Grade Controller

Ikwezi Mining (Pty) Ltd; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Ikwezi Mining (Pty) Ltd is seeking a specialist to manage coal stockpiles, monitor coal quality, and lead sampling and testing across the mining and processing chain. You will supervise grading, analyses, and blending to meet customer specifications and minimize losses.

You will collaborate with mine planning and production teams to optimize stockpile utilization, ensure QA compliance, and report trends to management.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mining Engineering, Geology or related field.
• Certifications in Quality Control or mining operations are a plus.
• 3–5 years of coal mining experience with grade control and quality management.
• Experience in coal sampling, testing, and grade optimization is essential.
• Knowledge of coal processing, blending and quality analysis procedures.

Responsibilities

• Monitor coal stockpiles ensuring segregation of qualities and prevent contamination.
• Oversee stacking, reclaiming, and blending to meet specs and customer needs.
• Track stockpile volumes, qualities, and movements; align survey data with production.
• Implement stockpile reconciliation between pit, plant and dispatch.
• Inspect stockpiles for risks like oxidation or moisture variation and mitigate.
• Collaborate with mine planning, production, and plant teams for optimization.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental and site procedures.

Skills

Coal quality analysis

Grade control

Data interpretation

Laboratory testing

Mining software

Education

Mining Engineering degree

Geology degree

Tools

Mining software

Laboratory software

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Coal Stockpile Management

• Monitor and manage coal stockpiles to ensure accurate segregation of different coal qualities and prevent contamination or dilution of product
• Oversee the correct stacking, reclaiming, and blending of coal to meet product specifications and customer requirements
• Track stockpile volumes, qualities, and movements, ensuring alignment between survey data, production figures, and reported tonnages
• Implement and maintain effective stockpile reconciliation practices between pit, plant, and dispatch to minimize losses and discrepancies
• Conduct routine inspections of stockpiles to identify risks such as oxidation, spontaneous combustion, or moisture variation, and implement mitigation measures
• Collaborate with mine planning, production, and plant teams to optimize stockpile utilization and blending strategies
• Ensure compliance with site procedures and best practices related to stockpile management, safety, and environmental standards

Coal Grade Monitoring

• Continuously monitor the coal quality throughout the mining process, including during extraction, processing, and transportation
• Ensure that the extracted coal meets required grade specifications and that any deviations are identified and addressed promptly
• Ensure minimal mining losses and coal dilution

Sampling and Testing

• Oversee the collection of coal samples from various points in the mining and processing chain
• Supervise or conduct laboratory tests on coal samples to determine parameters such as ash content, calorific value, moisture levels, sulfur content, and other relevant grade indicators
• Record and analyze test results, providing feedback to the mining operations team

Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of coal quality, production data, and test results
• Prepare and submit detailed reports on coal grade trends, quality issues, and production performance to senior management
• Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations regarding coal grading

Grade Control Optimization

• Identify areas for improvement in coal grade control processes and propose solutions to optimize coal quality and reduce waste
• Work closely with the mining engineers and geologists to adjust the mining strategy based on coal grade variability

Quality Assurance

• Collaborate with the production and processing teams to ensure that all quality assurance protocols are followed
• Conduct regular audits of processes, materials, and equipment to ensure compliance with the grade specifications

Stakeholder Communication

• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, such as mining teams, engineers, and plant operators, regarding coal quality concerns and corrective actions
• Provide technical support and advice on coal blending strategies and quality improvements

Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance

• Ensure all grade control activities are conducted safely, adhering to company health, safety, and environmental standards
• Participate in safety meetings and audits and implement corrective actions where necessary

Minimum Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Mining Engineering, Geology, or a related field
• Additional certifications in Quality Control or relevant mining operations are a plus
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in coal mining, with a focus on grade control, quality management, orrelated areas
• Practical experience in coal sampling, testing, and grade optimization is essential
• Knowledge of coal processing, blending, and quality analysis procedures
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and report coal quality data
• Proficiency in using mining and laboratory software for data collection and analysis
• In-depth understanding of coal quality parameters and their impact on mining operations and customersatisfaction
• Good communication skills to interact with teams, stakeholders, and management
• Strong problem-solving abilities to address quality-related issues effectively
• Understanding of mining industry health, safety, and environmental regulations
• Ability to apply safety practices during coal extraction and processing