise and allocate resources
\nStakeholder orientation
\nAble to engage with stakeholders at all levels
\nSelf-starter
\nProcedural
\nPragmatic
\nGood judgment
\nProfessionalism
\nEnthusiastic
\nAssertive and confident
\nMotivated and passionate
\nReliable and disciplined
\nGoal-oriented<\/p>\n
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\nKnowledge and Experience required to perform in this job
\nThe\u00a0Geotechncial Engineer\u00a0will require knowledge, skills and experience in the following areas:<\/p>\n
At least 5 years of geotechnical engineering experience in an open pit mining environment
\nAdvanced computer skills (Microsoft Office & Pronto)
\nApplication of Automated systems and Technologies (Numerical Modelling Packages, RADAR software, Sirovision)
\nPractical knowledge within the mining industry
\nData gathering and capturing
\nData integration
\nData validation
\nData interpretation and modellingopen-pit
\nData representation and presentation
\nFactual reasoning
\nAble to visualise and conceptualise 3D drawings and layouts
\nDecision making
\nReport writing skills
\nPlanning and organising
\nTime management
\nPrioritising
\nMulti-tasking
\nAnalytical thinking
\nConceptual thinking
\nCross-discipline integration
\nBudget creation
\nProblem solving skills
\nAttention to detail<\/p>\n
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