MINING HEAD

A Head of Mining (or Mines Manager / Department Head - Mines) provides executive and technical leadership for all mining, extraction, safety, and operational activities. Below is a complete, customizable job description template. Job Title: Head of Mining / General Manager - Mining Operations Department: Mining & Operations Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO) / Managing Director / Board of Directors Direct Reports: Mine Planners, Chief Geologists, Quarry/Production Managers, Safety (HSE) Heads, Maintenance Superintendents Job Summary The Head of Mining will lead overall site and operational strategy, ensuring safe, efficient, and profitable extraction and processing activities. The incumbent is legally and operationally accountable for statutory compliance, target delivery, resource optimization, environmental stewardship, and a strong safety-first culture. Key Responsibilities Operations & Production Leadership: Direct and oversee underground or open-cast mining operations, including drilling, blasting, excavation, loading, hauling, and material handling. Deliver approved annual, medium-, and long-term production and development targets aligned with business goals. Optimize equipment utilization, contractor management, and labor productivity while minimizing downtime.Mine Planning & Digital Transformation: Oversee short- and long-term mine planning, block models, pit optimization, and production scheduling. Drive the adoption of digital mining and planning tools (e.g., Datamine, Surpac, MineSched) and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Health, Safety, Environment & Statutory Compliance: Enforce strict compliance with national and regional mining laws, environmental acts, and health regulations (e.g., Mines Act, Metalliferous/Coal Mines Regulations, DGMS guidelines). Act as the legally accountable statutory manager where applicable (e.g., holding a First-Class Mine Manager’s Certificate). Maintain zero-harm safety standards, conduct regular site inspections, and manage IMS/VSGS objectives. Financial & Cost Management: Prepare, manage, and monitor operational and capital expenditure (CAPEX/OPEX) budgets. Drive cost-optimization, fuel/energy efficiency, and margin targets without compromising safety or quality. Stakeholder & People Management: Lead, mentor, and build high-performing technical, operational, and administrative teams. Manage government relations, regulatory inspections, and community/indigenous engagement programs.