Head of Mining - Nickel Mining

MatchaTalent; Balikpapan; On-site; IDR 1,200,000,000 - 2,000,000,000; Full time

Job summary

MatchaTalent is seeking a Head of Mining Engineering for an on-site role in Sulawesi, Indonesia. You will assume ultimate legal and technical responsibility for on-site mining activities, ensuring compliance with ESDM regulations and GMP while coordinating with government agencies.

You will lead strategic mine planning, RKAB processes, and environmental management, mentoring the team and managing contractors to deliver safe, compliant operations during exploration and development phases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or Geology.
• 8+ years in nickel mining with managerial or KTT experience.
• English proficiency for technical coordination with teams and government stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Ensure full compliance with mining regulations (ESDM) and act as the official technical liaison with government agencies, including 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 grade control to meet targets.
• Lead HSE initiatives by enforcing GMP, SMKP, and environmental compliance.
• Manage, mentor, and evaluate the operations team and contractors to ensure adherence to technical, safety, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Stakeholder management

English communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or Geology

POP, POM, and POU certifications

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