Production Foreman

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.

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.

Zama Masango