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:

Purpose

Manage the development and implementation of drill and blast designs, data management and blast optimisation initiatives to deliver the mine plan and optimise downstream processes. Provide mentoring, training and leadership to Drill and Blast Technical and Operations team to ensure operational and technical excellence and safe operating practices. Liaise with cross-functional teams to deliver mine optimisation strategies with a focus on fragmentation optimisation

Key Responsibilities

• Operate within and observe all relevant and applicable mining regulations and laws of Zambia.
• Manage the engagement and performance of external contractor suppliers and monitor the quality and standard of services delivered by external contractors through Contracts.
• Plan, design, monitor and report on all drill and blast activities to ensure a productive and efficient drill and blast design process.
• Manage development of short, medium and long term drill and blast bench master plans and schedule.
• Work with the Geotechnical team to design, implement and optimise effective wall control blasting techniques.
• Develop continuous improvement processes and identify opportunities to optimise quality and compliance and overall mine productivity.
• Manage electronic QA/QC systems (BlastIQ) to enable collection, analysis and reporting of in field execution metrics and associated Key Performance Indicators.
• Use existing technology and implement new technology to monitor blasting results, i.e. run of mine fragmentation, heave, movement, wall quality and accuracy, excavation productivity, crusher and mill throughput, etc.
• Define training, development and performance expectations for employees. Mentor and coach performance against these standards, including conducting formal performance appraisals, implementing corrective and improvement initiatives in accordance with FQM policy.
• Develop and maintain effective networks through collaborative relationships with internal and external customers and suppliers.
• Work with Group Drill and Blast Specialist team on continuous improvement projects, technology implementation, training and mentoring initiatives and mine optimisation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering, Geology/Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or equivalent.
• Business related courses, i.e. Financial Management, Data Analysis, Contract Management, or similar, are desirable.
• Valid driver’s license.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in drill and blast engineering in open pit mining.
• Experience working in drill and blast or mine operations roles is highly desirable.
• Experience in developing and mentoring engineers, providing effective leadership and career development opportunities for direct reports.
• Experience with multiple pit operations, utilising ultra-class machinery, preferably in developing countries.
• Experience working with electronic, non-electric and detonating cord initiating system is essential.
• Experience working with crawler and platform drill rigs and both percussive and rotary drilling.
• Advanced competency in Blast Design software, i.e. SHOTPlus, MineSight, Surpac, etc., and Mine Planning software, i.e. Deswick, MinePlan, etc.
• Skilled working with Microsoft Office Suite, i.e. Word, Excel, Power Point and Project.
• Proven capability in using electronic QA/QC systems to monitor in field drill and blast execution.
• Experience leading and managing teams of 10 or more engineers.
• Experience setting up and maintaining business intelligence systems such as for data analytics and reporting is advantageous.
• Prior experience with managing drill and blast contracts.

BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work within a team environment and independently.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
• Maintain composure under stressful situations and conflicting priorities while providing leadership and direction
• Proven ability to coach and mentor others
• Must be able to develop and maintain a cohesive team
• Demonstrated ability to manage suppliers/contractors.
• Vision to perceive risks and opportunities with superior decision-making ability and to act on these accordingly.
• Ability to develop innovative solutions in challenging environments.
• FQM’s culture is all about encouraging people to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best results through the company culture of:
• Bolder: flexible, versatile, and prepared to take on challenges as needed.
• Smarter: always looks for efficiencies and better ways of doing things
• Driven: sets high standards, is motivated and determined.
• Together: communicates well with peers and understand others views.

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OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• The role is responsible for all technical drill and blast activities at Kansanshi Mine two operating mines.
• This position is based on-site and will be focusing on driving and delivering technical accountability and optimised blast results
• Rosters and working hours may vary depending on business requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all site procedures, policies and site environmental requirements to ensure work is conducted a safe manner so that there are zero lost time injuries.
• Ensure all Drill and Blast activities are designed, planned and carried out in accordance with FQM’s safety systems and comply with Zambia Regulations.
• Actively promote safety awareness and safe work practices and compliance with the safety management plan.
• Manage key safety investigations, prepare/guide reports and recommendations, and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Actively promote environmentally responsible work practices and ensure environmental issues are addressed through controls, training and improvement programs.
• Actively promote and audit the use of the FQM Risk Assessment tools, Think! Safety, Job Risk Assessment (JRA), Safe Operating Procedures (SOP), Visible Felt Leadership (VFL), etc.
• Ensure that all workplace Hazards are identified and then controlled via the Hazard ID process.
• Proactively confront others about safety and security violations

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