Production Foreman

Ikwezi Mining; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Ikwezi Mining invites a results-driven Production Foreman to lead coal mining operations and champion safe, efficient production practices. The role focuses on directing production crews, coordinating across departments, and ensuring targets are met while complying with MHSA and site standards.

The successful candidate will bring extensive coal mining experience, strong leadership, and a data-driven approach to optimize people, equipment, and processes in a demanding mining environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or Geology.
• Minimum 6 years' coal mining experience.
• At least 3 years supervisory/foreman experience.
• Strong knowledge of MHSA and safety practices.
• Data-driven decision making and problem solving.
• Proficiency in standard reporting and MS Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise production crews to safely achieve daily, weekly, and monthly targets.
• Coordinate drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, and coal extraction in line with the mine plan.
• Monitor production performance and address delays, bottlenecks, or shortfalls.
• Ensure optimal utilisation of personnel, equipment, and resources to maximise productivity.
• Coordinate production activities with maintenance, engineering, geology, survey, and processing departments.
• Monitor coal quality and adherence to customer and processing plant specifications.
• Conduct toolbox talks, pre-shift inspections, and risk assessments.
• Compile and submit accurate production, safety, and shift reports.

Skills

Leadership

Safety compliance

Coal mining

Data-driven decisions

MS Office

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or Geology

Mining safety certifications

Tools

MS Office

Reporting systems

Job description

Ikwezi Mining is seeking a results-driven Production Foreman to join our coal mining operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading production teams, ensuring safe and efficient mining activities, and achieving production targets while maintaining compliance with all applicable safety and operational standards.

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.
• 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.
• 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)
• 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.