Purpose of the Role
We are looking for a seasoned Mining Leader with 15–20+ years of experience in managing and heading operating open-cast mineral mining operations in India, Asia, Australia, Africa, or other international mining environments. The incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership to the Mining SBU, ensuring safe, efficient, cost-effective and sustainable mining operations.
Experience in metal/mineral mining will be preferred, while prior experience in operating Nickel, Copper or other Base Metal mines will be an added advantage. The role requires strong technical expertise, commercial orientation and the ability to lead multicultural, international manpower and contractor teams in a remote overseas location.
Job Responsibilities (KRA)
1. Mining Operations Leadership
- Provide overall leadership for day-to-day open-cast mining operations, ensuring achievement of production, productivity, quality and operational targets.
- Develop and execute short-, medium- and long-term mining plans aligned with the SBU's business objectives.
- Drive operational excellence across drilling, blasting, excavation, loading, hauling, material handling and associated mining activities.
- Monitor mine performance through key operating metrics and implement corrective actions to address productivity, equipment utilisation and operational bottlenecks.
2. Mine Planning & Block Model Management
- Provide expert oversight of geological models, block models, mine plans, pit optimisation and production scheduling.
- Work closely with geology, mine planning and technical teams to optimise ore recovery, dilution, stripping ratios and mine economics.
- Ensure effective integration of geological data with mine planning and operational execution.
- Evaluate mining options and sequencing to maximise resource utilisation and long-term value.
3. Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
- Establish and maintain a strong safety-first culture across mining operations.
- Ensure compliance with applicable local mining regulations, statutory requirements, environmental standards and international best practices.
- Identify operational risks and implement robust systems for hazard identification, risk assessment, emergency preparedness and incident prevention.
- Drive continuous improvement in safety performance across employees, contractors and vendors.
4. Contractor & Vendor Management
- Lead engagement and performance management of international contractors, mining service providers, equipment suppliers and vendors.
- Develop commercially sound contracting strategies covering mining services, equipment, manpower, logistics and other critical operational requirements.
- Negotiate and manage contracts to ensure optimum cost, productivity, service quality and accountability.
- Build strong relationships with international counterparties, contractors and strategic vendors.
5. Cost Optimisation & Commercial Excellence
- Take ownership of the Mining SBU's operating costs, mining cost per tonne and overall cost competitiveness.
- Identify innovative opportunities for reducing costs across manpower, equipment, fuel, maintenance, drilling & blasting, logistics and contractor operations.
- Develop and implement creative cost optimisation initiatives without compromising safety, production or quality.
- Establish robust cost-monitoring mechanisms and drive accountability for operating budgets and financial performance.
6. Leadership & People Management
- Lead and mentor multicultural and international teams comprising employees, technical professionals, contractors and operational manpower.
- Build a high-performance culture focused on safety, productivity, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Develop the capability of local and international mining teams through structured training, mentoring and knowledge transfer.
- Effectively manage stakeholders across different geographies, cultures and organisational levels.
7. Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
- Drive adoption of global best practices, technology and innovative mining methodologies to improve productivity and operational efficiency.
- Identify opportunities for mechanisation, automation, digitalisation and optimisation of mining processes.
- Benchmark mine performance against relevant international operations and implement improvement initiatives.
- Lead turnaround and performance-improvement initiatives wherever required.
8. Strategic & Business Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development of the Mining SBU's business strategy, operational plans, budgets and long-term growth roadmap.
- Provide regular operational and business updates to the CEO – Unit, including production, safety, cost, contractor performance, risks and strategic initiatives.
- Support evaluation of expansion opportunities, mine-life extension, new resources and other strategic mining investments.
- Ensure mining operations remain aligned with overall business, financial and sustainability objectives.
9. Stakeholder & International Coordination
- Work effectively with international stakeholders, regulatory authorities, technical consultants, joint-venture/strategic partners and other counterparties.
- Represent the Mining SBU in discussions involving operational, technical, commercial and contractual matters.
- Demonstrate the ability to operate effectively within a diverse international business environment.
Job Requirements (KPI)
Experience : 15-20 Years
Qualifications : B.E./B.Tech - Mining with 1st class mine manager certificate
