Head of Mining - Nickel Mining

MatchaTalent; Balikpapan; On-site; IDR 1,800,000,000 - 3,600,000,000; Full time

Job summary

MatchaTalent is seeking a Head of Mining Engineering for a developing nickel project in North Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. You will hold ultimate legal and technical responsibility for all mining activities on-site, ensuring compliance with ESDM regulations, GMP, and K3 safety standards.

You will lead planning, permitting, environmental licensing, and contractor management, while mentoring the operations team to deliver safe, cost-efficient mining with high integrity and stakeholder

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or Geology required.
• Must hold POP, POM, and POU certifications (POU required for KTT).
• Minimum 8+ years in nickel mining with managerial or KTT experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with ESDM regulations and act as liaison with government agencies (permits, RKAB, environmental licenses).
• Lead preparation and control of strategic mining and environmental documents (RKAB, Feasibility Studies, AMDAL).
• Oversee mining operations including overburden removal, ore handling, hauling, stockpile management, shipping, and grade control.
• Lead HSE initiatives enforcing GMP, SMKP, and environmental compliance.
• Manage, mentor, and evaluate operations team and contractors.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

English communication

Education

Bachelor’s in Mining Engineering

Geology

POP/POM/POU certifications

Tools

RKAB procedures

AMDAL

Job description

This role requires the candidate to work in Konawe Utara, Kendari, Sulawesi Tenggara, Indonesia.

Client Overview:

The company operates in the nickel mining industry, focusing on upstream activities to secure a sustainable ore supply chain that supports the global electric vehicle (EV) battery ecosystem and the stainless-steel sector. Its current operations are centered on a significant nickel mining concession in North Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi, which is still in the exploration and infrastructure development phase. Key priorities include land clearing, construction of dedicated hauling roads, and development of a strategic port to facilitate future logistics and shipping.

The operation follows international corporate standards while strictly adhering to Indonesian mining regulations, with a strong commitment to implementing Good Mining Practices (GMP) across all stages, from exploration to eventual commercial production. Supported by substantial financial and technological resources, the project provides a dynamic, result-oriented environment with long-term career opportunities as it transitions toward full-scale mining operations.

Job Role:

As the project has not yet reached the production phase, it offers a unique opportunity for professionals to build an operational foundation from the ground up. Head of Mining Engineering or Kepala Teknik Tambang (KTT) holds the ultimate legal and technical responsibility for all mining activities on-site. You will ensure that all exploration and construction activities comply with Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) regulations, prioritizing safety (K3), environmental protection, and Good Mining Practice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure full compliance with mining regulations (ESDM) and act as the official technical liaison with government agencies, including managing permits, RKAB approvals, and environmental licenses.
• Lead preparation, evaluation, and control of strategic mining and environmental documents (RKAB, Feasibility Studies, AMDAL) to support mine planning and production strategies.
• Oversee all mining operations, including overburden removal, ore getting, hauling, stockpile management, shipping, and implementation of Grade Control to achieve quality and production targets.
• Lead HSE initiatives by enforcing Good Mining Practices (GMP), Mining Safety Management System (SMKP), and environmental compliance.
• Manage, mentor, and evaluate the operations team and contractors to ensure adherence to technical, safety, and regulatory standards.

Candidate Requirements:

• Education & Certification: Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or Geology; must hold valid POP, POM, and POU certifications (POU required for legal KTT status).
• Experience: Minimum 8+ years in nickel mining with proven managerial or KTT experience, including strategic mine planning and operational oversight.
• Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of ESDM regulations, RKAB procedures, mine planning, grade control, stockpile management, nickel shipping, budgeting, cost control, and contractor management.
• Leadership & Personal Qualities: Strong leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder management skills; high integrity, resilience, discipline, and responsibility.
• Communication: Adequate English proficiency for technical understanding and daily coordination with teams and government stakeholders.

Job code: #593