Production Foreman

Ikwezi Mining (Pty) Ltd; Dundee; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ikwezi Mining (Pty) Ltd seeks a Production Manager to lead mining operations in a safe, compliant, and efficient manner. You will manage production crews, coordinate drilling and coal extraction, and supervise quality control across processes from extraction to processing.

You will drive safety culture, supervise attendance and performance, and report KPIs while coordinating with engineering, geology, survey, and processing teams. Strong leadership and data-driven decisions are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or Geology or related field is required.
• Relevant safety and operations certifications are advantageous.
• Minimum 6 years' experience in coal mining operations or similar.
• At least 3 years' supervisory/foreman experience and strong leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise production crews to safely achieve daily, weekly, and monthly targets.
• Ensure MHSA compliance, site procedures, risk assessments, and safety culture are prioritised.
• Coordinate drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, and coal extraction per mine plan with engineering and processing teams.
• Monitor coal quality, dilution, and adherence to customer specifications and plant processes.
• Manage production reporting, KPIs, and planning meetings for continuous improvement.
• Oversee cost and resource management, including labour, fuel, and consumables within budgets.
• Ensure equipment operators perform pre-use inspections and liaise with maintenance to minimise downtime.
• Provide coaching and development to production staff and contractors, fostering high performance.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Planning

Safety-focused

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Geology or related field

Tools

MS Office

Reporting systems

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Production Management

Lead and supervise production crews to safely achieve daily, weekly, and monthly mining targets. Coordinate drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, and coal extraction activities in line with the mine plan. Monitor production performance and implement corrective actions to address delays, bottlenecks, or shortfalls. Ensure optimal utilisation of personnel, equipment, and resources to maximise productivity. Manage ROM coal production, stockpile management, and coal movement activities.

Safety, Health & Environmental Compliance

Ensure compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA), mine standards, and site procedures. Conduct workplace inspections, pre-shift examinations, toolbox talks, and risk assessments. Identify, report, and address unsafe conditions and behaviours. Investigate incidents, accidents, and near misses, and implement corrective actions. Promote a proactive safety culture and ensure adherence to environmental requirements.

Equipment & Operational Coordination

Monitor equipment availability, utilisation, and operational performance. Liaise with maintenance teams to minimise equipment downtime and maximise fleet efficiency. Coordinate production activities with engineering, geology, survey, and processing departments. Ensure equipment operators conduct pre-use inspections and report defects promptly.

Quality Control

Monitor coal quality and ensure compliance with customer and processing plant specifications. Minimise dilution and ensure adherence to quality standards throughout the mining process. Address operational issues that may impact product quality or recovery rates.

Leadership & People Management

Supervise, motivate, and develop production employees and contractors. Manage attendance, discipline, performance, and productivity within the team. Coach and mentor team members to improve skills, operational knowledge, and safety awareness. Foster teamwork, accountability, and a high-performance culture.

Reporting & Administration

Compile and submit accurate production, safety, and shift reports. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and report on operational performance. Maintain production records and ensure compliance with company reporting requirements. Participate in planning meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Cost & Resource Management

Support cost-control initiatives through efficient use of labour, equipment, fuel, and consumables. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce waste. Ensure production activities are conducted within approved operational budgets.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Geology, or related field
• Relevant certifications in mining safety and operations will be advantageous
• Minimum 6 years' experience in coal mining operations
• At least 3 years' supervisory/foreman experience
• Strong knowledge of mining production processes and equipment
• Sound understanding of the Mine Health and Safety Act
• Proven leadership and people-management skills
• Ability to make data-driven decisions and solve complex problems
• Computer literacy (MS Office and reporting systems)

Competencies

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Planning and organizational skills.
• Safety-focused mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet production targets.