Engineer, Mining

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

Purpose

To develop and maintain short-term mine plans that effectively translate strategic and medium-term objectives into executable operational schedules. The role ensures that short-term mining activities are safe, practical, and optimized to achieve production, quality, and cost targets while maintaining alignment with long-term plans.

Key Responsibilities

The holder of this position will be required to adhere to all relevant requirements, policies, procedures and legal regulations pertaining to health, safety, environment and quality, as well as finance, human resources, and any other regulations as required by the company and relevant to the level of the role and responsibilities of the function.

1. Short-Term Mine Planning

• Develop and maintain a rolling 3-month integrated short-term mine plan on a weekly basis, ensuring alignment with production targets and operational constraints.
• Translate medium-term mine plans into executable short-term schedules that support strategic objectives.
• Incorporate geological, geotechnical, and operational data into short-term designs and schedules to ensure safe and efficient mining operations.

2. Plan Alignment and Integration

• Align short-term plans with medium-term mine plans and strategic objectives to ensure continuity and consistency across planning horizons.
• Provide practical feedback to the medium-term planning team to ensure designs and schedules are realistic and achievable.
• Collaborate with technical and operational teams (geology, survey, drill & blast, load & haul, and processing) to ensure plan integration and operational readiness.

3. Feed Planning and Material Management

• Develop and communicate a weekly feed plan that meets plant throughput and quality requirements while considering short-term constraints.
• Monitor and adjust feed schedules to maintain product quality and blending targets.

4. Scheduling and Resource Allocation

• Prepare destination schedules linking mining sources to destinations (ROM stockpiles, crushers, dumps) while optimizing trucking and equipment utilization.
• Identify short-term bottlenecks or constraints and develop action plans to mitigate them.

5. Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

• Track and report actual performance against the mine plan, analyze variances, and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date planning data, models, and documentation.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing mine planning systems, scheduling accuracy, and operational efficiency.

6. Stakeholder Collaboration

• Communicate weekly mine plans, priorities, and updates to production teams, supervisors, and contractors.
• Work collaboratively across departments to ensure effective plan execution and resolve operational challenges proactively.

Qualifications and Skills:

• BEng/BSc in Mining Engineering.
• Strong proficiency in English, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in common 3D mining software packages such as Deswik and Datamine.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office packages – Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Power BI.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with many stakeholders.
• Demonstrate ability to engage in hands-on problem-solving.
• Results-driven with a strong focus on delivering outcomes.
• Member of the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ)

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in an open-pit mining environment (preferably copper).

Behavioural Traits:

• Analytical Thinking: Demonstrates strong problem-solving and data analysis skills to develop optimized and practical mine plans.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains accuracy and precision in planning and reporting activities.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with cross-functional teams to align objectives and ensure smooth plan execution.
• Adaptability: Responds positively to changing priorities and operational conditions in a dynamic mining environment.
• Proactive Communication: Clearly conveys plans, updates, and issues to stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities and delivers on commitments.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Seeks opportunities to enhance planning processes, efficiency, and safety.

Operational Requirements:

• Willingness to work overtime and be on standby when required.
• Must be able to work with minimum Supervision.
• Very good verbal and written communication skills.
• An understanding of relevant Legislation Policies and Procedures
• Ability to work in environments with dust, heat and noise
• Possession of a valid driver's license.